Sharks sink in Interleague

By Mark Gullick
THE MPNFL Sharks began poorly against the Ovens and Murray in their under-18 contest – a curtain-raiser to Saturday’s inter-league clash – and never recovered, losing by 25 points.
The MPNFL took to the field in an untimely manner and presented themselves just moments before the opening bounce.
The O and M began brilliantly, kicking six goals to one in the opening term to hold a 30-point lead by the first change.
ROC youngster Matthew Clarke kicked his second goal early in the second term, but O and M replied with a quick goal, which it repeated throughout the match.
The Sharks outscored the O and M with three goals to one in the second term, and had they taken full advantage of their dominance, could have taken a lead into half-time instead of trailing by 13 points.
The third term was a stalemate with just one goal scored.
The O and M kicked one goal to two in the final term to run out comfortable winners over the Sharks, who never threw in the towel.
Each team had 18 scoring shots, but it was the O and M team that made the most of its chances.
Ben King, the first 2011 Pakenham Gazette Rising Star nominee, was awarded the Sharks best player award. He played a courageous game on the half-back flank and added plenty of drive to the team.
Josh Westerman excelled on the half-back flank, Beaconsfield’s Daniel Johnston was silky in the midfield and Matthew Clarke provided a strong target in the forward half.
Zac Longham and Narre Warren’s Ricky Bevan provided plenty of class in the Sharks’ forward line.
Other Casey Cardinia players in Sammy Zijai (Berwick) and Beaconsfield duo Jake Cameron and Tom Hanney were steady contributors.
Best players for the O and M were vice-captain Luke McNeil through the midfield, Nathan Rhodes on the wing, captain Lee Dale around the ground and onballer Rory Feltwell.
Defender Connor Hargreaves and ruckman Dylan Cudmore were also noteworthy.