This week’s fixture for the Sandy-Rovers U17’s saw us pitted against St Kilda City JFC, a team that has really been struggling this season to find 18 players to field every game. In our past meeting we lent them 3 players every quarter to help even the teams up and from that encounter we still gained the victory by 90 points in a comfortable win. This time however, with St Kilda City being able to field a full side, from the first bounce the game looked as if it was going to be a somewhat closer contest.
The first quarter started well for our lads as we gained a healthy lead of 3 goals over our opposition. Much like our previous encounter with St Kilda City, inaccuracy on our behalf was to the benefit of the visitors as we kicked 3 goals and 6 behinds. This seemed to set the scene for many missed chances in front of goal for the remainder of the match.
The second term saw the Sandy-Rovers really grab a hold of the game as the lead extended to a handy 42 point buffer, through selfless play and effective overlapping football, the goals were shared amongst the team.
After some well earned oranges and praise for a solid first half, the Sandy-Rovers headed down the race quickly, as many were keen to place their name on the goal scoresheet. Another dominant quarter followed as 5 goals and 4 behinds were added to the ever-growing total, whilst keeping a clearly tiring St Kilda City scoreless.
The final term saw a lift from St Kilda City as both teams scored 3 goal quarters. If it hadn’t been for yet more inaccuracy from the Sandy-Rovers players, the final margin of 83 points could well have been larger as we kicked 15 goals and 26 behinds on our home turf. A solid result to be sure but a shame for a struggling St Kilda City who have to deal with a short list, in a very competitive division.
Apart from learning that goal kicking may need to be attended to at training, it was an overall great performance that didn’t have many standouts as the team played extremely well as a unit.
However, there were a few individuals who deserve praise.
Liam O’Driscoll, who kept his goal kicking form going by snagging 3 goals again, Per Bellarts whose best on ground performance shone through all day coming off the back flank. Tom McKinley who gave a great performance in the midfield with his bursting runs and accurate kicking at goal in a game where that wasn’t the norm, and last but not least Danny Lambrinos whose tackling pressure in the forward line was unmatched as he played his best game for the year, almost snagging himself a couple of goals.
With another victory under our belts, we certainly look forward to the challenge that awaits us against Murrumbeena. Until then, a 2-week game break for the holidays will give the boys a well earned rest, allowing us to recharge and launch into the final home and away matches of the season. The aim is to finish the season as strongly as possible and hopefully experience some finals footy.
Let’s keep the momentum up and get everyone who is not away on holidays to training on Thursdays and any of the extra sessions you are able to as well. I will certainly be there.
Tom.
You must be logged in to post a comment.