THE Singleton Roosters’ 2018 AFL season came to a close on Saturday when both the Hunter Black Diamond Cup and GE Women’s sides suffered defeats in their semi-finals at Weeraman Field, Muswellbrook.
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In the Black Diamond Cup, Warners Bay progressed through to the preliminary finals next week after a hard-fought 7.17.59 to 5.8.38 win over Singleton.
With blustery winds making conditions for football difficult, Warners Bay’s mercurial forward Jack Hardman proved the difference kicking four goals, including a crucial major just before three-quarter time after Singleton had clawed its way to within four points and two goals in the final term.
While Hardman was damaging for the Bulldogs, Roosters coach Andrew Scott did everything in his power to inspire his charges with a Best on Ground performance.
After an even start to the game where it took 16 minutes for the first major, Warners Bay was able to gain the advantage with three first quarter goals to lead by 18 points at quarter time.
The second term was much like the first with both teams unable to take their opportunities in front of goal.
Two late scores to Singleton’s Ben Graham saw the margin at nine points in favour of the Bulldogs at half-time.
Youngsters Ky McGrath and Riley Warner, relishing the return to the ground they learnt their football, were providing good drive off half back for the Bulldogs, while Roosters big guns Sam Brasington and Cameron White were in everything for their outfit.
The third quarter saw Luke McKenna open the scoring with a goal.
However, majors to Alex Mitchell and White reduced the margin to just four, before Hardman’s goal on the siren made it a 10-point advantage at the final change.
With Hardman on song up forward and Ben Crawley strong in the ruck, Warners Bay controlled the last quarter to run out 21-point winners.
Best for the Bulldogs were Crawley, McGrath, Hardman and Luke Roach while Scott, Moore, Oliver Moody and Graham were the boost for the Roosters.
Warners Bay 3.4, 3.8, 5.12, 7.17 (59)
Singleton 0.4, 2.5, 4.8, 5.8 (38)
Goals: Ben Graham 2, Cameron White 1, Alex Mitchell 1, Tristan Chalker 1
Best: Andrew Scott, Cameron White, Oliver Moody, Ben Graham, Samuel Brasington, Brenton Potter
In the GE Women’s semi-final, Killarney Vale got the jump on Singleton on their way to a 5.4.34 to 1.1.7 win.
Four goals to nil in the first half gave the Bombers the ascendancy and while the Roosterettes matched them in the second period, they were unable to bridge the gap.
Singleton’s Tori Cowburn was superb with her run and carry and also her ability to pick up possessions at will.
Lua Roser, Madeleine Edsell and Hayley Richards also played well.
The 2018 season has been a great success for Singleton, reaching the finals for the first time in both the Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup and GE Women’s competitions.
Players from both the men and women’s teams are expected to be in contention when the season awards are presented on Wednesday night at Black Diamond AFL Elliott Davey Medal Night.
