CAFL premiers Rovers show their goal scoring options with a big win over flag rivals Federal

Blue day for Federal in the race for berths in the CAFL finals

Souths' Richard Dixon handballs clear. Picture: Charlie Lowson

ROVERS put a wedge between themselves and the rest of the competition when they beat Federal by 66 points in Saturday’s CAFL match of the round.

The Double Blues recovered from a three-goal to nothing burst from Federal in the opening minutes to kick 18 of the next 21 goals.

Federal were held goalless in the vital second and third quarters as Rovers took control with their clever use of the football and several forward options to go to.

Rovers’ 18.7 (115) to 6.13 (49) win lifted them a game clear of Federal and Pioneer with two rounds left in the premiership season.

Rovers recruit Cameron Ilett, the Nightcliff and St Mary’s premiership player in Darwin’s NTFL competition booted four goals in a rotating on-ball, forward with Gareth Remfrey.

Better news for Rovers fans was the return of Nigel Lockyer Jr from an horrific head injury.

Lockyer kicked three goals and was among his side’s best players in a welcome return to the league side since his skull was fractured by an errant boot during a Round 4 game against Pioneer.

Tosh Kunoth added to Federals’ backline woes with a six-goal haul and Dylan Barry was a constant menace with two goals of his own.

“Nigel is a super talent as he showed with his first game back for five weeks,’’ Ilett said.

“He’s tall, athletic and quick and all of those traits showed on the weekend in what was a collective effort from everyone out there.’’

Reggie Smith and Abe Ankers were the best for Federal, who struggled to find the fluency that has characterised their wins this season.

Souths beat West by 10 points at Albrecht Oval in a game the winless Bloods could have won.

An after the siren goal stretched the final margin to double figures after a big Wests comeback in the last quarter.

Losing in-form ruckman Zibeon Charles after an accidental head clash with Souths’ Dustin Briscoe with seven minutes left on the clock hurt Wests’ push for a win.

Club president Dominic Fecteau was rapt with what he saw from his young side.

Hermannsburg’s Aaron Sharpe was a four-quarter contributor and Sam Mader running through half back gave his side plenty of drive.

“It’s one of the few times the losing team was a lot happier than the team that won the game,’’ Fecteau said.

“Another positive was the contribution from our young blokes like Aidan Scrutton and Mishai Wollogorang who continue to work hard at their game.’’