Dockers put rivals to sword

The Secret Harbour Dockers easily accounted for crosstown rivals Baldivis with a percentage-boosting 9.21 (135) to 2.2 (14) win in blustery conditions at Rhonda Scarrott Oval at the weekend.

After winning the toss and electing to kick with a strong breeze, the Dockers showed a much greater commitment for the ball than in the previous weekend’s 242-point thumping of Koongamia.

Forward Alex Byrne went into the first break with four goals from the total of 6.8, while the Dockers kept the Brumbies scoreless.

The second term was workmanlike into the wind, with strong running and short, direct kicks allowing the forwards to shoot from close range.

The Dockers’ hard work showed on the scoreboard, kicking 5.2 for the term, with Baldivis scoring a single major.

After the main break the Dockers showed no mercy, although inaccuracy from distance saw only four goals kicked from 13 scoring shots.

Baldivis didn’t have the power to score into the breeze, with the Dockers leading 15.19 to the Brumbies solitary goal at the final change.

The Brumbies lifted late, running out the game and adding to their tally with 1.2 in the final quarter.

The Dockers were restricted to 4.2.

Byrne booted five goals for Secret Harbour, while Duragh Hagan added two.

Jordan Russell, Nathan Dennis, Daryl Beechey, Steven Nunn, Byrne and Mick Georgio were Dockers’ best.

The Div 2 twilight clash between the Dockers and equal top side Dwellingup was played in front of a good crowd.

After their disappointment against Midland the previous week, Secret Harbour trained well and showed more enthusiasm and commitment in the first term.

They had nine scoring shots, but failed to gain scoreboard pressure, kicking 2.7 while restricting Dwellingup to 2.2.

The second quarter was a cracker, with the Dockers kicking straighter and scoring 4.1.

They headed into half-time leading 6.8 to 4.5. Both sides scored 2.3 in the third term.

The final term was electric, with every player throwing themselves into the contest as injuries and fatigue mounted.

On the siren, Dwellingup just got over the Dockers, who ran out of legs, going down by four points, 10.12 (72) to 9.14 (68).