Reigning premier Chiltern survived a huge scare before escaping with a hard-fought 18-point win over Rutherglen at Rutherglen on Saturday. or signup to continue reading The Cats stuck with their more fancied opponent for the first three quarters mainly through the efforts of co-coach Dylan Van Berlo alongside Reed Bonat and Tory Oats. Scores were level at the final break at 6.
4 apiece with both sides struggling to kick goals. The Swans were forced to reshuffle their attack in the absence of spearhead Mark Doolan (hamstring), Ethan Boxall, Jake Cooper and Luke Daly. Despite the lack of firepower, the Swans were able to lift in the final term having nine scoring shots to one to eventually win 9.
10 (64) to 7.4 (46). Premiership coach Brad Hibberson who booted three goals knew pre-match that the Cats would prove to be a tough nut to crack on their home deck.
"Credit to Rutherglen, they are a young, fit side who play their home ground pretty well," Hibberson said. "They are a fairly disciplined side that stick to their game plan and have improved a lot compared to last year. "They have got some talented players in the co-coach Van Berlo alongside the Tanner boys and Jarryd Hatton who can be damaging if you don't get your match-ups right.
"Reed Bonat is another good player as well." Van Berlo played predominantly in the ruck but was also able to frustrate the Swans forwards by dropping back into defence and taking plenty of grabs to help relieve the pressure. The Swans' tally of ni.
