Eagles fly over Dockers

By ROBSON AKIS
DOCKERS succumbed to the might of reigning champions West Eagles in the Moni Plus-sponsored Port Moresby Australian Football League competition at the Colts Oval on Sunday.
The overall tempo of the game was fast as both teams played entertaining football in a very physical encounter but the Eagles proved the better of the two to claim a 4.8 (32) to 2.5 (17) victory.
The Bismark Maritime-sponsored Eagles set the pace for victory in the first quarter when they notched two goals and two behinds with the wind while holding the Dockers scoreless.
The Dockers kicked a six-pointer and a behind in the second quarter to keep the game in the balance while the reigning premiers were restricted to a solitary behind.
Both teams struggled to break free of each other and neither side could find scoring opportunities as the Eagles maintained an eight-point lead at halftime.
The third quarter was an even battle but the Eagles had the upper hand with the wind as they booted two goals and three behinds to stay in the lead.
The Dockers kicked a six-pointer to remain within striking distance.
They had enough chances to claim the win with the wind in the final quarter but the Eagles backline of fullback Alois Mondo and centre-halfback Raymond Asaio were solid in defence.
The Dockers had PNG Mosquitoes’ Emmanuel Tupia, Emmaus Wartovo, Archie Mai Jr, Luke Savere Jr and Kelly Kaugla leading the way but lack of coordination in the centre square denied them of any scoring opportunities.
The reigning champions were great in forward line through former Cats stars Mackenzie Kaman and Jackson Nawi alongside Patrick Miller, Pasco Bailey and Kera Ngaffin Jr.
Eagles’ Kila Rawali, Reagan Naipao, Damien Kani, Naso Kabura and Clyde Pulah played their usual strong football in the midfield.
In the earlier match on Sunday, rookies Alavana Swans put up an improved strong performance against Gereka Bombers only to go down 4.1 (25) to 5.3 (33).