If the size of our opponents didn’t have us a little concerned, then the fact that they could do all those elusive things like kicking to the mark, taking a mark and running over small girls like they weren’t even there certainly did!
The Brighton Beach girls owned the ruck and got things going at a cracking pace showing our U14 Rovers girls that this sure wasn’t going to be easy. Lizzie, Squiz and newby Elyse worked hard to give our forwards a shot, and we saw great marks by Daisy, Matilda and Mia K.
The first quarter went something like this…. Polite clap (Goal – BB)! YAY (Goal us)! Polite clap (Behind – BB)! Polite clap (Behind – BB)! YAY (Goal us)!!
Callum said the girls were awesome and showed insane intensity. We discovered that it was at least three degrees colder on the pitch than in the Grandstand.
The second quarter was a crazy, points scoring bonanza. Obviously, their coach was similarly rousing. Initially it was all going Brighton Beach’s way, with lots of polite claps to be heard.
Fortunately, after much hard work – all on the other side of the field (so I have no idea who did what) things started to go our way. Daisy and Squiz took great marks, and Lily got genuine applause for her behind, which may be attributed to her pre-game slurpy… or not.
Mia S got another applause before Claudia got a YAAAY! Then with seconds to go Matilda got a magic goal on the run putting us in front 21 – 26 at half time.
Half time brought words of encouragement and licking of wounds.
Then Mika scored a YAY, and while I was busy busting out my victory dance, BB got the ball and rained down a hail of points that went something like this, Polite clap Polite clap, Polite clap, Goal, Polite clap, Goal followed by a YAY for us, thank god Daisy! Another Polite Clap and finally the breathing pace we needed before the last and final quarter.
Despite all the previously stated reasons Brighton Beach should win (like kicking to the mark, taking a mark and running over small girls) our girls were relentless in their defence and attack. I wrote roughly 11 words for the last quarter because it was both TERRIFYING AND EXHILARATING with huge hits given and taken. Mothers unable to watch and girls unable to quit! Every second tested the girls but they rose to the challenge and held the giants from the beach out for an awesome 38 – 37 victory!!! GO ROVERS!
Coaches awards to Elyse, Eloise, Lizzie and Emma. Brighton Beach BOG award went deservedly to Matilda C.
