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MATCH REPORT | Strathmore v Aberfeldie

Aberfeldie too good for inaccurate Strathmore


By TOBIE CHAPMAN

ABERFELDIE’S charge towards the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division finals has continued with a 66-point win over an inaccurate Strathmore.

Leading by only 15 points in a low-scoring affair at half time, the reigning premiers took advantage of the Mores’ woeful goalkicking to pile on 10 goals to one in the second half, winning 13.17 (95) to 2.17 (29).

A strong breeze blew across Lebanon Reserve all day creating havoc and making conditions difficult. Neither side was able to adjust during the first half, with only four goals kicked at the half time break.

In the third term, the game finally began to open up as the teams played to the wind. Strathmore began to take control of the game as they dominated through the midfield and half back and for much of the quarter.

However, they were let down in front of goal as they kicked only 1.9, failing to make the most of their opportunities.

Against a champion side like Aberfeldie you can’t afford to throw away chances, because soon enough they’ll come right back at you. Sure enough, the momentum soon swung back to Abers.

Sam Cattapan slotted a stunner from the boundary, kicking into the wind to break the dominance. By the time Jack McNamara snapped a goal late in the term it was all but over, Abers taking a 30-point lead into the final term.

The late surge broke Strathmore’s resistance and the flood gates broke open as they were reduced to two men on the bench. Aberfeldie finished strongly to kick six goals in the last, the most of any quarter.

Brock McLean was the best player on the ground, his use of the football in difficult conditions was outstanding. He also had an impact up forward, his two goals coming with the contest hanging in the balance.

Ben Mabon was impressive in the ruck, taking on Hamish McIntosh and Sean Tighe with relative ease. His mobility around the ground was important as well, often providing both a good aerial contest and a link up option for his teammates.

Jesse Laurie had plenty of the ball and roamed almost as he pleased, impacting the game across the entire goal.

Josh Toy and Ricky Allan were as reliable as ever off half back and Jacob Craven was important, nullifying the Mores’ big men as third man up.

For the Mores, Mark Corrigan was excellent in his fifth game for the season and showcased what an excellent midfielder he is.

Marcus Stapleton was strong off the half back flank, providing much-needed run and carry alongside Josh Helliwell and Brad Mangan who were good down back despite the flood of goals in the second half.

STRATHMORE | 2.17-29

Goal Kickers: H. McIntosh, M. Little

Best Players: M. Corrigan, D. Bramley, M. Stapleton, B. Mangan, A. Rae, J. Helliwell

ABERFELDIE | 13.17-95

Goal Kickers: K. Reimers 2, B. McLean 2, J. McNamara 2, N. Cattapan, J. Barrett, Z. Hislop, D. Thompson, V. Carboni, C. Sharp, M. Lynch

Best Players: B. McLean, B. Mabon, J. Laurie, R. Allan, M. Lynch, J. Toy

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