Joe Davidson
The Byron Coopers Magpies will go into a bye this weekend with their confidence up from a big win against Bond Uni on Saturday in Aussie Rules.
The team travelled to the Gold Coast to play on the opposition’s new home ground at the Bond University campus. Perfect conditions for football provided Byron with plenty of scoring opportunities throughout the game.
The team started strongly in the first quarter with multiple goals from Matt Shaw and Liam Afflick. But the highlight of the opening term was Dave Smith’s shot to the head on teammate Dougal Walter Wiley which sent him scurrying blindly to the sideline. The hit must have caused some long term damage to the ruckman as his head was still noticeably spinning 24 hours later.
The second quarter saw a high work rate from wingers Robbie and Floyd Bullock. The backline applied their strong marking ‘Termite Barrier’ to hold off any score from the opposition in the second quarter. Half time scores were Byron 9.6.60 to Bond 2.1.13.
The back six led by Shane Morritt again kept Bond scoreless in the third quarter, despite some Petty kicking into the arms of opposition players. Dane Winstanley and Nick Baker accrued a number of kicks between them to push the ball forward. Although the scores showed otherwise, Bond continued to be competitive at the ball throughout the second half.
The final quarter opened with the two teams going goal for goal early before Byron again kicked away. Byron made the most of the slight wind advantage to finish strongly and claim another win. Final scores: Byron 19.13.127 to Bond 3.3.21. Apparently team celebrations went so well that the boys in blue felt the need to invite themselves to the post game party.
Beach Hotel awards went to Jason Elverd, Matt Shaw (5 goals), Dougal Walter Wiley, Liam Afflick (6 goals), Brett Porter and Dan Tiffen. The next game is against the Tweed Coast Tigers on Saturday 6th July at Shultz Oval, Bangalow.
A family barefoot bowls day will be held at Byron Bay Bowling Club this Sunday June 30 from 12 midday. All players and supporters past and present are welcome.
