CLUB presidents tend to lead by example on and off the field.

And Jay Guthrie was no exception last weekend, with the Coffs Harbour Breakers president kicking 5 goals to help lead his side to victory against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints during the opening round of the AFL North Coast season.

The Breakers prevailed against a spirited Saints side, starting their season with a 14.15 (99) to 12.10 (82) victory at Fitzroy Oval.

The Breakers started their season in fine form to take a 15-point lead into the quarter time break, having a dominant presence in the forward 50 after repeat entries.

The Breakers would continue their momentum kicking two early goals to start the second quarter, and it looked like it might be a long afternoon for the Saints.

But the tide quickly turned as the Saints hit back with two quick goals of their own, which lifted the Saints ramping up their intensity and pressure.

The visitors turned things around dramatically getting on top in the midfield to even up the match.

The Breakers kicked a much-needed settler leading into half-time to take a seven-point lead into the main break.

After a free-flowing first half, the match tightened up to start the third quarter as both sides knuckled down defensively.

The early second half shackles would then be broken as both sides kicked four goals for the quarter.

The Breakers won the third quarter by 1 to take a 71-63 lead into the final quarter.

With the game there for the taking, it would be the Breakers who would seize the opportunity.

The Breakers asserted their authority when it mattered most, kicking two early goals and four goals to three in the final quarter to seal the 17-point win to start their season.

Jay Guthrie was a big presence going forward for the winning side kicking 5 goals, while Brad Neary and Jacob Sincock both kicked 2 each.

Martin Pettifer kicked 4 goals for the Saints while Jordan Perks kicked 3.

Coffs Harbour Breakers coach Kevin Wilson said scoring goals at vital times, especially in the last quarter, proved the difference.

“I think we had a little bit more fitness at the end and just nailed our chances better when we had them in the last quarter,” he said.

The AFL North Coast season continues tomorrow afternoon with the Breakers taking on the Northern Beaches Blues in Woolgoolga, while the Saints are at home against the Nambucca Valley Lions for Round 2.

Round 1 results

Seniors

Grafton 8.14 (62) drew with Northern Beaches 9.8 (62)

Port Macquarie 15.13 (103) def Nambucca Valley 9.14 (68)

Coffs Breakers 14.15 (99) def Sawtell/Toormina 12.10 (82)

Lismore Swans 45.19 (289) def Casino 2.2 (14)

Women’s

Coffs Breakers 10.8 (68) def Sawtell/Toormina 1.0 (6)

Northern Beaches 8.12 (60) def Grafton 0.0 (0)

 

By Aiden BURGESS