For the second year in a row our last game of the season was against St Peters. Last year we took the chocolates in the Div 2 grand final – and having found form at the right end of this season we were looking to end the season with 4 victories in a row. St Peter’s were also having a strong end to the season – last week they beat a full strength – previously undefeated East Brighton team – so we were in for a game!
Earlier in the season we were absolutely smashed by St Peter’s in the wet – but this time the sun was out and so was a large parent contingent who had stayed after watching the Under 13 Division 3 Team play some inspirational football to end their season with a victory.
Q1- Not a great start to the game as one of St Peter’s 2 state players wove through our defence to post a goal. They added 2 more that quarter but Ollie H continued on from last week by slotting a long range shot to level up the scores. We were putting in but not getting much luck. (Note: Ollie didn’t just wake up one morning able to kick 40-50m – he goes to Castlefield most nights to practice.)
Q2 – We went on the attack – probably kicking with the wind although I wasn’t always sure. Some great work by the entire team – starting down back with Henry and George – assisted by a sick Zach B who had crawled out of bed (and past his mother) to make the game – ended up in the forward line where Dan Hall got on the end of 2 plays in a few minutes and after much bobbing and weaving kicked 2 straight. St Peters replied with one of their own but then a long bomb from Ollie Horrigan came off hands and landed on Hope No9s strategically placed foot to go through for a goal. We went into half time almost even 27-24.
Q3 – Another tough quarter. St Peters were very hard at the ball but so were we – the recruiting of some bigger bodies in the offseason (well done to the recruiting staff) – and Ned Grey having grown a foot, meant that we were more than able to hold our own. Unfortunately they scored a few goals from nothing and we went into 3 quarter time 43-25 down.
Q4 – In the last quarter we lost Sam Marshall to concussion and Zac Z to a broken shoulder – both horrible injuries – made even worse due to the fact the season was 15 minutes from ending. We wish both of the boys a speedy recovery. The team really dug in – quick goals to Dan Hall and Ollie H put us within a kick. Unfortunately the team couldn’t manufacture the fairytale ending as St Peters kicked 2 late goals – but the team left the field with their heads held high after a much better game than the last time we met. Final Score 56-39.
THE AFTER PARTY
Proceedings were adjourned to Nigel and Anita’s house for the now traditional “Spa and Spud” night! And it was great to see both Sam Marshall and Zac Z there.
Coach Hotton gave a rousing speech – mentioning how the team has really come together over the last month and played some great football. Awards for the game went to Dan Hall, Ned Gray, Zac Z, Ollie H, Henry and Zach B
The challenge was then thrown out to anyone wanting to play in the midfield next year – go to Running Group at the aths track over summer. Team Manager extraordinaire Michael Kennedy to send out more details. Let’s hope some of the team take heed of the advice as (even with my limited knowledge of the game) I suspect starting a game with no one in the midfield might not be ideal.
The Phantom
