The Southern Saints have won their first home game, defeating the Central Giants by 52 points in Christchurch.
The Giants got off to a hot start early on and looked like they were going to take control of the game. Steph Tabaillou kicking the opening goal of the game. The Giants were straight shooters throughout the Quarter kicking 3 goals and 0 behinds, but the Saints were hot on their tails with 7 scoring shots only be down by 1 at the end of the quarter.
The Saints then turned up the heat and put on a masterclass performance in the second quarter, kicking 6 goals to give themselves into a commanding lead. Jack Synnott followed up his strong first round performance with another huge goal scoring effort. The Giants fought hard to keep the scores close but only managed 1 goal for the quarter.
With a limited bench, the Giants were under the pump from a fit Saints side who were relentless in their efforts around the ground. Giants backs Will Anderson and Lachlan Salmon, tightened up the Giants defense and the third quarter became an arm wrestle.
The arm wrestle continued into the fourth quarter with both sides emptying the tanks. It was a valiant effort from the Giants, but the Saints proved too good in the end, taking the win and getting a step closer to a Grand Final spot
The Hero
Jack Synnott is an attacking powerhouse. His speed and footwork make him hard to tackle and gives himself space to take a shot at goal. Jack is proving to be difficult for defenders to manage and is on his way to being a top goal scorer in the premiership
The Support Crew
Josh Charlton was brilliant at centre half back, taking multiple intercepts and clearing the ball well throughout the day. Josh Robles-McGill was also played a key role in clearing the ball, providing strong leads to make himself an option and then moving the ball up the ground.
The Consolation Effort
Xavier Rice is a very strong midfielder. He attacks the ball strong and makes multiple efforts when the ball hits the deck. he is also a great leader on and off the field and he pushes every member of his team to succeed.
Quarter Time: Saints 2 5 17 Giants 3 0 18
Half Time: Saints 8 6 54 Giants 4 3 27
3 Quarter Time: Saints 10 9 69 Giants 5 4 34
Full Time: Saints 13 11 89 Giants 5 7 37
Goal Scorers
Southern Saints: Jack Synnott 5, Jack Penniket 2, Kieran Charlton 2, Josh Charlton 1, Cam Howison 1, Noah Allison 1, Josh Robles-McGill 1
Central Giants: Steph Tabaillou 2, Xavier Giles 2, Logan Toomer 1
