Well summer keeps rolling on, I left my hat at home and got a touch of sunburn today. Great conditions again with hardly a breeze, beautiful sunshine and our magnificent Castlefield oval.
Today we played Brighton Beach, our history from the last few years with the Kangaroos has always involved physical footy, tall kids and great competition. The boys all got to the ground early and we had a chat about how to beat the taller players. Stay in front, be first to the ball and use your speed.
Today I elected two Captains in Sebastian Gelso and Toby Clarkson, two boys who have been playing inspirational footy, training hard and display great leadership qualities. With Ollie Ries away we welcomed Joshua and Caelan up from our under 9s who came straight from their game to make up our numbers.
The game started at a fast pace and the pressure was high from both sides, Magnus gave us first use of the ball with some handy taps in the ruck. Tristian, Toby and Jake made good use of ball. The tackling from both teams was great. Tristian, Raph and Toby were great contributors to our tackling pressure. Captain Toby at one point laid 3 tackles in one passage of play. Brilliant efforts (x 3!). Tough quarter where Jade showed his presence with strong marks at Half Forward and Harry, Jack and Lincoln terrorised the forward line. Harry came away with two goals for the quarter. Campbell gathered some valuable possessions on the wing keeping his feet in the play. The back line was really solid with the boys all playing tight on their men. Fletcher chased down the loose balls, punched from behind and rebounded the ball our way. He was well supported by Jody and Chris. Raphael pleased me with his use of height and strength to have a big influence down back.
As the game went on today we saw some of our team mates really start to break out with confidence and provide some highlights of the game. Chris Wormington ran back courageously with the play and stood tall for a great mark in the back line. Baxter found space today and provided great linking play through the midfield. Magnus floated into full forward and cleared out the pack for a great mark in the square. Harry took some great marks including a great pack mark on the flank. Jake Ring showed his speed again today, running down Kangaroos across the paddock at Castlefield. Lincoln took a great mark between two defenders as he flew for the ball. Theeran broke the packs and pumped the ball down the field with his big kicks. Jody worked hard all day getting banged up in the process and absorbing hard tackles throughout the day.
There were some great goals today, Harry wound around on his trusty left for two in the first quarter. Our Under 9 mates in Joshua and Caelan both kicked goals in the third quarter which was great to see. Fletcher banged in another goal and we were humming again after a quite second term. In the last quarter the Kangaroos dobbed a few goals on us and started looking dangerous, we responded with a pocket snap from Lincoln, a great running goal from Jody and a big mark and goal from Jade. Dan and Magnus were unlucky with their shots at goal narrowly missing or touched.
Today was another successful, fun game of footy for our team. The song was sweet in the rooms after the game with smiles all round. We have some things to work on again this week but the boys are all going really well and improving every week. Coach is happy too!
Weekly Awards
Outstanding Contribution – Toby Clarkson our Captain today played like one, his endeavour at the footy and pursuit of the tackle is just relentless. His tackle count in the first quarter set the tone of the game and he was well rewarded with plenty of kicks today. Great game leading from the front.
Guts and Determination – Raphael Leman-Philp is one our tallest and strongest boys. When he uses his height and strength he has a great influence on the game. Today he competed at the contest and many of those efforts resulted in play and goals to others. Loved Raph’s game today!
Completely Smashed It – Lincoln Sharpe had his most consistent game today. He took some great marks, and kicked a goal. He played well in each quarter at different positions but today he impressed me with his run and tackle. His tackles stuck every time and he was rewarded with quite a few free kicks. Keep that up Lincoln.
Mark of the Day – Magnus Barton has been training hard and his skills are improving every week. Today he took a great grab in the goal square and it was just a glimpse of what we can expect from Magnus going forward. He has the size and strength and I can see soon he will realise how to use it. Ripper mark today!
Regards
Michael Sharpe
Coach
Hampton Rovers U10 Orange
