12 GOALS FROM GILL AS HILLS BURY HAWKS

Heidelberg West: 8.3-51

Panton Hill: 22.22-154

Goal Kickers: B. Gill 12, J. Whitcher 4, J. Lyngcoln 2, B. Strongman 2, N. Smith, T. Coleman

Best Players: B. Gill, B. Strongman, J. Whitcher, D. Strickland, J. Lyngcoln, K. Jones

Panton Hill have now won two matches in a row, both away from home, and are looking primed for a charge up the ladder over the second part of the season. It was a lop-sided affair in the end, as the Hawks struggled to maintain offensive pressure and break the lines, often turning it over and being punished by the Redback on-ballers and forwards. First and foremost was the contribution of Benny Gill from the goal square.

On a day where the big targets dominated in both Panton Hill sides, Gilly kicked a bag. In fact, with a total of 12 goals, you could say that he kicked a bag in each half, in a performance that would have had the great leading forwards like Tony Lockett and Jason Dunstall grinning from ear to ear. Gilly had a familiar partner in crime, with Whitcher bobbing up to kick four goals of his own.

Of course, in order for our forwards to be so damaging it took a strong and accurate performance from the midfield brigade, led by clear B&F favourite – Captain Benny Strongman. As usual Strongy was everywhere, and worked hard to win the contests and put the ball to the Redbacks advantage. Strongy was well assisted by Stricko and Nuts around the ground, with the trio collectively bullying the ball forward and taking no prisoners.

Kalev Jones continued to build on his good game against Reservoir, taking some solid marks around the ground and providing another hardened body to the contests. With the win Panton Hill has climbed to 11th on the league ladder, and is still a mathematical chance at avoiding relegation into Division 3 on the 25th of July.

The side will need to string together a few more wins over the next month to remain in Div 2 contention with the teams ranked 7-12 all in the fight to remain in the higher competition. Come along on Saturday to the Panton Hill ground to support the boys as they take on the Fitzroy Stars and attempt to keep the victories rolling.

RESERVES SMASH HAWKS FOR MAIDEN VICTORY

Heidelberg West: 5.2-32
Panton Hill: 22.15-147

Goal Kickers: T. Gilmore 10, R. Woods 2, S. Jones 2, J. Ballock 2, D. Bee, R. Fry, M. Lawn, D. Walton, A. Anderson, J. Cunningham
Best Players: T. Gilmore, R. Agnew, R. Woods, R. Fry, M. Lawn, M. Layt

Saturdays match against West was the time that everything seemed to fall into place for the twos. After weeks of demoralising losses, including several close ones against quality opposition, it was time evident that the boys were ready to pounce on any opportunity from the opening bounce.

And bounce they did. The first quarter effort of seven goals was not only the side’s highest first quarter score for the year, it was bigger than many of the full time scores that the magoos have posted so far in 2009. With a confidence boosting start like that, it was hard to see the Hawks working back into the game.

With the exception of a few patches later in the game where some of the Redbacks tried to do too many individual things, it was a resounding team success, and a powerful way to bring home the first win of the season.

Ty Gilmore played the role of full forward for the entire game, and the strapping Panton Hill local did not disappoint his coach, kicking 10 goals mostly from set shots in a dominant performance that delighted the Redback supporters and players.

The side had winners all over the ground, with Ryan Agnew putting in his best performance to date, and stifling many attacking presses from the home team and providing great rebound off the half back line, linking up with the likes of Ricky Woods and Russ Fry who commanded the corridor with ease.

Lawny and Noodles also worked hard all day on the wings and through the guts, providing plenty of physicality to the contest and driving the boys forward at every opportunity. Coach Jono Manzoney was rapt with the team performance and stated after the game that every player on the ground pulled their weight and played their role well.

Saturday will be a big test for the twos to see if they can overcome the Stars, and will go into the game with confidence after the big win. The corresponding match from last year was only decided by a couple of kicks with Fitzroy getting the win, so get there by noon to support the lads.