Noarlunga belts Falcons, while Reynella edges fierce rival Emus
Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill suffers its first loss, Port Noarlunga fires after its round-one bye and Reynella fights to win a nailbiter. All that and more in Messenger Community News’ wrap of the Southern Football League’s round two.
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The reigning premier suffers its first loss of 2019, Port Noarlunga comes out firing after its round-one bye and Reynella fights to win a nailbiter.
All that and more in Messenger Community News’ wrap of the Southern Football League’s round two.
NOARLUNGA 14.19 (103) FLAGSTAFF HILL 6.5 (41)
Noarlunga’s power again was there for all to see when it proved too strong for reigning premier Flagstaff Hill at Noarlunga.
The Shoes bombarded the goal to win 14.19 (103) to 6.5 (41).
Noarlunga coach Barry Pilmore said it was an even effort from his side.
“Everyone did their job in a really pleasing game,” Pilmore said.
“But Flaggies will get better later in the year with players to come back.”
Josh Thewlis, Nick Mott (five goals), Sammual Miller and Kevin Opperman played well for the Shoes.
Tom Caudle kicked three goals.
Better players for Flaggies included Zak Cavouras, Brad Patterson and D’Arcy Mitchell.
Ryan Mountford and Sam Smith kicked two goals each.
PORT NOARLUNGA 16.13 (109) HAPPY VALLEY 4.3 (27)
Port Noarlunga lived up to pre-season predictions that it would be tough to beat after a strong away win against Happy Valley last Friday night.
The Cockledivers, fresh off their round-one bye, triumphed 16.13 (109) to 4.3 (27).
Port began well to lead 3.4 to 1.0 at quarter-time but set up the victory by half-time when it led 8.7 to 2.2.
Cockledivers coach Clint Howes, in his first game at the A-grade helm after replacing Nick Manhood in a succession plan, said it was an excellent start to the season.
“Having Jake Veide return to the club was a real buzz and gives a great feeling right through the club,” Howes said.
“He is such a good player to have.
“We had about 40 inside 50s, although we blazed away a bit.”
Best for Port were Daniel Trevena, Rhys McKay and Veide (two goals).
Ciaran O’Hagan kicked four goals.
Todd Eshmade, Caleb Dearman and Joel Beeche were solid for the Vikings, while Daniel Grear kicked two goals.
REYNELLA 17.6 (108) MORPHETT VALE 15.11 (101)
Reynella produced a stunning fightback to beat archrival Morphett Vale by seven points at Morphett Vale last Sunday.
The Wineflies stormed home to claim the Mike O’Sullivan Memorial Trophy in front of a huge crowd, 17.6 (108) to 15.11 (101).
The victory came after they trailed 7.3 to 0.3 at quarter-time and 15.10 to 12.5 at the last change.
Both sides are in a rebuilding phase with a mix of seniors and youth.
But it was Reynella that stood tall under pressure, while the Emus dropped off after a gallant three quarters.
Cal Semple kicked six goals for Reynella, while Nathan Bayly kicked three goals for the Emus.
CHRISTIES BEACH 16.10 (106) COVE 7.9 (51)
Christies Beach controlled its away game against Cove for most of the day before winning by 55 points on Saturday.
The Saints had winners everywhere to take the match 16.10 (106) to 7.9 (51).
Ben Powell, Mathew Hodge (four goals) and Aidan Coakley were strong for Christies.
Blake Carter followed up his first-week bag of eight goals to kick four.
Ryan Critchley, Jake Williams and Ben Charlesworth battled well for the Cobras, while captain Michael Galley finished with four majors.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ You would think one mention of the name Pilmore in the Southern Football League it was Hall of Famer and Noarlunga coach Barry that came to mind.
But it seems the Pilmore name is featuring in the Aldinga juniors with Thomas Pilmore in the under-15s and Bailey Pilmore in the under-17s.
They are unrelated to Barry.
Thomas kicked three goals at the weekend, while Bailey was in the best.
Watch out Barry – it appears the lads are possible stars to carry on the Pilmore name, albeit in different colours.
■ It looks like someone at Christies Beach is doing a mighty fine job with the record books.
Ryan Grimmond became player number 658 to play A grade for the Saints last Saturday.
We probably haven’t the room to publish the names of those who have gone before him.
■ Morphett Vale has developed a top tradition in promoting a Homecoming Hero for its home matches.
Club legend and former Glenelg star Reg Pollard was in the limelight for the game against the Wineflies last Saturday.
Apparently Reg is still obsessed with following Victorian teams like Carlton.
I just hope he wasn’t too distracted trying to watch Carlton and the Emus at the same time.
ROUND THREE (After the league-wide Easter break)
Saturday, April 27
■ Christies Beach v Aldinga, 2.30pm
■ Cove v Morphett Vale, 2.30pm
■ Flagstaff Hill v Reynella, 2.30pm
■ Port Noarlunga v Noarlunga, 2.30pm
■ Happy Valley – bye
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