Week 9

vs Port Kembla (Both Grades)

We had their most successful weekend in three years as both grades got up for a win over Port Kembla on Saturday. With the new building now located next to Tom Smith Oval and some results going our way we are picking up some momentum at the halfway stage of the season.

It started with Reserve Grade, who went into the game with some confidence after some promising results over the last couple of weeks. Both sides made a quick start and it was obvious that this would be a relatively high scoring affair despite the threat of rain as both teams were willing to move the ball quickly and take on the opposing side. We went into the first break with a handy lead set up by some great work in the centre by Jeremy Wild, Graham Vickers, Craig Godfrey and Lee Wright. Port come out fired up in the second quarter and some ill disciplined play and a lack of accountability saw them take the lead and it was not until near the end of quarter when we started to fight back with honours even at halftime. The trend continued in the second half with a tight arm wrestle of a match developing, with us holding on to a slender lead going into the last quarter. A couple of quick goals through smart play put us on the right track in the final stanza and it was a great finish to a good match by both sides. Standout players were the midfield, Scott McCurdy, Jake Gordon, James Inglish, Steve Wall, Ty Goodman and Trev Bennett. All in all a great team effort that ensured a promising start to the day.

First Grade buoyed after the win at Bargo last week also came into this home game with a bit of confidence and were looking to erase the memories of the close loss incurred earlier in the season at Kully Bay Oval. Another strong start had us leading by almost 5 goals at the first change with Jace Southwell playing strongly on the ball, Simon Levy and Scott Clarke resolute in defence and Chris Weller taking some strong grabs up front. Once again after a strong first quarter we seemed to take the foot off the pedal and with Port upping the tempo the margin was reduced to to 20 points at halftime. With conditions worsening the third quarter was a fairly dour affair as both sides struggled to get some flow into their play despite some flashes of brilliance from Sean Suridge and Liam Carruthers. We did not want to let this game slide as occurred the first time we met and a strong workman-like effort saw the four points come our way after a great sealer from Craig Godfrey. A really good team effort with only a few standouts such as Jace Southwell, Cameron Cullen, Jonathon Wilson, Liam Carruthers, Scott Clarke, Simon Levy, Sean Suridge and Tim Green.

Next week we travel to Norths for a night game at North Dalton Park. Reserve Grade starts at 4pm, with Firsts at 6:10pm. The teams are looking forward to testing themselves against Norths after some close losses in the first round, as well as playing under lights at North Dalton Park. There will be a bus for the game; stand by for details.

A quick note that it would be good to see some more numbers at training and on Thursday, please get there even if injured as we will not be running on the track. We have a real opportunity to knock off a Norths team that will be a little down after losing to Bommo last week.

Also there is a Trivia Night to be held in the clubrooms after the Bomaderry game (4 July) commencing at 1830. Tables of 6-8 at $5 a head ($2 for kids) with cash prizes for winning tables and lots of spot prizes as well. Bring your own nibblies with some catering to be supplied by Serco (thanks BK). For more info or to book a table, get in touch with Bulky.

It was good to see so many people back a the Clubrooms let's see if we can help make these events a success by getting a good turnout.

Scores:

Reserve Grade

Demons 4.4 8.5 10.9 15.9 99
Port Kembla 2.0 8.0 10.0 12.1 73

Goals: S. McCurdy 4, R. Drysdale 4, M. Kinnear 2, L. Wright, M. McDougall, G. Vickers, J. Gordon, J. Inglish
Best: J. Inglish, J. Wild, G. Vickers, S. McCurdy, L. Wright, S. Wall

Award Winners:

Coaches Cup: Jeremy Wild
Players Player: Lee 'Shiner'Wright
Aussie Hotel: Scott McCurdy
Sportscene: James 'Pommy' Inglish

First Grade

Demons 4.5 5.9 7.12 8.15 63
Port Kembla 0.1 2.7 4.9 5.11 41

Goals: L. Carruthers 3, C. Weller 2, J. Southwell, J. Wilson, C. Godfrey
Best: C. Cullen, S. Suridge, L. Carruthers, S. Levy, T. Green, S. Clarke, J. Southwell

Award Winners:

Coaches Cup: Bob Pritchard
Player's Player: Cameron Cullen
Aussie Hotel: Sean 'Rhubarb' Suridge
Husky Pub: Liam 'Emu' Carruthers
Trevi Fountain: Jace Southwell

Paper Story:

http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/sport/afl/demons-take-double-after-three-year-drought/1547175.aspx