The Under 14 Darling Downs Crows have overcome a 27 point deficit to notch up an inspiring 5 point victory over the Sandgate Seahawks.
Sandgate came out all guns blazing in the opening term as they piled on 4-unanswered goals, the young Crows lacked intensity and were consistently second to the footy. Coach Charlie Aston let the players know that the lack lustre start was the Crows worst first quarter in their short season and half history during the first break.
The old fashion coaches’ spray seemed to work as the Crows piled on six scoring shots to two in the second quarter, it was the two Toms (Clark and Matthews) who booted home two majors for Darling Downs. It was the class of Kale Ross who got the Crows back into game, as Brock Aston and Brendan Shelton assisted the silky midfielder.
Key defender Jacob Sheath was moved back to his regular post in defence after un-usually starting in the mid-field, a change by the coaching staff that seemed a game changer.
Sandgate held a slender 11-point lead at the main break, as Darling Downs took all the momentum into half-time.
After the long break another important move which saw rookie Mitch Wren moved into the ruck and had an immediate impact giving his midfielders first usage. Kale Ross booted his first of the afternoon in the opening minutes of the third term, while Tom Matthews did shortly after booting his second but Sandgate followed suit almost immediately to kick their first goal since the opening stanza.
Inaccurate kicking at goal saw both teams squander a number of opportunities as Sandgate took a narrow three point lead going into the final quarter. Again Kale Ross and Brock Aston stood tall when needed most and were the Crows best in the third term.
With their backs to the wall for much of the game and only 15-minutes to play the Crows knew they had to continue their attacking brand of footy.
The final quarter was a real struggle for both sides, as either struggled to penetrate the defensive lines of each team but it was Tom Matthews who broke the shackles and booted his third for the game. Key-forward Brendan Shelton was switched to defence and was instrumental in breaking down the Seahawks attacking raids.
With only five minutes left on the clock Sandgate finally found a way through the Crows defensive wall and took back the lead, up by one point.
The heat was on, both teams knew that not long was left but it was the experience of season campaigners Shelton, Aston, Ross, Sheath and rookie Wren who were prolific in setting up the final play. Darling Downs skilfully weaved and wound their way through the Seahawks defensive flood.
A long bomb by Shelton seemed to soak up a few extra seconds as a big pack flew and the football hit the ground, midfielder Sam Tasker swooped on the crumbs and slotted the match sealer. It was a nail-biting centre bounce to follow as Brendan Shelton got his on the footy, the final siren sounded and the Crows celebrated an inspiring come from behind 5-point victory at Rockville Oval.
Kale Ross was dynamic all afternoon for the Crows and was superbly supported by Brock Aston and Brendan Shelton. The Round 8 victory over Sandgate saw Darling Downs propelled to outright third on the ladder with their next match against the 5th placed Morningside Panthers at Rockville on 14th July.
Final Score: Darling Downs 7.11 (53) def. Sandgate 7.6 (48)
DD Crows Best: Kale Ross, Brock Aston, Brendan Shelton, Tom Matthews, Jacob Sheath
DD Crows Goals: Tom Matthews 3, Tom Clark 2, Kale Ross 1, Sam Tasker 1
Photo By: Neville Jericho PHOTO: Rookie sensation Mitch Wren dominating the ruck contest against Sandgate
Last Modified on 28/06/2013 13:48
