By Nick Creely
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
REVIEW – ROUND 7
Doveton are still searching for their first win of the 2018 SEFNL season, with Beaconsfield flexing its muscles at the right time to register a 76-point win at AJ Robinson Oval.
The Doves – who have been decimated by even more key losses the last few weeks – battled manfully but ultimately couldn’t sustain their effort for four quarters against a side that is in strong form.
With former Western Bulldog premiership star Matt Boyd once again pulling on the jumper, the Doves cracked in early, and were often first to the ball.
Gach Nyuon was eye catching in the opening exchanges, helping the Doves to first use out of the centre, with the home side booting the first goal, before Beaconsfield shot back with the next two majors.
At quarter time, the two sides couldn’t be separated, but it was more of a question of how long the Doves could stay afloat.
Without star spearhead Nathan Langley in the side, the Eagles found some of their customary run in the second quarter, with Daniel Johnston and Sean Dwyer prominent as the visitors steadily built a 13-point half time lead as Taylor Joyce and Matt Homfray looked dangerous in attack.
Despite the Doves’ fight, and particularly industrious performances by the likes of Boyd, Malis Lokeron and also big Russ Gabriel, eventually class and experience overshone, with the Eagles slamming the game shut with a five goal to one third quarter that stretched the margin out to 46.
There was definitely a lighter side to the third quarter, with a dog running onto the ground on the half forward flank to drop a water bottle on the ground, perhaps sensing a couple of the players might have been thirsty!
However, with a quarter to play, it was a matter of respect for the Doves, and not ensuring the margin blew out to three figures.
As powerful as he is in the air or on the ground, Scott Meyer was a towering figure – particularly through the second half – as the Eagles barraged the attacking 50 and found different avenues to goal with Langley – something that would have coach Leigh McQuillen beaming from ear to ear in the final quarter as they slammed on a further seven goals, with Joyce snaring five and Homfray three.
The eventual 76-point margin was perhaps not reflective of the final margin, but it was a solid win for the Eagles who remain just percentage from second spot.
Doveton 6.6 (42)
Beaconsfield 17.16 (118)
