Matthew Beggs
34 supporters
Naracoorte prove too strong for Kingston

Naracoorte prove too strong for Kingston

Aug 29, 2022

Naracoorte booked a spot in the first Semi Final after they defeated Kingston by 53-points. The Demons held up against an early game charge by the Saints to set up the challenge of facing reigning premier Mundulla at Penola on Sunday.

The game was scrappy early. There was lots of tackles and kicks that were sprayed due to the pressure both teams were putting on. Naracoorte were the first team to get a goal through Matt Willson after Kingston blew early chances in front of goal at the other end. Kingston worked hard and Bew Warner found Todd Lockwood twice in a row as the Saints took an eight point lead entering time on. Jack Harding, James Siviour, Jake Wehl and Henry Lawrie had started the game well for the Saints. Kingston attacked again, but only a point was kicked. Naracoorte worked the ball down the field from the kick in where Brock Summerhayes was able to slot a goal for Naracoorte and have them two points behind at the first change. Matt Willson, Kennan Jacobs and Josh Gregg were providing the Demons with good ball use around the ground.

Naracoorte's work rate lifted in the second quarter as they kept the ball in their front half for most of the quarter. Rory Taggert gave the Demons the lead after getting the first goal of the quarter. Goals also from Sam Bates, Matt and Sam Willson pushed the Demons advantage out to 25-point lead. Naracoorte were putting the score on the board from their hard work around the ground. Josh Gregg was using the ball well when he got it out in the open. Keenan Jacobs was doing the grunt work. Jamie Bettoncelli was holding down the defence and would get in the way any time the Saints attacked. Kingston were finding it hard to get any forward chains going. James Siviour was playing a great game in the ruck, taking lots of marks for the Saints. Ben Warner, Campbell Watts, Brett Simpson, Henry Lawrie and Ben Rogers had good second quarters for the Saints. Kingston just couldn't convert their chances in to goals. Naracoorte went in to half time 27-points ahead.

Naracoorte extended their lead early in the third quarter as Sam Bates kicked a great roving goal. Sam was providing a great target for the Demons to go to in the forward 50. Rory Taggert kicked a goal to extend the margin to 38-points. Taggert and Kingston's Jake Fisher were having a great contest as two heavy weights collided. Kingston finally got a goal through Todd Lockwood as they tried to stay in the game. Lockwood was proving to be Kingston's only avenue to goal. Rory Taggert kicked another goal late for the Demons as Naracoorte had opened up a 38-point lead by the last change. Josh Gregg and Keenan Jacobs continued their form of the first half with their work around the ground. Matt Willson was providing clean skills and run when he got free. Campbell Watts, James Siviour, Jake Wehl and Tom Rogers battled hard for the Saints. Todd Lockwood was working hard to provide leads during the third quarter.

Naracoorte put the contest out of reach early in the 4th quarter when Will Walker, Rory Taggert and Bart Nolen kicked the first three goals of the quarter. The margin was 58-points. Josh Gregg and Keenan Jacobs were getting clearances and giving the Demons forwards silver service. Matt Willson kept running hard to get open and use his smarts to hurt the Saints with his skills. Nicolas Lacey, Will Walker and Sam Bates were others doing damage for the Demons. James Siviour laced out a pass to Todd Lockwood as he was able to put through a goal for the Saints. The saints added another when Cody Benson and Ethan Murdock combined to find Todd Lockwood who kicked his fifth and proved to be Kingston's only goal kicker. James Siviour was outstanding in the ruck for the Saints all over the ground. Ben Warner was running the game out hard for the Saints. Campbell Watts and Jake Wehl were finishing the game strong. Naracoorte ended the game with a goal to Rory Taggert and the Demons had booked a 1st Semi Final showdown with Mundulla.

Enjoy this post?

Buy Matthew Beggs a Beer

More from Matthew Beggs