THE Coota Blues appear to have come good at the wrong end of the season following a comprehensive 24 point victory over competition heavyweights ANU at Clarke Oval last Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Blues have taken on the two top teams in the competition over the last two weeks and have been impressive on both occasions almost toppling Goulburn two weeks ago and again showed what might have been on Saturday.
The Blues won three of the four quarters and it was only in the second term that ANU were able to take control of the game coming back from a three goal deficit to take a two point lead into the long break.
The all important third quarter saw the Blues come out and gradually grind their opponents out of the match scoring four goals to one in what was a typically hard fought contest with both teams working overtime to gain the ascendancy.
One of the Blues main problems this season has been letting teams back into the contest late, a sure sign of inexperience, but despite ANU’s best efforts to get back into the match the Blues held fast in the final term kicking four goals to three with the visitors kicking the final major of the match right on the siren to give their score some respectability.
The Blues had winners all over the paddock with none better than diminutive wingman Dylan McDermott who continued his stellar season with yet another best on ground performance, totally unbeatable at ground level, and giving his side a clear advantage out wide.
The Blues defense was again resolute with Joel Pearson and Chris Drum again clear winners at fullback and Centre half back respectively. Whilst Pearson was totally dominant Drum had his hands full all day on a quality centre half forward with a very strong pair hands but in the end perseverance and experience told out with ANU unable to find a clear avenue to goal.
Dale Burt again worked overtime up forward finishing with two goals but it was his hard work especially at ground level that led to so many Blues scoring opportunities and with big man Sandy Maskell-Knight always a menacing presence around goals the Blues looked a threat going forward.
Giving the opportunity on ball veteran Scott Reid also played a slashing game using strength to win first use of the ball for the Blues and taking pressure of a heavily tagged Steven Chant.
The Blues also had winners in Mick Knagge at half back, Toby Johnston in an unaccustomed role on ball and Matt Berkrey up forward, who despite still lacking experience, again showed that once he gets some more game time under his belt will develop into a key forward that will take a lot of stopping.
The Blues will travel to Canberra to a venue yet to be finalized to take on the struggling South Coast Sea Hawks next Saturday and will be hoping to continue their strong form.
Goals: Dale Burt 2, Sandy Maskell-Knight 2, Dylan McDermott 2, Matt Berkerey 2, Scott Reid, Tom Strutton, Steve Chant, Joe Vile and Sam Dutallis 1 each.
Best Players: Dylan McDermott, Joel Pearson, Chris Drum, Michael Knagge, Dale Burt, Scott Reid and Steven Chant.