SANFL 2006 ROUND 21: CENTRAL DISTRICT v GLENELG

Historic win for Dogs

By ROBERT LAIDLAW

CENTRAL District defeated Glenelg in last Saturday night's game at Hamra Homes Oval by 50 points to secure its finals participation for the seventh consecutive season, and also went into the black against the Tigers for the first time.

Drawing level three times over the past five games between the clubs, the Bulldogs finally put their noses in front, and now hold a 53 win, 52 loss, all time record against Glenelg.

More importantly though, Central District won a crucial late-season game close to the finals, which will give the Dogs confidence as they gear up for another assault on the premiership.

The double chance is crucial if the Bulldogs are to remain a force in 2006, and with victory over Glenelg, they are in the box seat, but must overcome North Adelaide at home this Saturday night which will give the club a clean slate at Elizabeth for the first time since 1995.

Although Central District matched up well against the Tigers, and restricted their open fast-paced style of game, Glenelg kept finding something extra to remain within striking distance until late in the game.

Posting five majors with its first five shots on goal helped Glenelg stay in touch with an inaccurate Bulldogs in the first term, and over the middle quarters whenever the home side seemed to inch away, the Tigers fought back.

Leading by 24 points at the final break, the Bulldogs kicked the first goal of the last term, and after conceding a Glenelg major, they stepped up a gear and pulled away.

Two crucial match-ups worked a treat for Central District.

Tiger playmaker Brett Backwell was well contained by un-heralded Andrew Hayes on the wing, although the Tiger dynamo bobbed up for three crucial goals; and Matthew Duldig was given virtually no latitude from experienced returnee Quinton Graham.

“We had a bit of an ordinary start, but the last 15 minutes of the first term was good, as we applied pressure and continued to through the rest of the game,” Central coach Roy Laird said.

“Against a side which had an awful lot to play for, and was desperate to win, for us to get the points convincingly in the end was satisfying.

“After Backwell picked up 45 possessions the previous week, we had to do something and Andrew Hayes did not allow him any space, while Quinton Graham did an excellent job on Duldig, it was his best game this year.

“Justin Westhoff hurt his hand but we are hoping he will come up for this week's important game against North, while both Luke Cowan and Stuart Cochrane are good chances to start.”

Central District can virtually seal the double chance if it can account for the Roosters this Saturday.

The game will commence at 6.30pm at Hamra Homes Oval.

SCORES: Central District 5.4 7.8 12.10 18.12 (120) defeated Glenelg 4.0 6.1 9.4 11.4 (70).

BEST: Central – O'Sullivan, Thomas, C.Gowans, Switala; Glenelg – McConnell, Smith, Panozzo, Yeomans.

GOALS: Central – O'Sullivan 4, McKenzie 3, C.Gowans, Schell, L. Westhoff, Slade 2, J. Westhoff, McCabe, J. Gowans; Glenelg – Backwell, Smith 3, Ruwoldt, Duldig, McConnnell, Yeomans, Austin.