THE New Norfolk Eagles recorded their third victory for the season on Saturday, defeating the Claremont Magpies in cold, icy and windy conditions at Abbotsfield Park. Both sides were searching for a confidence-boosting win as they headed into the tail end of the season. The game became a shootout between the two old rivals for the annual Brendon ”Mulga” Clayton Cup with the Eagles winning by 16 points in an entertaining contest.
It was a hard-fought win by the Eagles who had more firepower when it counted, with coach Josh Farrow (five goals), tall forward Blake Mayne (three goals) and the super-talented Tyron Bailey (three goals) finishing off the good work from the midfield group to take the points.
From the opening bounce, Eagle tagger Brayden Butler locked onto Magpie winger Blake Wood. Tall Magpie full back Jack Lovell had the challenging task of picking up Eagle coach Farrow. Eagle star ruckman and high flyer Caleb Mayne was up against Magpie ruck Josh Meredith and Eagle centre-half-forward Blake Mayne was side-by-side with tall Magpie back man Corey Richardson.
In the opening minutes of the contest, the Eagles jumped out of the blocks with goals to Josh Farrow and Josh Clifford. The Maggies responded and as the quarter unfolded it became a goal for goal situation with the Eagles holding onto a 17-point lead at quarter-time: New Norfolk 8.5 (53) to Claremont 6.0 (36). Dashing Eagle defender Rowan Thomason was prominent early along with Ryan Wakefield. Magpie captain Callum Thompson was dominant at centre bounces and around the ground along with ruckman/forward Josh Meredith and small forward Blair Wood.
The Eagles were chasing tails in the first five to 10 minutes of the second term as the Magpies were finding space and the loose man with Callum Thompson and Logan Meredith creating opportunities for the home team which had them trailing by only two points at the seven-minute mark. The Eagles clicked into gear with a great goal from Tyson Eiszele followed by goals to Bailey and Farrow and another from Blake Mayne with a clever snap from the forward pocket in tricky conditions to take a handy 21-point lead at the main break: New Norfolk 12.6 (78) to Claremont 9.3 (57).
Elusive Magpie forward Blair Wood bagged a goal for the Maggies early in the third term. Eagle speedster Jye Bearman responded by taking a great overhead mark at centre half forward and steering through a six-pointer from 45m out for the visitors. The Magpies hit back with a clever snap from Blair Wood once again, but Eagle
coach Farrow answered with a kick around the corner to register his fourth major. The Eagles pushed forward in the next play with tough onballer Jake Bearman kicking deep into the forward line and finding Tyron Bailey who scored a great soccer-style goal with the footy in midair as he got his boot to the ball for a freak goal to steady the Eagles. Three-quarter time scores were New Norfolk 15.8 (98) points to Claremont 11.6 (72).
Magpie captain Callum Thompson found forward Caleb Bennett early in the last term for a quick goal. The Eagles answered with a strong mark to Blake Mayne who kicked truly with a booming drop punt that sailed through the big sticks for a great goal as they held onto a 26-point lead. Goals to Josh Meredith and Blair Wood cut the margin to 14 points as the Magpies were finding a bit more run in their game and maybe a possible upset was looming.
Eagle running players Jake and Jye Bearman and Rowan Thomason were important for the Eagles in the remaining minutes of the contest. Mister versatile, Jye Lester, was also prominent as he rebounded from defence turning back Magpie forward entries. In the remaining minutes, Eagle forward Mitchell Jones plucked the Sherrin in a congested pack of players on a tight angle from 30m out with a quick kick around the body which resulted in the sealer getting the Eagles home. The Magpies kicked a late goal, but the Eagles managed to hold on by 16 points in a hard-fought win in tough conditions.
The Eagles now have another bye before they pick up the pieces prior to their face off against the Hobart Tigers at Boyer on July 18 which should be another great contest. The Tigers have won both of the last two encounters by 14 points at the TCA and it is about time we turned the tables on them at the big Boyer Oval, the home
of the Eagles.
Final Scores
New Norfolk 17.11 (113)
Claremont 15.7 (97)
Best – New Norfolk: Tyron Bailey, Caleb Mayne, Ryan Wakefield, Tyler Benson, Josh Farrow, Jye Bearman; Claremont: C. Thompson, L. Meredith, B. Thompson, J. Lovell, J. Huskinson, B. Thorp.
Goals – New Norfolk: J. Farrow 5, T. Bailey 3, Blake Mayne 3, Jye Bearman 2, Tyson Eiszele, Ryan Wakefield, Josh Clifford, Mitchell Jones; Claremont: B. Wood 4, J. Meredith 4, C. Richardson 2, C. Thompson 2, B. Thorp, C. Bennett, K. Rozynski.
RESERVES REPORT – WAYNE WALKER
IN the earlier game on Saturday, the Eagle Reserves led at every change until midway through the last quarter when it looked like the Magpies may have stolen the win but a late goal by coach Corey Ransley put the Eagles back in front with only minutes to go before full time to hold on by three points.
The Eagles started well holding a 10-point lead at quarter time and extended their lead to 17 points at the main break. Mobile ruckman Bailey Wheeler was in great form dominating at centre bounce and around the ground gaining a stack of possessions and also taking a number of high marks in a great display.
The Magpie defence also struggled to stop Eagle playing coach Corey Ransley who marked strongly bagged four goals. The Magpies closed the gap in the third term, kicking the only two goals for the quarter which had them trailing by only one point at three-quarter-time: Eagles 39 to Magpies 38.
In a tight last quarter, the Magpies had momentum putting the Eagle defence under enormous pressure as they took the lead by four points late in the game (Magpies 50 / Eagles 46). Young Eagle Ryan Bartels took a strong mark 20m out dead in front, but he slammed the footy into the post for a minor score which had the Eagles still trailing by three points.
Coach Ransley then scored a goal in the last moments as the Eagles grabbed the win. The Eagles deserved the victory as they played the better football in tough conditions for three quarters. In form Bailey Wheeler was best on ground for the Eagles. Liam Lowe was strong in the contest and continued his good form. Ryan Bartels played a solid game and was busy in general play and strong at the stoppages. Kobe Strong shows promise with his run and carry with the footy. Corey Ransley once again led from the front and was a key focal point in attack and Kayden Cunningham was great in defence.
Final Scores
New Norfolk 7.11 (53)
Claremont 7.8 (50)
Best – New Norfolk: B. Wheeler, L. Lowe, R. Bartels, K. Strong, C. Ransley, K. Cunningham; Claremont: M. Noble, A. Bennett, T. Brown, R. Roberts, J. Blyth, B. Wood.
Goals – New Norfolk: C. Ransley 4, R. Garth, J. Campbell, L. Lowe; Claremont: C. Curtain 2, D. Newton 2, B. Wood, J, Blyth, R. Harris.
NEXT GAMES
Saturday, July 11: All teams have a bye.
Saturday, July 18, Boyer Oval
Women v Hobart at 10am
Reserves v Hobart at noon
Seniors v Hobart at 2pm
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