HAPPY: Beaufort coach Dale Power has his team up and firing after the opening nine games of the year. File picture: Adam Trafford.
BEAUFORT remains one of only two sides yet to drop a game this season and arethe new Central Highlands Football League ladder-leadersafter claiming victory over Dunnstown by 36 points.
Saturday’s winhas lifted the Beaufort boys from second spot on the table to bepercentage clear of Waubra, which is also unbeaten after the opening nine gamesof 2015.
The Crows and the Roos played out a draw in round five.
On the weekend, the tough and disciplined Crows overcame a slow start to eventually take control ofthe game and force the Townerson the back foot.
Dunnstown’s ability to slow things down and force a defensive scrap early wasadmirable, but the Daville Building Surveying Towners struggled to maintain their intensity as the contestwore on.
After an inaccurate (1.6) opening term, Beaufort was able to gradually get the gameon its own terms, as the Crows got on top at stoppages and largely controlledpossession.
Defender Lachlan Pfeiffer was particularly influential for the Graintech Crows, as his ability tonullify the classy Aaron Sawers was a key reason why his side took a 16-point leadinto half time.
Dunnstown flashed in and out of the game after the main break, but whenever itseemed that the Towners were on the verge of a comeback, Beaufort quickly repliedon the scoreboard.
Crows’ forward Matt Begbie was instrumental in the victory, proving a handful upforward and kicking goals at crucial times in the second half.
Coach Dale Power said it was a solid performance from his team and lauded an evenspread of contributors.
“We’re a pretty even side across the ground, which is important in this league,”Power said.
“We’re not really deficient in any one area and we’re not outstanding in any onearea. If we all play our role, we seem to get the result at the moment.
“There were only maybe two patches I can think of where we didn’t control the play.It felt like we had hold of the tempo and hold of the clearances.”
Despite the loss, it was once again an improved performance from Dunnstown.
The Towners impressed with their ability to defend and slow Beaufort’s ballmovement, but despitepersevering to the final siren, were unable to keep up withthe Crows after quarter time.
Coach Justin Abrams said the signs were promising for his side, which sits justoutside the top eight in 10thspot, but is now two games adrift ofthe finals bracket.
“We’re getting there,” Abrams said.
“As I said to the boys after the game, take Gordon last week. They were cellardwellers for about four years and it’s taken them that long to rebuild. Beaufortweren’t dissimilar – they were really battling and now they’re unbeaten.
“We’re in our first year of a rebuild. To be within 20 points last week and 36 pointsthis week, it’s pleasing. There are more positives than negatives.”
Experienced ruckman Mark Stewart was once again excellent for the Towners,providing a target around the ground as well as up forward, while Daniel McGrathand Mitch Kennedy both stood up in defence.
Beaufort has a big clash with Gordon to plan for next weekend, while Dunnstown has another difficult encounter with Buninyong.
This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.
