A sensational start by All Blacks, led by nimble movement and touch shown by Jake Jones, saw the Panthers jump to an early three goal lead in fine conditions at the Moyhu oval on Saturday. Terrific bodywork by Ben Cook prevented Moyhu’s forward forays on a number of occasions. Despite late goals by Moyhu, Jake Jones domination in the ruck and strong marking and accurate kicking by Jack Ellis saw the All Blacks in the ascendancy at quarter time.
In the second term loose manning up by All Blacks gifted easy goals to Moyhu, they also showed great agility with some sensational snaps. It was a telling quarter in the overall scheme of the match and Moyhu burst away by kicking seven goals to one. Jeremy Wilson of Moyhu had the ball on a string and dictated play with ease. Thankfully Riley Moran, Jayden Guppy and Ben Cook continually thwarted Moyhu’s advances with solid marking and play. Jake Jones moved forward with an injury and had little impact. Despite huge efforts by Zac Amarant and Brody Jones, the Moyhu team continued to play more consistent, smarter footy, and with a lack of pressure, easily built a seven goal buffer by three quarter time.
At the final break, coach Harry Moran appealed to the lads for everything they had for the last quarter of footy for the year and to see it out with respect. With Jones off the field, Jayden Guppy showed great skill in the ruck and with Jack Ellis marking everything, the All Blacks responded - four goals each in the final stanza fulfilled coach Moran’s demand.
Post-match in the rooms, Harry Moran revealed what a pleasure it was to coach the team in 2016, and with five wins for the year providing a mighty base to work with. Harry Moran thanked all assistant coaches Paul O’Brien, ColinTatterson, Shane Allen and Regan Sheehan, team manager Doug Aiton, trainers Karen Spokes and Mel Goodwin, runner Tony Reaper and last, but not least, all the supporters.
The Club would like to take the opportunity to wish all those competing in finals this year all the best of luck
Moyhu 17.8.110 def. All Blacks 9.12.66
Goal Kickers: M. Donehue 2, S. MacGregor 2, J. Ellis 2, M. Gallagher, R. Moran, H. Moran
Best Players: J. Ellis, B. Cook, J. Guppy, R. Moran, Z. Amarant, M. Gallagher
Reserves
Moyhu 18.12.120 def. All Blacks 11.8.74
Goal Kickers: B. Smith 3, J. Damon 3, B. Ethan 2, J. Eastwood, J. Smith, R. Nedeljkovic
Best Players: S. Nicholson, B. Smith, R. Dennis, J. Smith, A. Burgess, B. Ethan
Last Modified on 15/09/2019 21:18