A crisp clear morning greeted the boys as they returned to Boss James Reserve for the Mother’s Day clash against the East Sandi Zebras.
A focus on our centre clearances during the week paid dividends from the opening bounce with Eddie getting a neat clearance and sending the ball forward. After our first shot on goal narrowly missed, the zebras were able to settle and quickly move the ball down the field into their forward zone. Thanks to the pressure applied from the likes of Sam and Mannix the Zebras never had time and space to find their range and missed multiple opportunities. This week Sebastian came up from the under 8’s to help make up the numbers and his work along with Parker off the half back line to clear the ball and get it moving back our way was fantastic. Their efforts along with the trade mark tackling of Jack P eventually forced the ball forward where Finn was able to pounce and slot our first major from hard on the boundary. Before the start of the game our Captain for the day Isaac was tasked with the job of standing on the last line of defence. As the quarter drew to an end he showed how well he had accepted the challenge by taking a goal saving mark on the goal line.
Buoyed by a solid start to the game the boys started the second quarter with just as much enthusiasm. Down back, Kieran showed great work nullifying his opponent while Jack T owned the last line of defence. Up forward Thomas was unbeatable as he continued his great work from the first quarter, he continued to rack up possessions and topped off his good work with a handy goal. After missing last week it was good to have Louis back in the side as he doggedly got in and under to win the ball for his team mates. Another solid quarter from the boys meant the match was in the balance at the half.
The third quarter saw the arm wrestle continue. Down back Baxter had their dangerous full forward covered and along with Caelan worked tirelessly to repel any Zebra attacks. Eddie was never far from the action and his handball after a strong mark in an effort to open up the play was a highlight for the quarter. As the ball moved through our midfield, Anthony was able to utilise his long kicking to get it into our forward line. Up forward Lucas had plenty of it again this week as he created multiple opportunities for his team mates.
As the boys went into the last change they held a slender three point lead and we were set for another nail biter. The boys were up for the challenge and didn’t give an inch. Again our midfield started to gain the ascendency and their efforts to get the ball forward triggered the Harrison and Harry show. Both boys were able to swoop on loose balls as well as win their own footy. They used their pace to find time and space and impact the score board to seal what had been another great day for the team.
At the start of the game the coaches had talked to the boys about our objectives. Specifically we wanted to make sure we have fun out there, we wanted to apply some of the things we had worked on during the week and we always want to improve each week. Congratulations to all the boys for showing they were upto the challenge.
Our award winners for the day were: –
Thomas – played a great 4 quarter game, winning plenty of his own ball all over the ground
Isaac – lead from the front as our captain with some super work down back with his intercept marking
Harrison – gave us a spark in the second half as he beat his much larger opponents and gave us plenty of run and carry
Mannix – Our vice-captain for the day has improved with every match he has played and today was no exception. His tackling and pressure points are a credit to the way he goes about it.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mums. Thanks for everything you do for the boys during the season. We hope you had a great day and enjoyed cheering the boys on.
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