The weekend started with a composite u12 side taking on the Marist boys who were over from Western Australia. The morning was a great success and we won the State Of Origin by 8 or 9 goals. The game was well received by both teams and Damo and I got something out of it as a little practice match. Harry BG was awarded best on ground for my team and Stefan for Damo’s team. Paul Carrigan presented Marist’s best player with a Hampton Rovers training jumper and all boys enjoyed a hot dog and a can of fizz.
Onto Sunday and it saw our boys come up against South Melbourne. They looked very similar to us height wise and had a few close games themselves, so it all pointed towards being a big day at the office. Harry BG was Captain for the day after his Saturday effort and we went into the first quarter brimming with confidence and looking to get away to a positive start.
We started brilliantly. Thanks to Jodey C for coming up to play from the u11’s. He had immediate impact and kicked our first. Max L was in front and getting first use, as all the boys were instructed. He has started to back himself in the marking contest and took a few rippers throughout the game. The boys were reminded to pick the ball up cleanly and not tap along the ground. Ben H did this well and earned his first goal for the day. Oscar M got in on the act and booted through another. Keegan M who is a right foot kick normally, was running onto his left side naturally and booted one through the big sticks. Harry B was everywhere and finished off the quarter with our 5th. These sort of starts stun the opposition and put them on the back foot.
Keegan M was great in his second effort recovery and slotted his 2nd, early in the 2nd. Harry BG continued his great form for the weekend. He’s a confidence man and his shepherding and tackling support is becoming standard. Ben H added another roving special for his 2nd. Ryan P was hitting the right spaces of the ground and putting his body on the line. The opposition used the “switch” to great effect and all of our boys covered the spread really well. It’s great to see some tactics come into u12 footy and our teachings being put into practice correctly. Alessandro, Freddie S and Zac Mc are brilliant in covering ground to ensure there are no loose ends in defence.
At half time the match was seemingly one sided, but we were not having it entirely our own way. The quarter ended being even with two goals apiece. Jake S got on the end of a perfect “front and centre”. I love how he kicks through the ball to make sure of it. Gideon “mullet boy” Z was flying in the middle and racking up his Champion Data stats. He was getting on the end of some great relief rucking by Charlton T. Keegan decided he wasn’t finished for the day and added his 3rd big one through the big sticks. Ollie E was pushing through after a few hockey games earlier in the day as a warm up. He still gave his all and cleared the ball our way in the tightness of the boundary line.
SMD got the jump on us early in the last quarter. We needed to get the composure back and 3 boys who had starred all day gave us exactly that. Mitch R hit up Huddy J, who lowered his eyes beautifully to find Ben W on the lead. Joy to watch sort of stuff. Michael P was moved back to his true FB slot and was not letting anything past him. Ben H got on the end of this great play for his 3rd banger for the match. Must be well ahead in the “Coleman”. Wes S was getting all by himself in the forward line and banging repeated entries in long. The equal best “front and centre” then happened late with Matty B snapping over his shoulder for a final highlight of the match.
Full draw is out now and it looks like our season will be an exciting one all the way through. We’ll need to be at our best in every game we play for the next 9 games. Enjoy the ride!
Go Hampton Rovers – best mates
Cheers
Wayno
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