Dogged Dogs defend to the end
An impressive defensive effort, which allowed only one goal in three and three-quarter quarters, from the Thuringowa Bulldogs, has seen them record their fifth consecutive win over their wounded arch rivals, Hermit Park by 77 points, 14.15.99-3.4.22.
Led by experienced co-captain David Black, who coordinated excellent defensive performances from Joel Newman and birthday celebrating Nathanael Kennell. Kennell performed brilliantly on Jack Davidson, keeping him goalless until the final minutes, provided the basis for a Thuringowa defensive effort which managed to keep the Tigers goalless in the first half, despite the absences of fullback Matt Nichols (heel) and Cameron Andriske (tooth).
However, it was the Tigers who started the better, and dominated the opening ten minutes of the match, with their midfield quickly getting on top. They wasted a couple of set shots early, and managed to go to the first quarter without scoring, the third time in a row that the Bulldogs had achieved this incredible feat. Through the control of the stoppages through inform ruckman Anthony Harrex, Paul Sanson (2 goals) was able to provide the kick start Thuringowa required,however inaccurate kicking stalled their progress, and the lead was only 17-points at quarter time.
The second quarter started off as an arm wrestle with the only goal in the first 15 minutes coming from small forward Reiley Guest (3 goals). However, the last 10 minutes of the quarter belonged all to the Dogs, and in particular Glenn Sypott (3 goals). Beating two defenders in his own forward fifty, Sypott constantly living in his big brother’s shadow, then managed to slot a difficult goal from tight on the boundary which he celebrated with a roar. That goal on the stroke of halftime was the Dog’s fifth for the quarter, with the assistance of Blake Leonard (3 goals) which enabled the Dogs to take a 48-point lead into the long break.
Coming out after halftime, the Dogs immediately started where they left off before half-time, with Guest finishing a beautiful transition play from deep in the Dogs’ defence in the opening minutes. From there the Dog’s continued to dominate and they took an unassailable 62-point lead into the final change. It was the hard-hitting Kieran Koczwara who set the tone, his attack on the footy and contested ball winning skills were the facets of the game that separated the Dogs from their opponents. Sypott managed another beautiful goal from a stoppage through the genius of Sanson to cap off a best on ground performance.
The Dogs comfortably ran out winners as the Tigers added two late goals in the final five minutes. The Dogs now have a week’s rest before facing the Northern Beaches Suns in their first night game of the season.
Thuringowa 2.5 7.9 10.12 14.15.99
Hermit Park 0.0 0.3 1.4 3.4.22
Goal Kickers: G. Sypott 3, B. Leonard 3, R. Guest 3, P. Sanson 2, L. Miatke-Austral, D. MacDonald, J. Saker.
Tigers: L. Palmer, J. Davidson, B. Pronk
Best Players: G. Sypott, K. Koczwara, N. Kennell, A. Harrex, R. Guest, J. Newman.
Tigers, D. Wode, B. Bazley, N. Pronk, N. Goodman, J. Andrews
