With our 2 regular ruckman out and no bench we went in with a defensive approach. The plan was that some rest would be found in the forward pockets by relying on our CHF and FF leading well. It was all going to be about just moving it forward accurately from a strong defense.
We called on Hayden Whitaker and James Ianauli (100 games) to fill in for our missing ruckman. With a win of the toss we were kicking with the wind and what was probably a handy 2 goal advantage.
Our new ruckman stepped up to their task like regulars. We started strong and the boys got the first few centre clearances. Josh Caldwell read the tap downs well and with our fast midfield it soon became apparent that we had the dominance in the centre. That said the boys definitely had to work hard to earn it.
We went into the first break up by 16 points 2.5 (17) to 0.2 (2).
With the wind advantage now Mordi’s way we started the second quarter feeling this might not be enough and continued to focus on our strength in our backline The boys worked harder in the second quarter and and each time it entered their 50 we pushed it back out. Sam Feehan at FB bombed it out long that resulted in an end to end goal against the wind. Our new comer Kayne Smith put another major on the board with a big round the body kick. Keeping Mordi goalless with the wind we were up 25 points by the main break.
3rd quarter and we were back with the wind. The boys didn’t rest or rely on the wind but if anything increased their work rate as did our runner swapping the boys in and out of positions to give them some rest. At the 3rd quarter siren we were up 43 points.
With every player having put in 110% and little to no rest the fourth quarter was time for some composure and accuracy. They added another 4 majors to Mordi’s 2 and at the final siren it was a good 72 – 22 win.
Special mentions to both James and Hayden for filling in on the ruck and swapping in/out of forward line. Josh Reed and Hugh Harris who put on some good defensive tackles. Rohan, Oliver, Fraser and Oska showing how second and third efforts pay off. Kayne Smith on his debut with 3 goals. All in all the boys played a great game as a team and all gave 110% and did what was asked.
Q1: 2.5 (17) to 0.1 (1)
Q2: 4.5 (29) to 0.4 (4)
Q3: 7.6 (48) to 0.5 (5)
Q4: 11.6 (72) to 2.10 (22)
