Cecil celebrates in style
Paul ‘Cecil’ Sanson has celebrated his 100th game with a bag of seven goals and a resounding win, as his Thuringowa Bulldogs rolled the Curra Swans by 163 points and winning the Mother’s Day clash 28.15.183-3.2.20.
On what some would describe as his “actual” home ground, Sanson wasted no time in giving the small but loyal Bulldog crowd what they wanted, the first goal of the game, courtesy of a regulation set shot. He then immediately followed it up with a lovely snap shot over his head, before the rest of the Bulldog players decided to join in on the action.
It was however, Anthony ‘Blue’ Harrex who was the other star of the first quarter. Up against arguably the best ruckman in the competition in Chris ‘Spider’ Heagney, who wasted no time in asserting his dominance. Harrex stepped up to the challenge, not only minimising Heagney’s impact for the rest of the match, but also providing dominance in the middle for his crew of midfielders.
After storming out of the blocks in the first quarter, the Dogs managed to score seven goals of their own, whilst holding their opposition scoreless. Curra fought back in the second quarter, and the game became a scrap. Thuringowa wasted chances going forward, while Curra stepped up their tackling pressure. First year player Nathanael Kennell lifted and played his role extremely well, the youngster played a very mature game in arguably his best senior game so far.
Taking a 55-point lead into the half time break, the Bulldogs came out with a point to prove in the second half. Led by improving tall target Liam Miatke-Austral (5 goals), small forward Reiley Guest (6 goals) and midfielder Daine McDonald (5 goals) the forwards continued their purple patch in front of goal, finding the big sticks 19 times in the second half. But It was Sanson though that put the icing on top of his own cake, managing three goals in a five-minute burst. He even managed to place the cherry on top as well, snagging a silky skilled check side goal, to the cheers of the home crowd. Moments later the siren sounded, signalling a resounding Bulldogs victory. Sanson denied himself what would have been a fitting chairlift off the ground, claiming that he was “scared of heights”.
The two-time premiership coach was later presented with the match ball signed by all of his team mates and club members. It is another milestone for the champion footballer, who at 39, has had a remarkable career, and who still has a story or two to create.
Thuringowa face rivals Hermit Park next Saturday on their home turf for the first time since last September, while Curra head out to the PCYC to face University.
Thuringowa 6.4. 9.7 17.11 28.15.183
Curra 0.0 1.0 1.1 3.2.20
Goals
Thuringowa, P. Sanson 7, R. Guest 6, L. Miatke-Austral 5, D. MacDonald 5, B. Leonard, A. Harrex, D. Szabo, C. Butcher, M. Cowton
Curra, N. Wescombe 2, B. Davies Best Players
Thuringowa, A. Harrex, N. Kennell, P. Sanson, D. MacDonald, L. Miatke-Austral, J. Newman
Curra, B. Davies, C. Heagney, N. Wescombe, R. Kerr, B. Seymour
