Men’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review – Pennant Hills Demons v North Shore Bombers

Written by Lucas Holmes 

 

Recap

Pennant Hills was defeated in an entertaining match in round 11 by UTS by a margin of 21 points. North Shore defeated Manly Warringah by 55 points.

 

First quarter

The weather had closed in at the start of this round 12 matchup.

Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, it took only two minutes as North Shore registered their first goal.

From a free kick on the centre wing, Ned Campbell kicked high and long to the half-forward flank. Felix Rogers kicked the football along the ground from the contest. This allowed Max Thomas to kick his first through the vacant goal square.

Rogers made it two goals in a matter of minutes for the Bombers as he converted a set shot from 35 metres out, just off centre.

After North Shore had all the play inside their forward half, the Demons responded after six minutes of elapsed time.

Joshua Boag was all alone on the far centre wing and squared the ball to centre half-forward. Stephen Wray roved the contest and elected to go off the ground towards the hotspot. Demon’s key forward Harry Maguire showed his skill. He collected the football in stride, turned and snapped on his non-dominant left for the home sides first.

Ben Matthews laid a strong tackle deep inside the forward 50 and converted the short set shot as the Demons started to find their feet.

Luke Skrivanic made it three consecutive Pennant Hills goals before Josh Rayner added a goal from next to the behind post. The scores were level at quarter time.

Quarter time Pennant Hills Demons 3.2.20 North Shore Bombers 3.2.20.

 

Second quarter

The rain had stopped momentarily as the second term commenced, but it took less than three minutes for it to return.

Both sides’ defensive units were up to the task in the opening minutes as North Shore started to get their hands on the football in contested situations. Whilst Pennant Hills was happy to chip the football around out of defence.

As the midway point of the term approached, North Shore had a sustained period inside their forward 50. However, Michael Carroll and Nicholas Eynaud were both up to the task as the quarter remained scoreless.

After 18 minutes of elapsed time, Matt Carey and Theo Moraitis added minor scores before Maguire had his second.

Boag sent the football high to the goal square where Maguire smartly nudged Jack Woodman under the contest. Maguire kicked from outside the goal square, which opened an eight-point Demons lead.

A late minor score from North Shore and the margin was seven points at the main break.

Half time Pennant Hills Demons 4.4.28 North Shore Bombers 3.3.21.   

 

Third quarter

North Shore made a tactical change of their own early in the third term. Smartly doing away with any short, lateral kicks now going long and direct.

It didn’t take long for the change to pay dividends.

From a stoppage just outside of the attacking goal square, the tap went to Jamie Vlatko who snapped over his shoulder. The margin was back to a solitary point.

Pennant Hills had limited opportunities early as Moraitis had a tough chance.

From an out-of-bounds on the full free kick, Moraitis smartly opened the angle for his tight set shot. However, it drifted across the face the of goal and was rushed through.

The football was hemmed inside the Bombers’ defensive 50. Cooper Lee was run down after he scooped the ball up in stride.

After multiple behinds were scored, North Shore had their second after 24 minutes.

Liam Puncher was awarded a 50-metre free kick from inside the forward 50. As a result, he made no mistake from inside the goal square. The Bombers were back in front.

A late behind for Pennant Hills and the margin was four points in favour of North Shore at the last change.

Three quarter time Pennant Hills Demons 4.6.30 North Shore Bombers 5.4.34.

 

Fourth quarter

With the match well and truly in the balance, Pennant Hills moved one of their best Nicholas Eynaud to the first centre bounce

The Demons had the first deep entry inside the forward 50. However, Jack Campbell took a fingertip mark on the last line of defence.

The rain continued to fall as both sides searched for the crucial first goal.

North Shore after a long period inside their forward 50, had their first major after 15 minutes of elapsed time.

From a boundary throw, Nicholas Brewer somehow got his boot to ball towards the hotspot. Christian Loone followed up from the original contest and snapped across his body. The Bombers’ lead was extended to ten points.

North Shore added another from a long set shot. Pennant Hills added two late behinds, but the Bombers held on to win by 14 points.

Full time Pennant Hills Demons 4.8.32 North Shore Bombers 7.4.46.

 

Wilson Mudge accumulated possessions all around the ground for the Demons. Nicholas Eynaud was one of the better players on the ground. Whilst Connor Matthews played a role in defence.

Jack Woodman was rock solid in defence for North Shore. Jake Veale was superb around the stoppages and Christian Loone battled when the football went to the ground.

 

Pennant Hills Demons 4.8.32

Goal kickers: H. Maguire 2, B. Matthews, L. Skrivanic

Best: L. Skrivanic, W. Mudge, C. Matthews, T. Edmonds, N. Eynaud, Z. Elliott

 

North Shore Bombers 7.4.46

Goal kickers: M. Thomas 2, F. Rogers, J. Vlatko, L. Puncher, J. Rayner, J. Veale

Best:  W. Edwards, J. Woodman, C. Loone, J. Veale, J. Campbell, N. Campbell