SWFL: Hawks snatch third spot

Augusta-Margaret River consolidated third spot on the ladder after a come-from-behind 12.10 (82) to 9.7 (61) victory over Carey Park on Sunday afternoon.

The win at Kelly Park was not without worry for the visitors, who were hit with a first quarter five-goal salvo, four ofthem before the Hawks could even spread their wings.

Carey Park got the jump on the visitors with four majors in the first 10 minutes before Aaron Baker got AMR on the board.

Martin had the last word of the first quarter when he kicked truly again and the Panthers took a 22-point lead into quarter time.

Hawks playing-coach Tim Noakes got in on the act in the second term with the first of three goals with a fine, angled shot from the pocket.

But Carey Park captian Martin pulled down a great mark from a long Shannon Spadaccini inside 50 and kicked truly to keep the Panthers ahead.

Then it all turned pear shaped for the home side with Mark Semini and Will Young majors putting the visitors back in the game.

The astute Noakes read the riot act to his men at half-time with the need to control Martin a major focus.

That was done successfully and with Noakes and Mitch Gerrans gifted goals via a free kick and a 50-metre penalty and Aaron Baker running in a minute later the Hawks wrested the lead just four minutes into the second half.

The Panthers created several chances in the final term, but with Martin and Heath Stewart hitting the post, and the skipper putting another long-range shot wide, their chances went begging.

Scoreboard

Aug-Marg River 1.2 4.6 10.8 12.10 82 def Carey Park 5.0 7.0 8.3 9.7 61

Goals:

AMR – T. Noakes 3, A. Baker 2, P. Travers, M. Semini, B. Gerrans, M. Gerrans, B.Noakes, W. Young, C. Alexandra.

CAREY PARK – M. Martin, L. Stewart 3, V. Blurton, A. Hill, A. Rake.

Best:

AMR – P. Travers, B. Franz, M. Ellis, B. Noakes, M. Semini, W. Young, T. Noakes.

CAREY PARK – M. Bevis, V. Blurton, L. Stewart, T. Wells, S. Spadaccini , B. Munday, B.Lawler.