SANDGATE exposed the vast chasm between top and bottom of the Pineapple Hotel Cup competition with a crushing win over grossly undermanned Maroochy-Northshore at Lemke Road on Saturday.
By Terry Wilson
The Hawks scored by 25.19 (169) to 6.6 (42) to keep their spot as outright ladder leaders intact heading into a blockbuster against rising Palm Beach-Currumbin on the Gold Coast next weekend.
Thankful his side came through without any injury worries, captain-coach Ben Long was satisfied at the way his side went after half-time, but not happy with what he thought was a lack-lustre first half.
“We lacked our usual intensity early,” said Long.
“After quarter-time we were good, then after half-time we started to use our forwards a bit better.”
Talented Josh Walker, used permanently up front, kicked seven goals for the Hawks.
The competition’s current leading goalkicker polished off a fine display with a booming torpedo punt that travelled at least 70 metres in the air right on the final siren.
Outstanding 16-year-old Tom Overington was again in outstanding touch roving and up forward and another teenager Will Bradley, 19 years old, added polish and high workrate on the ball.
Maroochy, clearly missing some of their wiser, older heads, tried their best, a trait coach Roger Delaney praised.
“Our boys tried hard and did a lot of things I asked them to, but Sandgate had too many weapons around the ground.
“They had a lot of run through the midfield, a lot of rotations. We had three who stayed on the ball all day.
“They gave everything they had, so I can’t be critical of them.’
Best for the Roos were half-back Jarrod Raun, on-baller Jarrod Gale and ruckman Tyson Williams.
