The Thorne Builders AFL Mackay Crows were runners-up to the Townsville Eagles following a nine point loss on Saturday night at Townsville’s Tony Ireland Stadium. Townsville’s win secured the return of the Muldoon Family Shield, which was last won by Mackay in 2006.
The Crows came out of the blocks strongly in the opening stages of the match, streaking away to an early three goal lead. As the Townsville defence tightened, the Mackay attack felt the pressure, missing several opportunities at goal.
As the quarter progressed, the match became an arm wrestle with possession travelling end to end, with Townsville gaining the ascendency to go to the break trailing by nine points.
Townsville continued their control of the match into the second quarter, as the Mackay defence led by Scott Thomas were kept busy at the hands of Townsville’s Edi Tommasini who kicked four goals for the match.
The Crows mustered a late revival led through the centre of the ground by their captain John Price, who kicked five goals for the match, and was judged best on ground for his performance.
With delivery from the centre contests by ruckman Andrew McMahon onto on-ballers Tim Bone and Peter Bond, the Crows pushed forward to level the scores at the main break.
Townsville caught the Crows napping in the third quarter, kicking ahead to a handy lead through clean possession and accurate kicking, scoring seven straight goals for the quarter.
The Crows would not lie down however, scrapping their way back into the match as Mackay’s Craig Dowdell ran hard to outclass his lofty opponent to kick five goals for the match to bring the Crows within eleven points at the end of the third quarter.
The momentum of the match swung heavily in the favour of Townsville, who kicked two quick goals to extend their lead in the final quarter to what would have been an unassailable margin.
Never giving in, the Mackay team responded through Zane Templeman taking on ruck duties, which gave the team a spark of confidence to edge back to within two goals of the lead. The margin continued to narrow, with the Townsville team continuing to frustrate the Crows attack before the final siren came all too soon for Mackay.
Townsville 2.3, 7.9, 14.9, 18.12 (120) defeated Mackay 3.6, 7.9, 12.10, 16.15 (111)
Townsville Goal Kickers: 4 E Tommasini; 2 M Ryan, T Ward, R Davis; 1 P Burger, S Taylor, P Buller, A Mitchell, M Krane, T Ruff, M King, P Smooker.
Mackay Goal Kickers: 5 C Dowdell, J Price; 2 P Farrant; 1 M Pollard, N O’Reilly, T Bone, Z Templeman.
Last Modified on 10/01/2009 18:24