A Grade

KIMBA v CLEVE…Aside from a slight breeze, conditions were perfect for Saturday's A grade match between Kimba and Cleve had their first major on the board with a goal from Clements. Both teams were attacking well but also had many squandered opportunities with the defenders holding their ground up both ends. Bammann was strong in Cleve's defence helping to repel many of the attacks the Tigers brought to them. Kimba were a man down nearing the end of the first quarter when Larwood was sent for a 10 minute break in the likes of a yellow card. A relatively quiet quarter on the scoreboard saw Kimba in front by 16 at the first break.

The second quarter started at a rapid pace but it was the law of averages that came into play Jenner kicked a goal from a set shot after four consecutive for goal by Cleve when Kimba kicks seemed to keep finding the red and black jumper.

Cleve were strong around the packs with many quick handballs being dished out to their runners.

A goal to Kenny put the Bombers in front by a point but not long after a rushed behind to Kimba brought the scores level. A set shot to Redden had the Tigers ahead by a goal. Harris was strong in Kimba's defence but two more goals to Cleve had them ahead by seven. Shannon and Nield were providing Cleve with plenty of run up the ground. The attack at the ball from both teams was excellent and there was a strong physical presence at each contest.

At the end of the first half Cleve were in front by eight points. Rodda, Redden and Scott were playing well for Kimba, while Quinn, Perkins and Jenner were doing the same for Cleve.

Kimba seemed to dominate in the third quarter after Cleve got off to a slow start as goals to Redden and Kenchington brought Kimba back into the lead. The run and defence work brought on by the Bombers slowed down the Tigers attack but two more goals from Lienert and Harris put the Tigers ahead by 20 points at the end of the third.

The fourth quarter saw Cleve kick all the major scores. Marshall kicked the first followed by another goal to Nield. Cleve's intensity lifted somewhat with both their strong commitment to the ball. The game started to get scrappy around the packs with both teams presenting strong physical pressure.

A point to Shipard on the final was Kimba's first and only score for the last quarter but Kimba managed to come away with the win, finishing the game in front by seven points. Better players for Kimba were Rodda, Scott and Jericho while Stutley, Quinn and Perkins played well for Cleve.

Kimba 8-12 (60) d Cleve 7-11 (53)