Norths 1st Grade had an easy 110 pt win over Albatross : 20-20-140 to 4-6-30; alas Reserve Grade blew chances late in the game and went down by 4pts : 9-9-63 to 8-11-59.

The games were played under lights at North Dalton Park in fine, windless conditions which really helped to showcase some of our better player’s talents.

In Reserve Grade (full report to be posted later) John Connors kicked 5 goals, which makes it 22 for him in his last 3 appearances, Derk Langhorn scored 2 and Wazza Weaver got 1.

1st Grade were totally dominant over an obviously under-manned Demons team, but could not convert until Travis Lothian goaled after about 12 minutes.

Jason Lucas then took two fine grabs, the second of which found Travis again, he converted from the angle for his and Norths 2nd.

Nick Crean and Jason Kocmar (best on ground) then combined to allow Jack O’Donaghue to run into an open goal, and Jason deBruin (also high in best player discussions) marked and goaled after great lead-up work by Nick Taylor and Josh McLarnen (excellent game also).

At ¼ time it was Norths 4-8-32 to 1-1-7.

Ben Forsyth got the opening goal in Quarter #2, then Langy dobbed a beauty from near the 50m arc for Norths 6th.

Things were starting to come together for the Tigers with youngsters such as Nick Davidson and Chris Taylor getting in on the act. The latter took a good mark and passed to Funky for our 7th, later Chris was to kick 2 goals himself in a fine display.

Funky got his 2nd for the quarter when Grant Plecas and Nathan Hynd (best big man on ground) sent the ball forward. 

A great switch of play to Lucas who kicked long, found Langy at the back of the pack – he goaled again and it was 9 on the board for Norths.

Dion Rush was one of seven Tiger players who got 2 or more goals on the night, his first came from a free about 20m out.

Of course, there were many other fine players e.g. Purcey, who was commanding in the backline and Steve (Greasy) Greirson – his determination saw the ball to Lucas again who snared Norths 12th goal.

By now, we were well into the 3rd Quarter and it was becoming obvious that this would be a % builder.

Funky executed “the play of the day” – he long-kicked from the centre-square, fell base over apex on the cricket pitch and distracted the opposition enough to see Nathan Hynd mark and then goal from about 20m out !

Norths 13th goal ensued when young Jack bolted from the centre and hit Travis on the chest – it was a class bit of play. Chris Taylor then potted a beauty from wide out after he charged onto the ball from the boundary; close to ¾ time we led 14-15-99 to 4-5-29.

Hammo snapped the 15th early in the final term, then it was Kocmar again – a beautiful smother and pass to Travis for goal #16. “Kocy” seemed to be relishing the good surface, the open spaces and the sense of occasion that a night game can give – he, like Jason Lucas, was in total control. Lucas actually had to leave the field shortly after with a quad strain, but he had done plenty to ensure a big win.

Hammo and Dion got the 17th and 18th majors respectively and the Tigers were 96 pts up – could we lap them?

The answer was yes, for despite some wayward shots, we found the target when Nathan Hynd kicked truly. Another few more “sprays” including a couple out on the full were complimented by Chris Taylor’s second, it seemed we were just getting warmed up again when the siren sounded.

The day and night at North Dalton was a real success for the Club, with many Junior teams playing earlier in the day.