TOM McKINNON – SWDFNL – Dartmoor Reserves


THE Dartmoor Giants Reserves have stamped their authority on the competition with a commanding 33-point win over fellow ladder-leaders Cavendish, finishing 77 to 41 in a clash that may well prove season-defining.


With both sides entering the match equal on points and separated only by percentage, it was Dartmoor who rose to the occasion, producing a four-quarter effort to claim top spot outright.


The Giants got the jump early, piling on four goals in the opening quarter to take control of the game.


That fast start provided a crucial buffer, as Cavendish fought hard to stay in the contest.


The Bloods found a focal point in Ryan Wilks, who kicked four of his team’s six goals, keeping the visitors within striking distance at halftime.


But it was Dartmoor’s relentless pressure after the break that broke the game open.


A bruising third quarter saw Cavendish held goalless, as the Giants’ tackling and contested work strangled any hope of a comeback.


Zac Nash was outstanding across the ground, earning best-on-ground honours for his trademark hard running and fierce tackling.


He was well-supported by Bailey Polaski, Cody Peppin, Latham Hill, Jamison Buckley and Bryce Baldwin in what was a complete team performance.


Adding to the lift was the return of Caleb Bachmann, returning from injury and making an immediate impact.


Bachmann finished with three goals and a mountain of possessions through the midfield, giving the Giants added spark and drive going forward.


The win gives Dartmoor valuable breathing room at the top of the ladder as they look to continue their strong run into the back half of the season.


Seniors


THE Dartmoor Giants have produced another commanding display, this time on the road, comfortably accounting for Cavendish with an 88-point victory in a powerful four-quarter performance.


Right from the opening bounce, the Giants set the tone.


A 6.2 first quarter immediately put the home side under immense pressure and Dartmoor never looked back.


By half-time, Dartmoor’s defence had completely taken over, holding Cavendish to just one goal for the opening half.


Up forward, the combination of Christian Howlett, Lachlan Glare and Dale Bachmann was electric, combining for 11 goals as the Giants’ forwards feasted on quality delivery from the midfield.


Kaleb Bowd continued his outstanding form and earned best-on-ground honours for his work in the midfield, leading the way with fierce tackling and repeated centre clearances.


Also impressing for the Giants were Glare, Lachlan Polaski, Howlett, Cody Benson, and Brody Pratt, all playing key roles in a dominant team performance.


Despite the margin, Cavendish kept fighting all afternoon, with Oliver Dinges, Sam Gibson, Tom McGinley, Jonathon Coghlan, Ryan Wardlaw, and Bailey Herrmann standing out as the Bloods’ best.


The win strengthens Dartmoor’s position on the ladder and sends another strong message to the rest of the competition