Blues upset Bulldogs

The mighty Bulldogs were the firm favourites going into their round 11 clash against Thorpdale, but the Blues had other ideas.

Both teams played some really closely contested football. Newborough failed to convert many of their opportunities with some poor kicking up front, whilst Thorpdale moved the ball around quickly, kept up the forward pressure and dominated during the third term.

The Bulldogs struggled to get into their stride, lacking coordination and poor decision-making at times.

Thorpdale produced the goods on the day to come out with the victory. Scores at the blow of the final whistle Newborough 9-10 (64) to Thorpdale 12-5 (77).

Thorpdale came out meaning business in the first quarter with Tim Loft scoring the first goal, this could have quickly been followed up with goal number two but Shannon Pickering missed for a point.

Newborough started getting forward but failed to convert and then Michael Gelagotis kicked their first goal to put them in front by a point.

Hugh Greene took a great mark for Thorpdale out in front of the goal to take goal number two. Gelagotis missed a goal for Newborough out on the full but Anthony Battista made full use of his opportunity from about 45 metres out to put Newborough out in front.

Thorpdale had a great start in the second quarter, scoring three goals in the first 10 minutes to put them out in front.

The Bulldogs started applying the pressure on the Thorpdale defence but Joshua Hecker missed a goal to catch up. Newborough then put a good bit of play together to get Gelagotis in front of the goal, but it was another terrible kick for a point.

Josh Whittaker managed to convert a 50-metre penalty to get Newborough’s first for the quarter. Hugh Greene kicks another for the Blues.

Thorpdale showed they really meant business in this quarter to come out with a well-deserved lead. Scores at the end of the second quarter Newborough 3-6 (24) Thorpdale 6-3 (39).

The Thorpdale boys were up and about quickly in the third quarter with Matthew Powell scoring his first goal for the Blues.

Josh Collie took a mark at 50 metres to get Thorpdale’s second and extend their lead over the Bulldogs by 27 points.

Pickering took a lovely diving mark 45 metres out on a 45-degree angle, just touched on the line and didn’t quite carry for Thorpdale.

Another 50-metre penalty the Blues taken by Jake Atkinson to get his first for the day and extend Thorpdale’s lead by 33 points.