The Wrap – Round 3
A unique Round 3 unfolded across the Hunter Central Coast, with the split round played across two weekends due to ANZAC Day fixtures. Tradition continued as Warners Bay and Cardiff faced off in their annual ANZAC Day clash, while on the Central Coast a potential new tradition began with Killarney Vale hosting The Entrance Bateau Bay.
Men’s Black Diamond Cup
Both the Bombers and the Blues paid their respects during the pre-game ANZAC Day service, but once the football began it was Killarney Vale who took control.
The opening term was evenly contested, however the Bombers broke the game open in the second quarter, kicking seven goals to two. By the final break the match was effectively out of reach after Killarney Vale piled on six unanswered goals.
Brandon Lloyd dominated up forward with seven goals, while Nicklaus Stanlan-Velt added six in the Bombers’ commanding 21.17 (143) to 5.6 (36) victory.
Further up the coast, Warners Bay hosted Cardiff in their traditional ANZAC Day clash. After both clubs honoured our fallen servicemen and women, the game lived up to expectations as a hard-fought contest early.
Like the match at Adelaide Street Oval, the first term was tightly fought before Warners Bay took control with a five-goal second quarter. Cardiff remained within striking distance at three-quarter time, but four final-quarter goals from the Bulldogs proved too much, with Warners Bay running out 14.15 (99) to 7.3 (45) winners.
Riley Hawes starred with seven goals for the Bulldogs, while young Hawk Marshall Muirhead impressed with three majors.
Wyong Lakes made the trip to Nelson Bay with an undermanned side due to injury, but remained positive heading into the clash.
From the opening bounce, however, the Marlins were simply too strong and too quick, putting the game almost beyond reach by quarter time after kicking 8.6 in an explosive opening term.
The Magpies steadied in the second quarter, restricting Nelson Bay to just two goals, but after the main break the Marlins again lifted, kicking 12 second-half goals to seal a dominant victory.
Billy Barton once again showcased why he is one of the premier key forwards in the competition with six goals, while captain Louis Dews added four in the comprehensive 22.18 (150) to 5.7 (37) win.
Maitland hosted a Terrigal Avoca side eager to continue their strong form from Round 2 — and the Panthers delivered in emphatic fashion with a 106-point victory.
After a competitive first term, Terrigal Avoca completely took control in the second quarter, kicking seven goals to put the contest beyond reach before halftime. The dominance continued in the second half as the Panthers kept Maitland scoreless.
Harrison Pitt starred with 10 goals in the Panthers’ massive 21.13 (139) to 4.9 (33) win.
Women’s Black Diamond Cup
Round 3 of the Women’s Black Diamond Cup delivered some impressive scorelines and high-quality football.
The ANZAC Day double-header began with Killarney Vale continuing their unbeaten start to the season, steamrolling The Entrance Bateau Bay at what is quickly becoming a fortress at Adelaide Street Oval.
The Bombers held the Blues scoreless while piling on 17 goals to record a dominant 17.12 (114) to 0.1 (1) victory.
Garcie Durick led the charge with four goals, while Kristen Kessler continued her strong form with three majors.
To round out ANZAC Day, Cardiff once again demonstrated why they remain a threat with a dominant performance over Warners Bay.
Led by Maddison Gallegos and her six-goal haul, the Hawks took complete control in the second half, kicking seven goals after halftime while keeping the Bulldogs scoreless to secure a 10.12 (72) to 0.2 (2) victory.
Nelson Bay faced another difficult challenge at Dick Burwell Oval against an undefeated Newcastle City outfit.
The Marlins continue to show growth and produce some encouraging passages of play, however the Blues proved too strong. Led by small forward Ruby Spark and her six goals, Newcastle City recorded a convincing 19.12 (126) to 0.2 (2) win.
Terrigal Avoca travelled north to take on Maitland, and from the opening bounce it was clear the Panthers meant business.
Kicking an incredible 20 goals, the Panthers never took their foot off the accelerator, cruising to a dominant 20.12 (132) to 0.1 (1) victory.
Men’s Plate:
Warners Bay Bulldogs 15.13.103 Def Cardiff Hawks 5.7.37
Maitland Saints 7.2.44 Def By Terrigal Avoca Panthers 13.15.93
Lake Macquarie Dockers 2.7.19 Def By Newcastle City Blues 23.15.153
Killarney Vale Bombers 12.18.90 Def The Entrance Bateau Bau Blues 6.5.41
Singleton Roosters 12.11.83 Def Port Stephens Power 4.4.28
Women’s Plate:
Warners Bay Bulldogs 0.1.1 Def By Cardiff Hawks 4.8.32
Newcastle City Blues 2’s 28.11.179 Def University of Newcastle Seahorses 0.0.0
Lake Macquarie Dockers 11.6.72 Def Terrigal Avoca Panthers 0.1.1
Muswellbrook Cats 0.2.2 Def By Port Stephens Power 12.14.86
Killarney Vale Bombers 2.3.15 Def By Newcastle City Blues 3rd’s 6.3.39
Wyong Lakes Magpies 9.13.67 Def Singleton Roosters 1.6.12
Men’s Shield:
Killarney Vale Bombers 3.4.22 Def By University Of Newcastle Seahorses 8.12.60
Newcastle City Blues 20.12.132 Def Wyong Lakes Magpies 2.6.18