1st Grade – Belconnen Magpies lost to Sydney Swans Reserves 54 to 117
On Saturday the 22nd of May the Belconnen Magpies came up against a red hot Sydney Swans team. From the first bounce the Swans gained the ascendancy by kicking 5 goals to 2 in the 1st quarter. For the rest of the game the Magpies couldn’t bridge the gap and in the end the Swans blew the game open smashing the Pies by 63 points. A dark day for the Pies saw not many standouts and all our main KPI’s which makes us a good team were well down. One shinning light was Sam Rutland who was willing to put his head over ball at every contest but unfortunately we didn’t have enough players willing to follow suit. We were able to get the ball into the forward line enough but the firing power down forward did not fire, (Ainger 3, Jeffrey 2). The midfield were sloppy at stoppages refusing to man up and show respect to very good players which didn’t help the backline who was under siege all day as the football was moved in way to easily. Congratulations to Ben Turnbull and Joss Whitford on making their senior team debut. We hope this is the first of many games in the seniors for them. This week the players are looking to come out firing against Queanbeyan as the playing group are well aware they have a lot to make up from last weekends disappointment.
2nd Grade – Belconnen Magpies beat Gungahlin 113 to 78
In beautiful conditions on Saturday the reserves took on the Jets at Manuka. The Jets kicked the first goal of the day however their enthusiasm was squashed by us kicking the next 6 goals and going into the first break 5 goals up. We continued the 2nd quarter by kicking a couple of goals early using our speed and good skills. Half way through the second we dropped our work rate and the Jets were able to kick 4 in row. We went into half time 12-2-74 to 6-0-36 up. We controlled the second half with our backs rebounding the ball well and giving our forwards plenty opportunities which they took. Our two big forwards shared the goals between them with Eckersley kicking 5 and Posch 3. Our midfield was really good providing plenty of run and delivery to our forwards with the better players being Coate, Lefort, Hodder, Burdett and Miekle. We have a big game next week against the Queanbeyan Tigers.
3rd Grade – Belconnen Magpies lost to ANU 58 to 113
The 3s ventured to ANU South Oval to contest 4 points against our arch rivals the ANU Griffins. A chance to obtain 3rd position was at stake and the Magpies started accordingly. Unfortunately too many skill errors in front of goal and around the ground meant that we were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard, and instead turn overs meant that ANU were able to gain a 3 point advantage at ¼ time. Whilst the centre clearances were being won by the Pies throughout the second term, too many errors across half forward resulted in many forward thrusts by the Griffins. 11 scoring shots to 3 in the second term meant that BMFC were facing a 3 goal deficit at half time. If it were not for the extra pressure applied by Dyl down back, a few more of ANUs 8 behinds may well have ended up as goals.
The focus in the third quarter was to play tighter and reel in ANU’s lead in an attempt to draw level at ¾ time. The Pies drive through the midfield of Haigh, McDevitt and Calvert supplied the forwards of Reardon and Pattison with plenty of opportunity and the margin was reduced to one goal during the quarter. Unfortunately the gap could not be closed and a few late goals from ANU saw the lead back out to 18 points at ¾ time. Two quick goals to ANU at the start of the last knocked the wind out of the Magpies and the result was a very poor effort from a team that had battled very well early. Whilst there is no panic in the camp it is quite obvious that to be taken serious and to be a threat to opposition in season 2010 the Pies cannot continue to put on weak and selfish performances against quality opposition. It can be guaranteed that the performance on display in the latter stages of the game was very uncharacteristic of any Belconnen Magpies team, and certainly will not be tolerated in the future
4th Grade – Belconnen Magpies beat Harman 98 to 42
Fours rolled up to play the undefeated Harman Hogs on Saturday on their turf. As is often the way in the lower grades, big changes from the last round loss to Goulburn – 12 new faces into the side. The boys started slowly with Harman getting an early jump but slowly the Pies fought back into it and headed into the first change with a two goal lead. Running up the hill in the 2nd quarter the Pies piled on the pressure, running Harman off their legs. Although the margin hadn’t changed by the long break, the Pies felt in control and knew that a good start to the third would see them blow the opposition away. And it came to pass, the Pies slamming on a couple of quick goals then holding a surge from Harman, heading into the last change with a six goal advantage. The last quarter saw the Pies perform the better of two tiring sides, running over the top of Harman to win by just under ten goals in a real confidence boost. Best players on the day were Talla who kicked seven, Sammy D who kicked three but should have had eight or nine, Jez and Bennett who were solid down back and JD and Knighty who dominated when moved on ball after halftime. Overall a good win to get the season back on track. This week the 2nd placed Pies play a vastly improved Cooma side on Sunday at Jamison.
Under 18’s – Belconnen Magpies beat Marist 89 to 75
The u18 Belconnen Magpies fronted up to Manuka oval ready to revenge a first round lose to the strong Marist out fit. Strong leadership from Tom Madsen at centre half back prove to be a telling factor in the end result. Any thing that came Tom’s way was quickly repelled. Zac Sheather once again presented very well at full forward kicking 3 very good goals. Jordan Harper chipped in with 2 very important goals late in the third term. Shannon Goodsell and Jack Sheers rucked all day and gave the players at ground level first use of the football. Lachie Harper, Jarrod McKinnon, Dominic Duncan and Daniel Jordan won many possessions through the midfield and continue to be a driving force in the team’s success. The highlight of the day was how the team responded when Zac was off the field for the entire 3rd quarter due to nasty cut on the eye. Rhys Hartwig was moved to full forward and was an instant success kicking 4 goals. Credit must be given to all players as Marist would not go away in the last quarter, the lead changed several times but it wasn’t until some great defensive work from Alex Richens come from behind tackle and a great smother from Dom Duncan that resulted in 2 very important goals that broke the Marist come back. The lads travel back to Queanbeyan this week in what promises to be a very important clash between two very inform sides.
Women’s Team had the bye
Last Modified on 26/05/2010 14:46