2010 Results & Match Reports

Round 1

Newcastle 25. 18 (173) def Gateshead 1. 1 (7)

Best Players
Newcastle

Michael Shackleton - 1st
Richard Mitchell - 2nd
Michael Keough -3rd

Goals
Newcastle
Richard Mitchell 8
 Michael Shackleton 4
Rhys Tomlinson 3
Richard Chambers 3
Maurice Finlay 3
Steve Allen 2
Chris Pearson 1
Simon Greetham 1

Round 1 Match Report

Vs. Gateshead Miners

A somewhat disjointed pre-season didn't stop the Centurions going into this game full of confidence. There was a positive buzz in the air as both teams couldn't wait to get a new Aussie rules season underway but unfortunately for Gateshead as soon as a soaring Michael Shackleton hand knocked down the first 'Ball Up' straight to the chest of debutant Michael Keough it was one-way traffic.

Gateshead were a bit light on players resulting in the game changing to 8-a-side and with midfield workhorses Matt Bradford and Ritchie Mitchell electing to start the game on the bench it was always going to be a long and difficult afternoon for the Miners. This proved to be the case as they were lucky if they had the ball outside the half they were defending once in the first quarter as Newcastle dominated both possession and the scoreline. Credit must be given to Gateshead who, with a depleted squad and a few new faces, kept up a high work rate and caught Newcastle napping just before half time to snatch a deserved goal.

Gateshead may have been relieved that there was a stoppage to the game in the second half but maybe not by the nature of it as the Novo's pitch was invaded by quite a few, quite big, naked and semi-naked streakers! Thankfully this was the only hairy moment of the match for Newcastle as they romped to an impressive victory.

The Centurions will hope to take this momentum into the next match and post-match thoughts from experienced coach Cam were that we need to sharpen up on some of the basics we did well last season if we are to avoid being punished by stiffer opposition.