Sam Uphill goes for the big hit. Photos: Grant Robertson 150313GRA18
By Samantha Newsam
HUNT’S Carpets firmed their hold on the Servies Super 9s lead, and favourites tag, with a come-from-behind one-goal win over Sportspower on Friday night.
New England Mutual were also one-goal winners and continue to look the biggest challengers to Hunt’s.
The undefeated table-toppers started strongly against Sportspower but found themselves trailing 4-2 late into the third quarter.
It was all Hunt’s on the scoreboard from there though with sustained attacking pressure seeing them slot the next three goals for a 5-4 win.
Ben Hanlan has been a star for Hunt’s all competition and was at his attacking best on Friday night.
He had a hand in all five of Hunt’s goals including a solo effort from the hit off.
For the beaten Sportspower, Jared Mackay was very strong in defence.
The second game was played between Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre (ABAC) and NEM was a game of two very different styles of play.
After picking up a draw last week and still searching for their first win of the competition, ABAC played with superb control through the backs and midline, while NEM displayed some very attractive attacking skills with their young gun forwards Isaac Farmilo and Jim O’Brien.
The difference in the end was their conversion rates.
NEM took the most of their limited opportunities and were eventual winners 3-2.
Donovan Chalmers and Sam Lobsey were two of the best for the beaten ABAC with Lobsey strong through the midfield.
The two one-goal results followed two draws the previous round and meant there was no change to the positions heading into the final round.