Eagles show depth to stop Bulls’ charge
The Collie Eagles showed they have plenty of talent to call on in their 42-point win over the Harvey Bulls at the Harvey Recreation Ground on Sunday.
Both teams were missing a number of key players, but the Eagles stood up to grab a 16.12 (108) to 9.12 (66) victory.
Without key defender Darren Rumble, the Bulls were tested in defence with Matt Michael (five goals), Joel Houghton (two goals)and Paul Rinder all starting the game up forward.
This left the defence of Matt Robson, Anton Fimmano and Logan Egerton-Green out sized.
The Bulls started the better of the two teams, kicking the opening two goals, before the Eagles settled and gained control thanks to Kyle Shanahan, Travis Cleggett and Corey Griggs.
From here they slowly ended further out in front of the Bulls for the next four quarters, despite the best efforts of Brett Lofthouse (three goals), Robson, Dean Miller and Ryan Mooney.
The run of the Eagles was too much for the Bulls to handle and they often struggled with their opposition’s quick ball movement.
The Eagles dropped off in the final quarter and it seemed as if the Bulls still had some hope late in the match, but they kicked just the one goal for the term from eight scoring shots.
When Cleggett booted his third goal midway through the final term, the margin was too big for the Bulls to chase.
Scoreboard
Collie Eagles 5.3, 11.6, 14.9, 16.12 (108) def Harvey Bulls 3.1, 6.4, 8.5, 9.12 (66)
GOALS: Collie Eagles - M. Michael 5, B. Malatesta, T. Cleggett 3, J. Houghton 2, K. Shanahan, B. Kent, M. Williams. Harvey Bulls - B. Lofthouse 3, J. Pickett, R. Shemeld 2, B. Jones, R. Italiano.
BEST: Collie Eagles - K. Shanahan, T. Cleggett, M. Michael, Co. Griggs, B. Shanahan, A. Bignell. Harvey Bulls - B. Lofthouse, M. Robson, D. Miller, R. Mooney, R. Shemeld, B. Jones.
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