Derrick correlation between return and Lions winning
WAS it purely coincidence that Palm Beach-Currumbin snapped a three-match losing streak with their inspirational skipper Jesse Derrick back on board?
Coach Chad Owens certainly does not believe so but the return of Derrick, the reigning Grogan Medallist, from a three-week honeymoon coincided with a return to the winning list for the Lions.
PBC’s losing streak led to a theory of “no Derrick no Palm Beach” although Owens said such talk was off line.
Palm Beach crucially retained second spot on the ladder when they comfortably beat Surfers Paradise by 19.14 (128) to 10.9 (69) at Salk Oval.
“He (Derrick) was not the difference because we had a few players back from injury,” Owens said.
Among the ranks of those returning was John Macansh, the former Southport player, who added some much-needed quality in attack to the Lions.
“But our effort was a lot better than in the previous few weeks, we got back to winning contested footy,” Owens said, clearly pleased with the return to form.
Palm Beach started well, leading by 26 points at the first break then by 54 at half-time in a sign that confidence had returned to the playing group.
“It was a good start then it was sort of goal-for-goal after that,” Owens said.
Jackson Emblem and Liam McNeven in defence, Dylan Troutman on the ball and usual defender Ben Headland – who finished with three goals – were excellent for the Lions.
Best for Surfers were Brent Wallace, Jack Taylor and Nick Scott.
At Ord Minnett Oval Broadbeach scored a muchneeded win, beating Western Magpies by 19.7 (121) to 10.12 (72).
Papua New Guinea teenager Hapeo Bobogi kicked three goals on debut for the Cats who had Benji Neal, Liam Nelson and Jack O’Shea in good form.
Broadbeach killed the Magpies off with an opening term that produced 8.1 to 2.4.