It’s fair to say that Melbourne’s weather really turned in a ripper on Sunday for the mighty Maroons game against Cheltenham.
Warm, sunny conditions prevailed, with a light SE breeze and a very comfortable temperature of 23 degrees greeted the team as it arrived at Boss J……. what’s that? Sorry…..just woke up – what a lovely dream!!!
Let’s start again.
It’s fair to say that Melbourne’s weather really turned in a ripper on Sunday for the mighty Maroons game against Cheltenham.
Freezing, raining and a strong wintry wind greeted the team and their intrepid parents, helpers and coaches as they arrived at Boss James. And it didn’t let up.
It’s also fair to say that Sheeds was up and about, and ABSOLUTELY thriving in the conditions. He’d been there since 6, laying out cones, adjusting his whiteboard and ensuring his beanie was perched just so on his head. A brisk step, focus, barking out instructions, orders, strategy and gameplans….what a coach. What a man. Dimma, on the other hand, after a hugely successful trivia night the night before, was still working out what colour the buckets were and why they were there at all, when the game got underway….
The kids started strongly – kicking with the strong, gale force, rain-laden wind, and it was, from a football purists’ point of view easily their best game of the year! All their practice at training with handballing, looking for teammates, leading hard and getting in and getting the ball is starting to pay dividends.
Sam was going nuts and getting the ball and Alex laid a terrific tackle and won a free kick – great reward for effort! Cate, Tim and Arlo were setting a great example by following instructions and making it very hard for the Cheltenham team to find any space at all, which was really pleasing to see. Niko seemed to find another gear in the conditions, winning the ball, tackling and generally leading the way. Sebastian and Harry, when the ball came down back, were combining well with Angus and trying to use the strong wind to the Maroons’ advantage.
The second quarter was a bit tougher for the team – kicking into the wind – but there were a number of great contributors in the quarter. Arlo laid a great tackle and Ben laid 2 tackles – really showing great desperation and effort. Jason was ripping it apart in the middle – tackling and kicking to teammates where he could. Diesel was staunch up back – marking and foiling many forward attacks by Cheltenham. Sam saved a certain goal by marking on the line (well done Sam!) and Will and Lucas were supporting their teammates by leading and putting great pressure on. Teamwork in this quarter was a real feature and it made Rohan and Ben very proud.
The third quarter saw a shift in the game – the Maroons were desperate to put a good score on the board with the wind and build upon the great foundation they had laid in the first half of footy. Charlie executed what was possibly the first “don’t argue” ever seen at U8 level and won his share of the ball in the middle! His falcon also was a highlight – he was very brave and kept playing – no doubt it would have hurt a lot with the wet ball. Well done Charlie! Alex stepped up and took some great marks. Sam won the ball and kicked to Angus, who in turn passed to Alex for a goal. Fantastic! Harry was taking a leaf out of Jason’s book and was winning a lot of ball for the Maroons. Niko drove a fantastic handball out to Alex who in turn, passed to Diesel – who kicked another goal!! Plenty to like about that!!! When the ball came down Cheltenham’s end, Jacob and Lucas and Cate really stood up and Cheltenham were finding it very difficult to find any system or movement. Well done!
In the last quarter, Teddy showed how much improvement he has made by tackling and winning his own ball in the middle. Great stuff Teddy! Sebastian was doing his utmost to run the ball up the ground out of defence against the wind and played a good game. Jack continued his team first approach to footy – sharing the ball and showing great skill. Tom was also showing why he’s a massive improver in football by basically doing exactly what Rohan asked him to do, and when he got the ball, was hitting teammates on the chest. Fantastic, Tom!
The kids went down on the day (well played Cheltenham), but showed great heart and are really showing great signs as a football team.
Dan couldn’t play as he was ill, so we all hope you are feeling better Dan, and can play again soon! Bertie was away on holidays, so we look forward to seeing you back soon, Bertie!
Thank you again so much to all the helpers on the day – greatly appreciated, particularly in such trying conditions. The game wouldn’t happen without you all.
GO ROVERS MAROONS!!!!
