MPFNL: Monster goal haul as Karingal stays perfect in Division 2

A Karingal forward had a day out, including one massive quarter, as the Bulls reached the halfway mark of the MPFNL Division 2 season undefeated.

Riley D’Arcy celebrates another goal for Karingal. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Riley D’Arcy drilled Karingal’s first two goals on Saturday.

It was the start of a meaty afternoon for the big spearhead, who kicked 10.2 — including five goals in the third quarter — as Karingal powered to a 50-point win over Rye at Ballam Park, 20.8 (128) to 12.6 (78).

“He had a day out,” Karingal coach Luke Forsyth said.

“He finally kicked straight, got a bit of reward for effort.

“I think he’s probably averaged about 10 shots at goal, but he’s struggled to find the big sticks, but yesterday…”

D’Arcy has booted 27 goals in eight games.

Matt Hill was among Karingal’s best. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Forsyth also poured praise on Karingal’s midfield including Matt Hill, Alex Frawley and Tom Curren, while full-back Laughlin Cowell, who kept Rye captain Andrew Dean to two goals, also deserved special mention.

Karingal rushed to a 23-point lead at quarter-time but Rye struck back to win the second quarter, 4.2 to 2.1, to cut the margin to 10 points at half-time.

“We were pretty disappointed with what we dished up in that second quarter so after half time the boys came out and fired up a bit,” Forsyth said.

D’Arcy led the second half charge, firing off five goals in the third quarter and two in the last to reach double figures.

“He probably had four or five set shots but a lot of them were on the run or picking up a ground ball. He’s pretty hard to play on,” Forsyth said.

“He’s a bit of a barometer for us. When he starts well and is up and about the boys get around him, he kind of sets the tone for us.’’

Travis Puntaroni.

Riley D’Arcy.

Lachlan Linder-Saunders, Travis Puntaroni and Darcy Hope (three goals) were also in Karingal’s best.

Former AFL player Billy Hartung was Rye’s best player, racking up a stack of possessions.

Karingal sits 10 points clear on top of the ladder, undefeated with eight wins and a draw at then halfway mark of the Division 2 season.

Forsyth said the King’s Birthday bye this week would allow the Bulls to freshen up before beginning their charge to finals.

“I think everyone’s hanging for the week off to be honest,’’ Forsyth said.

“I’m looking forward to it. We’re giving the boys the complete week off from the club to freshen up. It’s a nine week season after that.

“We rested four or five yesterday, the older boys. If we can get a two week rest into them then we can dial it up after the break.

“We’ve got Hastings after the break, we should bring six in after that which is almost getting us to full strength.’’

Karingal has won 21 of its past 26 completed games, including playing off in last season’s grand final.

The Bulls’ last senior premiership was in 1999.