Dockers give Dees the slip

In a seesawing battle played in slippery and boggy conditions, the Demons raced to an early lead that the Dockers were not able to overhaul until the third quarter.

A last-quarter rally by the Demons saw two shots at goal hit the post as they just failed to catch the Dockers, who hung on grimly for their 8.13 (61) to 8.6 (54) win.

The Demons adapted more quickly to the rain and raced in four first-quarter goals to Burnie's one, prompting coach Darren Winter to move from the half-back to half- forward line in an attempt to spark his lethargic charges.

But it was State ruckman Brad Davis who proved crucial in turning the tide. Davis dominated the rucks, giving the Dockers a flood of possession from the taps which initiated momentum in the second quarter.

Burnie went to the big break trailing by one goal, then kicked 5.3 to 1.1 in the third quarter to appear sure winners.

Demons coach Darryn Perry had different ideas. He told his players before the final term: ``Want the ball, play like men possessed, and kick goals''. Within 90 seconds, Andrew Beveridge complied as the Dockers went into defensive mode.

Nigel Scott was unlucky to hit the woodwork after receiving an spearing pass from Marcus Wolak, but the biggest moan from Demons fans came when Peter Di Venuto played on after marking in the goal square _ he ran around to make the angle more difficult before hitting the post with his kick.

Burnie's win came as a result of an inspired third quarter. As sea mist enveloped the ground, young Docker Brett Wilson's magic handling paid off with a goal in the sixth minute to spark the Dockers into life.

Grant Guard provided his own magic by taking a screamer and unselfishly playing on to Andrew Hill in an open goal; Guard was rewarded with a goal 10 minutes later from a set kick.

Cale O'Keefe matched Guard's mark with a towering 50m goal _ a huge effort with the waterlogged ball.

The Demons always looked more dangerous in attack during yesterday's game, a positive sign for the Hobart club's season 2000 campaign.

Di Venuto's presence in the forward line gave them a potent target, while Andrew Beveridge proved a sharp shooter despite the conditions.

Burnie's Graham Wright was busy in the midfield. His presence becomes more noticeable each week as his match fitness increases.

However, it was Davis who carried the Dockers to victory. Nathan Stevanovich and Tim Gordon were no match in the rucks, and Winter was full of praise for him.

``Davis would have to be close to the best ruckman in the league,'' Winter said.

``Just his endeavour during the game _ he works hard all day. He's been doing extra work at training. It's just a credit to the guy that he was out with a broken hand and has worked his way back.''

Perry was justifiably upset with the umpiring standard of yesterday's game, with inconsistent and baffling decisions giving neither side nor spectators any joy. For up-to-date ladder and scores visit the TSFL home page.