Giants slow down Gardiner but Cobras claim the points

IT was a beautiful day at the Korumburra Showgrounds with no rain in sight. 

The Giants welcomed the Cora Lynn Cobras, looking to stay competitive for four quarters of footy.  

 Last time these teams met, the Giants lost by just six points. 

A great kick into the forward 50 by Joel Cuman got the ball rolling for the Giants.

Cuman hit his target of Paul Fermanis, who then kicked a great set shot. 

The first score of the match was an impressive one. 

Matt Borschman and Boyd Robinson provided strong pressure from the start, that continued throughout the whole game.

A set shot from Ryan Gillis saw him score six points in front of his ex-club’s bench.

The boys were lowering their eyes, able to find easy targets, and were only down by five points at quarter time.  

It was a fantastic first quarter, with Tyler Newton keeping the Cobras’ key goal kicker Nathan Gardiner scoreless. 

Into the second quarter, Nick Beasley took advantage and snapped a goal. 

Tom Crocker and Jake Fowles also contributed running goals. 

Newton and his back line stopped Gardiner from kicking both his 100th goal and Cora Lynn’s club record. 

Gardiner was only allowed three goals for the game compared to his usual average of 7. 

They teamed together to attack the high incoming ball to Gardiner, preventing any easy goals. 

Codie Anderson ran his hardest all game, contesting every ball and chasing. 

Unfortunately, the Cobras were the better skilled team on the day.

The Giants went down by 42 points in the end. 

Nonetheless, injured coach Josh Hopkins was very proud of his team for their high effort.

It doesn’t get any easier as the Giants as they prepare   to face the undefeated Nar Nar Goon next week.

The Giants previously lost to Nar Nar Goon by 81 points in round nine, and will be looking to deliver a more competitive performance this time around.