Crows down Demons in low-scoring clash

Adelaide survived a final term charge from Melbourne after three quarters of
error-laden football to post a 17-point AFL victory at the MCG on Sunday.

In a match which was virtually highlight-free until the final quarter, the Crows led
by 37 points early in the fourth quarter before the Dees stormed back to get within
15 points late.
But Melbourne paid the price for wastefulness and their inability to find the big
sticks for most of the opening three terms, eventually losing 7.9 (51) to 4.10 (34).
Crows ruck-forward Kurt Tippett booted two for his side, while Lynden Dunn kicked
two for the Demons.
Melbourne went goalless in the first half, not managing to kick a goal until Dunn
steered through a major at the 16-minute mark of the third term.
Melbourne forward Michael Newton summed up everything that was wrong with the game
and the Dees' day, inexplicably missing twice from set shots 15 metres out before
Dunn struck.
Adelaide were in control of the match throughout, leading at every change though
their skill level was little better than the Dees for much of the game.
When Tippett booted the first two goals of the fourth quarter, Adelaide's 37-point
lead looked more than enough against a side which had managed just one goal to that
point.
But goals to Dunn, Brock McLean and skipper James McDonald threatened to give the
Dees enough momentum to cause a sensation for the 14,000 who braved a windy, cold
day to watch.
However Adelaide backs Simon Goodwin (35 possessions) and Ben Rutten (30) steadied
the ship to help the Crows lock out the Dees for the remainder of the game.
Adelaide now have a 3-2 win-loss record, while Melbourne have just one win in their
five matches this season.