Three big-name forward recruits shone brightly in new colours as the NTFA’s second division returned to action.
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Old Launcestonians’ Field Reeves led the way with a bag of 10 as the Blues made the perfect start to life under Paul Beechey, notching a 27.22 (184) to 5.3 (33) win over Tamar Cats.
The ex-Rocherlea forward doubled the Cats’ score on his OLs debut, benefiting from the dominance of reigning best-and-fairest winner Chae Evans and Longford recruit Callum Walker, while William Archer chipped in with four goals.
Jarrod Murray (three goals) was also dangerous in his first game against his old side.
The Cats struggled to compete with a solid Blues side, conceding seven goals to two in the first term and another ten in the last. Quinton Tahiri was the Cat’s sole multiple goal kicker, while Jesse Tunks impressed in his first game since leaving Bracknell.
PERTH made a winning start to 2018, running over Meander Valley Suns in a soggy affair at home.
The wet weather saw both sides kick more than twice as many points as goals, with Rocherlea import Josh Holton (five goals) the most effective in front of the sticks.
Jamin Douce and Harley Thomas both starred for the Magpies, while Holton’s ex-Tigers teammates also made good starts in their Perth debuts, with Zach Iles named in the best and Zane Brown hitting the scoreboard.
Rory Lawrence put in a great game for the Suns but couldn’t drag the visitors over the line as the Magpies cemented a 11.24 (90) to 6.16 (52) victory.
BRIDPORT showed plenty in round one’s second 100-point flogging, scoring eight unanswered goals in the last term to complete a 19.25 (139) to 5.5 (35) win over Uni-Mowbray.
Scottsdale recruit Matthew Taylor kicked eight goals to challenge Reeves for the round’s most impressive debut, while Monita Makitae, Jarrah Burns, Cody Kerrison and Tim Barrett all kicked two apiece.
Adam McDermott, Zac Fleming and Daniel Bluett were all serviceable on a tough day for Uni-Mowbray.
Stephen Daniels was the sole multiple goal kicker for the City Eagles.
The much-anticipated clash between finals aspirants LILYDALE and Evandale was called off after less than five minutes had elapsed in the first quarter. Coaches and umpires agreed to split the points after a serious hip injury to a Country Eagles player halted the game for about an hour.
Wet weather was not a factor in the injury.
ST PATS took a big scalp in the night game, toppling competition heavyweight Old Scotch by 70 points.
Playing in the driest conditions of the day, the Saints blew Old Scotch out of the water in the first quarter by piling on six goals to none to take a 37-point lead into quarter time.
The Thistles pulled back a goal in the second term, but a comeback was not to be as the home side kicked 10 goals to four after half time to run out winners 19.10 (124) to 8.6 (54).