Last Sunday at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve, the Riddell District FNL hosted the AFL Cairns in the exhibition Under 16 Interleague match. In a high class match that was end to end and frantic in pace, AFL Cairns eventually prevailed over their RDFNL rivals. Both teams provided many highlights for the big crowd that gathered at Diggers Rest.
AFL Cairns got the jump on the RDFNL boys in the first quarter kicking with a strong wind. The Cairns boys seemed more determined to win the contest and at quarter time they had opened up a four goal lead. The second quarter started promising for the RDFNL, however missed opportunities in front of goal proved costly as Cairns, against the wind, were able to kick three straight goals to close out the quarter.
RDFNL Under 16 Coach Peter Woods revved the players up at half time asking for more commitment to the contest and that is exactly what he got when the players returned. The RDFNL players began to hunt in packs and control the ball as they managed to outscore Cairns in a tight third term. Sunbury Kangaroos payer Roger Allen was desperate in defence and attack and his team mates soon followed his lead.
Trailing by 23 points at the last change, the RDFNL players sensed an unlikely win. A dominant quarter by the RDFNL midfield lead by Melton South’s James Ould had the Cairns players on the back foot. The RDFNL forwards were peppering the goals but the Cairns backline were standing up in the pressure. Some wayward kicking from the RDFNL late gave Cairns enough time to hang on to a hard fought 6 point win.
Roger Allen was awarded best on ground for the RDFNL by the Umpires and by the AFL Cairns coaching staff.
Results –
AFL Cairns 4.1 7.1 9.5 10.7.67
Riddell District FNL 0.1 2.5 5.6 8.13.61
Riddell District FNL Best: Roger Allen, Jake Conolan, James Ould, Jacob Hickey, Stephen Treweek, Alexander Guy
Riddell District FL Goals: Patrick Binion 2, Jake Conolan 2, Alexander Guy, Adam Milne, Stephen Treweek, Sean Humphries
Last Modified on 10/04/2013 10:58