Match of the Round Report: Bathurst Giants vs Dubbo Demons

A Bathurst Giants player gets their kick away at the Season launch vs Parkes. The Giants opened up their 2021 premiership defence with victory over the Dubbo Demons

 

 

The Bathurst Giants have kicked off their 2021 campaign with a convincing 39-point victory over the Dubbo Demon in front of a passionate crowd at George Park.

In a highly physical encounter, both sides had their chances, but the Giants were just too strong on the day, with Hailee Provest kicking three goals and Laycee Covington-Gorst, and Elise Gullifer both kicking two goals apiece for the Giants, while Lauren Hazell was the lone goal kicker for the Dubbo Demons, also kicking two.

 

Quarter 1 – Giants 5.2-32 lead Demons 1.1-7

The Giants came out of the gates fast, able to move the ball around the park efficiently and have opportunities at goal. Laycee Covington-Gorst was outstanding, making key tackles, disposals, and kicking a key goal in the quarter. Hailee Provest, Zoe Peters, and Elise Gullifer also scored goals in the quarter, helping to extend the Giants lead. Dubbo eventually found their footing towards the end of the quarter with Lauren Hazell kicking a goal to get the Demons back in the game.

 

Quarter 2 – Giants 6.4-40 lead Demons 1.4-10

The second quarter started out tough and frantic, with the action going from one side to another. Eventually the Giants started to pressure the Demons backline, however Dubbo defender Cassandra Kelly was up to the task, defusing the situation for the Dees. Kaitlyn Kennedy played strongly for the Giants, moving the ball through the midfield creating opportunities for her side. Eventually Sarah Taylor kicked a smooth, accurate pass to Hailee Provest, who took the mark and kicked the goal to give the Giants some breathing space. The Demons fought back late in the second quarter but the Giants defence were able to hold out until the halftime siren.

 

Quarter 3 – Giants 8.4-52 lead Demons 1.6-12

The third quarter started much like the second, with strong tackling made from both sides. The Giants defence was tested early in the quarter, but Aimee Schmidt was up to the challenge, making a key tackle to stop the Demons attack.

The Giants looked to have turned the tide halfway through the quarter with Saige Davies taking a huge mark, but she was unable to score. Eventually the Bathurst side managed to extend their lead with Kaitlyn Kennedy setting up Hailee Provest, who converted the set shot on goal.

 

Quarter 4 – Giants 9.4-58 defeat Demons 2.7-19

Dubbo hit back on the scoreboard early in the fourth, with Lauren Hazell kicking her second for the afternoon. Tamara Thompson was outstanding in the midfield, using her strength and speed to get the ball into the Giants forward line. She was also in the thick of it on defence, making some outstanding tackles. The quarter was very scrappy, with some desperate footy being played from both sides.  The Demons were unable to make a comeback however, with the Giants taking the victory for their round 1 clash.

 

Coaches Comments:

On the Game:

Giants (Mick Sloan – Assistant Coach) – “It was a tough game, Dubbo are a fantastic team, and we have a good rivalry between the two sides. It was physical, there was no easy ball to be won, I think we probably just started a little better than them.”

Demons (Peter Martinnoli – Assistant Coach) – “It was a pretty even contest, the Giants kicked away pretty early, but overall, I’m really happy with the outcome.”

On the coach’s standout performance:

Giants – “It was hard to pick out a standout performance, it was a really even performance from us as a team. I was happy with our new players, I thought Molly McCrossin and Rosie Snare for their first games were really strong.”

Demons – “Emily Warner, backing up best performance last year as well as a few new players.”

On what was said at halftime:

Giants – “We just talked about sticking to our game plan, and playing at the way we wanted to play, and then maintain that pressure and not relax in the second half.”

Demons – “Just to keep it positive, the ball was moving where we wanted it to most of the time, and a few skill errors, but overall, it was a really positive reinforcement of what we have done over the pre-season.”

On the opposition:

Giants – “Dubbo are a strong club and a great team, and we look forward to many tough, tight encounters against them.”

Demons – “As always, the Giants are a really competitive team, pretty much what we expected to see Round 1, especially after the Parkes gala day.”

On improvements for next week:

Giants – “We will review some things, I think our transition from our back line into the forward line is probably something we can work on, but it’s early in the season, and we are a bit rusty and we will get better as we get more match practice.”

Demons – “Maybe some tackling pressure, goal accuracy, and a bit of fitness.”

 

Score:

Goal Kickers

What’s Next

Bathurst Giants – The Giants travel to George Park 2 to take on the Bathurst Bushrangers in a local derby

Dubbo Demons – With their ground still unavailable, the Dees hit the road to play the Orange Tigers

 

 

 

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