Singleton Roosters prevail over powerhouse Cardiff in the upset of the season
The Singleton Roosters have pulled off the AFL Hunter Central Coast senior competition’s upset victory of the year after defeating Cardiff by 39-points this afternoon.
The 12.15 (87) to 7.6 (48) triumph marked the Roosters’ fourth on the trot (a record streak for the club since re-entering the region’s top tier competition) after victories over Wyong Lakes, Maitland and Gosford earlier in the month. “Today gives us every chance to finish as high as we can come finals which in turn means we then play a side which is (hopefully) not a strong as Cardiff,” senior coach Andrew Scott told the Singleton Argus. “This gives the boys a lot of confidence that we can beat a side like Cardiff and it’s a reward for all the hard work we’ve put on the track.”
The third placed Hawks would make eight changes to their line-up entering the match with captain Bryce Graetz amongst those absent from the afternoon’s line-up. Yet nobody could have predicted Singleton’s early dominance as the Roosters registered 10 of the game’s opening 13 goals to the delight of the Rose Point Park crowd.
Daine Cowburn would finish with three goals for the second straight week, inspiring his men to an early 51-point lead, while first year Rooster Zachary Thompson would join his coach in the side’s best players. “Admittedly, they had a lot of players out this week but I still think the win will give the boys confidence going forward,” Scott added.
The victory also came as an early birthday present for senior debutant Nathan Swan who turns 16 tomorrow. The Medowie based athletics star stepped up to the plate throughout the afternoon following injuries to fellow defenders Cody Marchant (groin) and Conrad Smith (hamstring). “I was just thinking about playing my role and going hard at the ball,” the Katherine born recruit admitted. “I’ve been playing since I was six but there have been limited seasons due to three broken bones as well as a snake bite. “It was pretty good to have Mum (Ruth Swan) drive me out here to play for Singleton as well so I’d like to thank her.”
The Roosters will now travel to play fellow finals contender Warners Bay next weekend, while Cardiff will aim to regroup in a massive test vs. Newcastle City at N0. 1 Sportsground (Live on Bar TV – Check our the AFLHCC Facebook page for the live game link).
Goal Kickers
Singleton: D. Cowburn 3, C. Saunders 2, R. Wilkes 2, J. Bates 2, S. Brasington, C. White, A. Mitchell.
Cardiff: T. Keys 3, M. Ryan, T. Thompson, A. Wivell, D. Hoy-Maroney.
Best Players
Singleton: A. Scott, Z. Thompson, A. Macpherson, C. Smith, A. Mitchell.
Cardiff: J. Pratt, J. Campbell, P. Delaney, M. DeLeur, D. Hoy-Maroney, H. O”Neill.
