THERE was a certain level of excitement for Nyah Nyah West United, as the Demons welcomed the return of some players of substance and expected a level of competitiveness at home against Tyntynder.
At various stages the home team managed to be the equal of the Bulldogs but in the wash up they just did not have the manpower with the expertise to match the reinvigorated Tyntynder outfit.
The visitors were out of the blocks early and were getting most of the play in a scrappy slog, as the Demons worked hard to shut down the Dogs’ danger men in David Andrivon and Kayle Kirby.
Andrivon was finding it difficult to find space to get a clear run at the ball, whether it be on the turf on in the air, while the slippery Kirby was getting some of the ball and creating concerns for the home side.
Matt Willox was controlling the ruck duel and Reece Collins was creating opportunities with good run and penetrating kicks from half back.
Another improving Bulldog is Josh Cheek who was always busy and he was ably assisted by Marcus Wattie, Matt Lanigan and Tom Sala.
The Demons were being well-served by captain/coach Jarred Skinner who was tireless in his endeavours to get his side into the contest as was legendary veteran Ash Thompson.
The second term was a better one for the Dees as the managed to lock down many of the Dogs better players, but in doing so they also stifled their own ability to score freely.
United actually outscored the visitors in that second stanza albeit by only two points.
The third term saw the match as a contest start to open up a little, both sides starting to run and carry, and scoring became a little easier.
Bulldog stars were starting to shine as Andrivon and Kirby were finding space and big Glen Gascoyne was proving a handful for the smaller Dean Harrop — the latter’s efforts were meritorious as the Demons best defender.
The pace of the Dogs was starting to tell and the slipped away to a 40-point break as they turned for home.
A six-goal last term on tired legs opened the game up for a very healthy win for the Bulldogs who are looking to become the big improver in the competition if the last two outings can be used as a measurement of that improvement.
The Dogs play host to over the fence rivals the Swans next up and a truly scintillating contest that promises to be.
For the Dees its early days and they can expect some improvement from that proud club.
For more on this weekend’s footy see Monday’s edition of The Guardian (May 11, 2015).
