The sun shone on the new pavilion for the first home game for the U8 Blues. Smiles of enthusiasm and excitement about wearing “the green shorts” and winning the toss all made for a great start. Kicking to the pavilion end, the Blues dominated the first quarter with the ball locked in their forward zone. It rained goals, due to a domineering midfield delivering the ball from the first bounce. Kicking to position enabled the Blues to outplay Mordialloc Braeside (Mordi).
Quarter two, it was now the Blues’ turn to play with the sun in their eyes. A determined Mordi pounced putting the Blues under significant pressure, realising their own success at the pavilion end. Strong tackles stemmed the flow, and positioning on the last line of defence helped the Blues keep Mordi in check.
Urgent play early in the third quarter saw Mordi move the ball into their forward line, but were unable to convert. Again, tackling and a resilient backline with good handballs and lots of talking, enabled the Blues to move the ball out of danger and back into their goal zone. Half time coaching was taking effect, as the Blues spread out, opening up the game and creating opportunities. Big bombs out of the centre sent the Blues forward into attack. Strong marks and clever snaps from scrappy scrums supported the Blues to make the most of the pavilion end. It was not without a fight as Mordi used its height and strong tacking in the centre to again move the ball into their forward zone and keep the Blue’s backline active.
Quarter four saw the Blues fitness take hold demonstrating strong tackling, marking and passing – it must be all the swimming, basketball, soccer, karate, etc etc. the kids are enrolled in. Quick hands and desperate footy saw the Blues score goals at the playground for the first time to finish strongly.
A great game, from both teams, with good sportsmanship, teamwork and determined footy.
