Panthers push Whorouly aside

A great win in the seniors with Whorouly being one of our first real tests for the season.

All Blacks dominated possession and the forwards created opportunities early, but inaccuracy kept the opposition within striking distance.

In the second quarter, the backline held strong only allowing one goal to go through and the Panthers managed to put some distance between us going into the main break, up by six goals.

The third quarter was led by Al Jacka, putting on his best performance for the year booting six goals for the day.

The midfield group continued its dominance where Will Ellis and Sam Newton along with Jackson Hourigan, who is without doubt in career best form, fought and scrapped for every hard ball.

In the final quarter, the team continued to fight it out in a physical game, although the boys let the foot off a little bit, but had well and truly done enough to secure the win.

All Blacks youth continues to impress this year - David Button had one of his best games, Chelton Orchard came back into the side this week and had immediate impact and Rory Wapling continues to impress with his composure and elite ability to get into the right spots.

The Panthers look forward to another big test next weekend against Tarrawingee.

Royal Hotel: Al Jacka

Brad & Mel’s Snack bar: Jackson Hourigan

YMCA 3 Pool Pass: Sam Newton

Thursday Night Dinner: Will Ellis

Reserves

All Blacks 12.6 (78) def Whorouly 10.9 (69)

A huge away win for the reserves against the top four placed Whorouly in the biggest challenge for the side this season.

Jumping out of the blocks early, using electric run and carry and precision ball use, provided a 20-point lead at the first break, which was led from the midfield with a break-out game for young ruck/forward Mitch Ward, who won most of the taps for the day and provided a big presence around the ground.

Paired with the prolific Reagan Williams, whose contested work in the air and on the ground provided the edge we needed in the midfield, to gain the upper hand early.

With Whorouly bouncing back in the second quarter, the huge defensive work of our backline kept them at bay.

The terrific defensive work of Hayden Ryan and Dean Bradshaw, who held up against an avalanche of inside-50 entries, often undersized against their opponents, which led to damaging attacks out of defence.

Rebound provided by Jeremy Hayes and Bailey Davis proved too much for most of the day for the Whorouly side, leading to quick transitions and giving our forwards their best opportunities to score.

All in all, a terrific team win for the reserves side, highlighted by excellent run and carry and clean ball use under pressure.

Our best win of the season so far.

We look forward to another big week at training to reset for the big challenge of Tarrawingee next round.

Dosser Panels: Mitch Ward

Royal Hotel: Jeremy Hayes

Coffeez To Go/The Caffeinator: Regan Williams

YMCA 3 Pool pass: Dean Bradshaw

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