By Gary Stocks

The A-Grade teams had a bye for the annual State game, but the juggernaut that is the North Beach lower grades plundered on with a 100 percent winning record at the weekend.

Across the grades North Beach is entrenched in the top two or three and those positions were consolidated, with the Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade leading the way.

Never seriously threatened by Mt Lawley, the Bill Duckworth-coached Beach came up with answers when the opposition did pose questions and posted a solid 35-point victory.

Duckworth – like most coaches – is always striving for perfection and while satisfied with the team performance, will be looking for cleaner ball use as the season progresses. Just the same the Beach carried too much class for the Hawks and won 13.8 (86) to 8.3 (51).

Jamie Cosgrove led the way through the midfield, while Shane Duckworth was solid down back, Sam Callow continues to blossom and Jake Robinson, in conjunction with Mitch Holbrook, provided the finishing class up front.

In the Hybrid Linings D1-Reserves clash, Mt Lawley tried very hard to assert themselves on the game early with their physical pressure around the ground, but North Beach was able to withstand their pressure and kick the first two goals of the game.

Ryan Clapham was brilliant in the ruck against a much larger opponent while John turner continued his good form in the midfield creating plenty of inside 50 opportunities.

Ross Holdman provided great run from defence and along with Shane Piggot who took a number of crucial marks in the back half to repel Mt Lawley attacks. Jordan Kickett kicked five goals and provided a great focal point up forward for his teammates as North Beach triumphed 9.7 (61) to 8.6 (54).

The Express Bins E2-Grade, also enjoyed a hard fought win over Noranda, eking out a nine-point victory thanks largely to the efforts of Daniel Stocks, Sam Harrison, Scott Brown and Mark Purcell.

It was a solid team effort, which saw the Beach prevail, the backline in particular, holding firm under fierce pressure from the opposition before winning 7.7 (49) to 5.10 (40).

Unfortunately, coach Kane Kuenen can no longer continue in the role because of family commitments and her is looking for someone within the club to take over the reins.     

The Brett Jones Colts produced a solid four-quarter effort to carve out an impressive eight-point victory over Mt Lawley, further cementing their place in the top five.

While the work rate was outstanding, they are looking for greater efficiency with their ball use in the second half of the season as they move to improve and have a big influence over what happens in the next 10 weeks.

Nathan Adler set a terrific example up forward and steered his team to an important win.   

Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade
North Beach       1.4          6.4          9.6          13.8        86
Mt Lawley           2.0          4.1          6.2          8.3         51
Goals – North Beach: M Holbrook 6; Cosgrove 3; S Holbrook, Callow, Robinson, Trainer 1.
Best – North Beach: Cosgrove, Callow, S Duckworth, Robinson.

Hybrid Linings D1-Reserves
North Beach       4.1          5.3          9.5          9.7          61
Mt Lawley           2.0          3.2          5.3          8.6          54
Goals – North Beach: Kickett 5; Allan, Boys, Hurley, Styles 1.
Best – North Beach: Clapham, Turner, Holdman, Piggott, Kickett.

Express Bins E2-Grade
North Beach       2.0          4.4          6.5          7.7          49
Noranda              1.4          3.4          5.10        5.10        40
Goals – North Beach: Brown, Smith 2; Missikos, Slatter, Retamal 1.
Best – North Beach: Stocks, Harrison, Purcell, Brown.

Brett Jones Colts
North Beach       2.2          3.3          5.4          7.8          50
Mt Lawley           1.7          2.9          3.10        5.12        42
Goals – North Beach: Adler 3; Raz 2; Botica, Collins 1.
Best – North Beach: Adler, Deso, Spies.