THE Brookers took on Mt Evelyn last weekend at Kilsyth Reserve in perfect conditions due to the unsuitable surface at Mt Evelyn.
With second time AllAustralian Craig Clarke representing the club at the VCFL Championships on the Gold Coast over the weekend the team had to lift to cover his absence. Paul Sankey assumed ruck duties.
From the first bounce Gembrook showed intensity and had the wind in the first quarter. With Shannon Richardson, Glenn Penglase, Steve Goodie and Andrew Shipp all causing trouble the Brookers were able to establish an eightpoint lead going into the first break.
In the second quarter Gembrook piled on seven goals to one against the wind in a magnificent display, full of confidence and directed by the veteran Goodie across halfforward. Mt Evelyn had no answers for the furious attack of the Brookers, who took a 45point lead into the major break. The back line was led by Richardson in an unfamiliar role at full back while Ian Litterbach and Steve Robins were rocksolid.
Gembrook was intent on not letting another game slip when in control and powered away from an undisciplined Mt Evelyn outfit, kicking six goals to two for the quarter. The last quarter turned into a nonevent with the Brookers kicking against the wind.
The standout for the Brookers was Penglase, who put on a display of tough attacking football for the crowd.
“Our effort today showed how we can play, last week we were good but beaten by the best side in the comp in 15 minutes, today we played four quarters for the first time this year. It’s amazing how the team can jell with a bit of confidence, going on this form we will win the next four games. It’s up to the boys though,” coach Mat O’Neill said.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 18.12.120 d Mt Evelyn 7.14.56.
Goals: Andrew Shipp 4, Glenn Penglase 3, Daniel Wilkie, Steve Goodie, Eric Pope 2, Todd Pye, Ben Fenton, Shannon Richardson, Brett Andrews, Steve Pantorno 1.
Best: Glenn Penglase, Paul Sankey, Max Croaker, Steve Goodie, Shannon Richardson. Andrew Shipp.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:RESERVES
The Brookers needed the help of under18 players Grainger Hartridge, Will Davis and Ricky Causer.
Harry Chernishoff and Ben Nicholl put in fine fourquarter efforts and were able to keep their intensity from first bounce to last. The back line was right on top of the Mt Evelyn forwards and repelled the Rovers’ forward thrusts to provide plenty of opportunities for the Brookers’ forwards. Dean Hester at full forward provided a target and was able to convert many of his opportunities.
From the first bounce the Brookers got on top of the Mt Evelyn side and never let them into the game. Dominant efforts by Chris Bourne and Steve Paull in the ruck and Dean Hester and Nick Green on ball were the highlights of the day.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 16.7.103 d Mt Evelyn 10.8.68.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:UNDER 18
The Brookers got a respectable start but scores at the long break were nearly even on the scoreboard. With the game in the balance the Brookers regrouped, lifting their work rate in the third quarter and then dominating the last to be able to run away with a comfortable win.
Ryan Wilson dominated on the wing and driving the team forward at every chance was a highlight of the game.
Grainger Hartridge relished playing in the midfield and with Michael Allen kept the opposition midfield honest. Jarrod Scott’s ruckwork and run proved too much for his Mt Evelyn opponents. Todd Pye and Nathan Laversha as focal points up forward and James Hampton’s tireless work down back in the last quarter helped the Brookers consolidate third position on the ladder.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 10.15.75 d Mt Evelyn 6.9.45.
Best: Ryan Wilson, Grainger Hartridge, Michael Allen, Jarrod Scott, Todd Pye.
Goals: Todd Pye 4, Alex Schueddekopf 3, Kade Brindley, Andrew Walker, Nathan Leversha 1.
Next week the club travels to Wandin in the revised draw following the change of venues earlier in the year when the Wandin game was swapped to Gembrook.
