LINCOLN South forwards Andrew North and Dillon Dunn led the Eagles to a 30-point victory over second placed Wayback in an entertaining game at Centenary Oval on Saturday.
The two kicked 11 goals between them and were the difference in the game as the Eagles put together one of their best performances this season.
A fast and enthusiastic Lincoln South side was quick out of the blocks, gaining the early ascendancy. With ferocious tackling and crisp ball movement the Eagles kicked the first four goals with the wind advantage.
Dunn provided the spark, making the most of his opportunities up forward and with assistance from Cummings the Lincoln South forward line looked potent with an abundance of options.
The early momentum was all with the Eagles and it was obvious they had come to play.
This forced the Demons to put a loose man in defence and this stemmed the flow somewhat.
Prolific ball winners Keatley, Goodwin, Kelsh and Davidson then started to get their hands on the ball in the middle and the Demons responded well late in the term to reply with a couple of goals through Sara and a great kick by Kelsh into the breeze from long range.
The wind faded in the second term and it was Dunn with precision finishing and North displaying his marking ability, kicking two goals each, that was pivitol in giving the Eagles the advantage in the match.
Dene Rodd was impressive across half forward and rewarded for his hard work with a goal late in the term to keep the Demons in touch but the Eagles had increased their lead to 22 points at the long break.
Things tightened up in the all important third term. Both defences were on top and Keatley, in particular, was one to stand out.
He found plenty of space and always used the ball extremely well but the Demons found it hard to finish off the good work further afield, and when that man North goaled from long range after the three quarter time siren the Eagles looked well in control 27 points in front.
The Demons needed the first goal and it came through Vogelsanger but the game was put to bed shortly after when match winners Dunn and North replied again.
Castley, King, Wake and Sam Kidney were more than matching it with the highly regarded Demon midfield.
King was particularly impressive late, winning the ball from the stoppages and one centre clearance where he broke from the pack and speared a pass to North on the lead was a classic.
There was no one better on the ground than Andrew North. He dominated all day, showing his marking strength and long kicking ability.
Dillon Dunn is clever and will hurt you if allowed space in the forward 50 - his six goals were all class.
Sam Kidney is a tireless worker, Phil Cummings prominent and Castley a solid contributor for the majority of the day.
Keatley was productive all day. He has the ability to find space and the Demon forwards enjoyed his service.
Davidson and Goodwin continually do the hard things around the packs, Rodd puts his head over it and has a crack, setting a good example, and Tyler deep in defence doesn't give much away.
Lincoln South played with the intensity required for them to play a major role in the finals. The Demons weren't disgraced and will gain a few players back in coming weeks to strengthen the side and add experience.
All in all it was another great game of high quality Port Lincoln football in finals like conditions that was enjoyed by the healthy crowd on hand.
n By Tom Rush
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