For the second time this season the Byron Coopers Magpies defeated 2012 Premiers Tweed Coast Tigers. This time the game was held at Byron’s home ground in Bangalow on Saturday afternoon.
A slow start to the game by Byron allowed Tweed to gain control for most of the first half. Strong leads by centre half forward Zeke Hower brought the ball towards Byron’s scoring end a number of times, but disappointing shots at goal let the team down up to the half-time break. Half-time scores were Byron 2.7.19 to Tweed 4.3.27.
Coach Dave Gee must have said something right during the break as Byron’s third-quarter was a complete turnaround. Zac Petty and Ash Tivendale moved the ball out of the back line to set up goals and momentum swung to the Magpies. Heath Griggs snapped a ripper of a goal at the northern end of the ground to lift the side and give them an eight-point lead at three-quarter time.
Goals continued to flow in the fourth-quarter with Nathan Moon following up his own kick to rove and complete a shot at goal on the run. Byron supporters were clearly pleased with their team’s display with most of the flow going towards the home team’s goal. Liam Afflick found his line and kicked truly to push Byron out of the reach of Tweed.
The final score in an impressive win was Byron 12.12.84 to Tweed 6.5.41. Beach Hotel and Pantry 29 Awards went to Zeke Hower, Ash Tivendale, Kane Bullock, Nathan Moon, Sam Mitchell, Heath Griggs and Zac Petty. Injured forward Jared Matheson continued to do what he does best, absolutely nothing.
Goal scorers were Liam Afflick 3, Kane Bullock 2, Heath Griggs 2, Zeke Hower, Nathan Moon, Dane Winstanley, Ryan McMillan and Matt Shaw. Next weekend Byron will play Burliegh Heads in another home game at Bangalow.
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