IN a round that featured several high-scoring first quarters, Wilston-Grange had the best of all, smashing visitors Burleigh with an ambush at Hickey Park on Saturday.
By Terry Wilson
“Very good, very sharp, the best quarter of our season,” was the verdict of Gorillas coach David Martin after the Grange opened with a stunning burst of 9.2 to 2.4 which set up an eventual victory by 22.12 (144) to 16.9 (105).
It was no surprise to Martin that the Gorillas hit the ground running.
“We had a good session on Thursday night and the players carried it over,” he said.
“We have been a bit flat, we have had our injuries and probably were putting too much pressure on ourselves.
“On Thursday night the boys seemed to have the mojo back. They looked like they were enjoying themselves again.”
That opening term obviously meant the Bombers were never going to get back into the match, although the visitors at least showed some heart by fighting all the way to the line.
They paid the ultimate price for the opening quarter when some ill-discipline cost them several free kicks that resulted in goals.
We rejigged our forward line and at least we clawed back at them,” said Burleigh coach Zane Doubleday.
“And I was pleased with our positive finish to the game. We finished it out.”
Doubleday continues to bemoan the on-going problems getting his full side on the paddock together.
“We matched them (Grange) at times but against other top sides we fell right off the pace,” he said.
“So we can take a few things from this one.”
Midfielder matt O’Brien, brother of Southport star Darren, shone for the Bombers who also had forward rover Nathan Sullivan and half-back flanker Zach Tschirn in fine form.
The Grange, who will appreciate next weekend’s bye, were best served by ex-State full-back Matt Pardew, who blanketed Aaron Pianta, wingman/forward Mark Skuse (six goals) and ruckman Patrick McMahon.
Coach Martin feels the bye has come at exactly the right time for his players.
“We’ve been hanging out for it (the bye),” said Martin.
“We can recharge then look at the next four-game block before we get the bye again.”
