Eagles end the Dons’ winning streak

The Collie Eagles ended Donnybrook’s nine-game winning streak with an impressive 30-point victory in atrocious conditions at VC Mitchell Park on Saturday.

After winning the toss, the Dons kicked against the breeze in the first term, when they booted their only goals in a 6.10 (46) to 2.4 (16) loss.

The Dons did well to kick their early goals, while the Eagles squandered a few chances, with just Blair Malatesta able to kick a goal. The second quarter was a torrid affair with plenty of rain and few players able to handle the ball confidently.

Mat Michael was an exception and he gave the Eagles plenty of drive from defence, while Matt Blackford and Talan Michael were given the task of nullifying Chris Atthowe and Jace Cormack respectively.

With upwards of 15 players around every contest, possessions were hard to get and even harder to dispose of effectively.

Eagle Joel Houghton goaled from about 50m out at the 18-minute mark of the second term to put the visitors in front. This was followed by some undisciplined play from the Dons, gifting Jason Roney the Eagles’ third goal.

The difference at half-time was just nine points, but the Eagles were well on top and an upset was looking likely.

After the main break the ball was locked up in well populated scrums, with the Eagles able to get the better of the contest to kick another four goals.

Donnybrook captain Shane Cristaldi did his best in the wet conditions, but had little support.

Scoreboard

Collie Eagles 1.1 2.5 4.6 6.10 46 def Donnybrook 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.4 16

GOALS: Collie Eagles - R. Chappell 2, B. Malatesta, J. Houghton, J. Roney, M. Blackford. Donnybrook - S. Lynch, S. Lowrie.

BEST: Collie Eagles - M. Michael, T. Vernon, M. Blackford, T. Michael, P. Rinder, A. Bignell. Donnybrook - S. Cristaldi, J. Buckley, J. Kendle, B. May, N. Martin.