Thrilling loss for Cannons

Blake Justice. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 471376_13

The Calder Cannons fell short by the barest of margins against the Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League boys competition on Saturday.

Entering the game equal on wins, the game shaped up as one that could be a close one.

It proved exactly that.

The Cannons jumped out of the blocks at Highgate Recreation Reserve as they led by 27 points at quarter time.

The margin was reduced to nine points at half time.

With the scoring end in the third quarter, the Cannons were able to kick four goals to three to lead by four goals heading into the final quarter.

The game went down to the wire with the Dragons sneaking home, 13.5 (83)-12.10 (82).

Sandringham kicked five goals straight in the final quarter to the Cannons, 2.3 which proved to be the difference.

Hussien El achkar kicked six goals in a standout performance for the Cannons, further pushing his draft prospects.

Adam Sweid and Sam Harris were other standouts for the Cannons.

The tough run for the Cannons girls continued as they lost to the Dragons in the earlier game between the two sides.

It was an even first quarter before the Dragons kicked two goals to none in the second quarter to lead by 16 points at the half.

The margin was reduced to seven points heading into the final quarter before the Dragons finished strongly with three final quarter goals.

The Dragons won, 6.7 (43)-2.5 (17).

Jasmina Curtis, Coco Balmain and Chloe Baker-West were named the Cannons best in the loss.