Half being the key word, due to the Demons practically having the champagne out of the ice and uncorked with two quarters left to play on Saturday.
In a single half of Goulburn Valley League football, Shepparton United eclipsed its whole-game points totals from 12 fixtures this year with the magic number 85 glowing on Tatura Park’s scoreboard during the main break.
Talking about starting fast.
Tatura poked the bear with two early goals to sail out to a 12-0 lead, but that was as good as it got for the Bulldogs as United summoned all of its strength in a liquid half of footy.
During the opening two quarters, United held more of the ball with +42 in the disposal count, +10 contested possessions and +16 marks — 11 of which were inside 50.
Tatura did dominate the hit-out tally +20 (we’re well aware of Jacob Simpson’s powers), led in clearances 25-15 and had more overall pressure than United in the first two terms.
Going forward, however, is where the Dees distanced themselves from the Dogs.
Duane Hueston’s side held an average inside 50 accuracy of 75.5 per cent which towers over Tatura’s 46.5 per cent, while also boasting a disposal efficiency differential of +14 against the host.
Demons versus Dogs - first half
Disposals
United: 182
Tatura: 140
Marks inside 50
United: 15
Tatura: 4
Hit-outs
United: 17
Tatura: 37
Turnovers
United: 33
Tatura: 39
Goals
United: 13
Tatura: 8
So, which navy-and-red clad players went like the clappers from the get-go?
There are no prizes for guessing United co-captain Jesse Cucinotta was the main instigator, bombing one off his lime green boot early doors before going on to kick three more majors in the first half and five for the match.
Cucinotta’s first-half ranking point total of 107 was the best of any on the ground, stemming from 16 touches, four clearances and five inside 50s.
His partner in crime Kyle Clarke also had a first half not to be sneezed at.
Clarke started a tad slower but came into his own in the second quarter, running into the sheds with four goals and three inside 50s from his 11 disposals for a first-half ranking point total of 89.
It would take something truly special for the Demons to uproot Rochester at Deakin Reserve this coming Saturday, but if they can produce a searing start similar to the game just gone, who says they can’t cause an upset?
The News will be running a live blog across Saturday afternoon’s action as the Goulburn Valley and Murray leagues wrap up their home and away seasons, so stay tuned to The News’ Sport website for updates during the day.
