Division 1
Mac Uni Warriors 21.22.148 defeated UNSW-ES 4.4.28
The Warriors took on UNSW-ES away at Village Green in a game where we wanted to get back on our winning ways. Our aim was to start well and the boys did this with 10 scoring shots to 2 in the first quarter. Our lead would have been more if not for some wasteful kicking in front of goal with 6 behinds for the quarter.
Leighton Corr was finding a heap of footy off the wing and once again James Considine was the pick of the backline with a number of clearances and defensive 50 grabs. Scott Cations, Brett Harland and Kev Jones showed they are a tough forward line to match up on with 11 goals between them.
Our half time lead was just over 7 goals and with Dean Connors, Dyl Brogan & Brad Moore winning plenty of ball in the middle our forwards would see plenty of action in the 2nd half. Donnie Ollington went to full forward in the last quarter to kick his first goal for the year in his 200th First Grade Game however after a few sprayed shots he could not trouble the scorers. We ended up kicking 12 goals, 11 behinds in the 2nd half to finish 120 point winners and ensure our goal of a top 3 spot was still alive.
We now face a tough final two weeks of the home and away season with 4th placed Manly away and 2nd placed Syd Uni at home in round 18. Two wins here will see the Warriors lock up a top 3 spot and achieve their home and away season goal.
The 2’s play East Coast at Mac Uni whilst the 4ths Kookas play Southern Power away with the 3rds and 18’s also at Manly.
Best on Ground: Dyl Brogan, Dean Connors, Leighton Corr, Brett Harland, James Considine, Scott Cations
Division 3
Mac Uni Warriors 6.7.43 defeated by Moorebank Sports 10.12.72
Best on Ground: M. Bell, S. Potter, N. Jackson, G. Nixon, M. Bishop, W. Lal
Division 4
Macquarie Warriors 12.15.87 defeated Moorebank Sports Magpies 8.15.63
The scene was set, the boys were ready and the time was now. Second placed Moorebank had come to town and had every intention of spoiling the Warriors party as they prepared to secure an elusive finals berth. This was a much anticipated game between second and fourth with the winner giving themselves a great opportunity for some September action.
The game started as all games between these two combatants tend to, fierce and uncompromising with easy possessions hard to come by. The game developed into a scrap but the Warriors were able to open the scoring as Burnsy sent a long bomb from 55 sailing through. The Magpies sons offered their retort though, two quick goals giving them the lead. But the Warriors seemed to lift again and after some early inaccuracy found their range and slotted three late goals to take a steady 15 point lead into the first change.
The second quarter saw the Warriors midfield lift, with Docker, Shane, Shippy and Jockey all having a major impact upon proceedings. Robbo was playing his best game for the season, providing a great target across half forward and accumulating possessions at will. But in spite of this, the Warriors could not shake a resilient Magpies outfit. Time and time again we turned the ball over inside our forward 50, with the disciplined Magpies getting back into space and making things tough. But every time they came at the Warriors, it seemed the boys from Macquarie had the answers. A captain’s goal from Nipper on the stroke of half time allowed us to take a 20 point lead into the half time interval.
The third quarter was the premiership quarter, where the game was to be won or lost, and fortunately our boys did not disappoint. Despite an early flurry from the Magpies, the Warriors were able to steady with a couple of goals. Pup injected himself into the game, racking up countless touches and providing great run through the middle. And every time the ball went down back, Koshy and Timmy were able to rebound. A solid third quarter from the Warriors allowed the margin to be extended to 28 points.
Moorebank came out with their tails up in the last quarter, and had all the play in the first five minutes, although their inaccurate kicking meant we were still in control. All it needed was a killer blow and when Gareth Smith streamed through the middle with a couple of bounces and pumped us forward, Scuba was able to get on the end of this play and cap it off with a fine goal. A minute later Robbo delivered his third and the game was in the bag.
A great win by the Warriors and one that sees us consolidate our place in the top four. Having said this there is still a lot of work to be done this season and next weeks clash with Manly should prove pivotal.
Best on Ground: Chris Hayes, Andrew Robertson, Steven Powell, Shane Willoughby, Luke Coscia, Dan Ranson
Division 4
Mac Uni Kookas 8.1.49 lost to Penrith 15.11.101
Best on Ground: D. Martin, A. O''Dea, A. Stewart, N. Coaldrake, K. Eynaud, A. Brockway
U18 Challenge Cup
Mac Uni Warriors 18.20.128 Defeated Moorebank 6.3.39
The Warriors took on Moorebank at home on a sunny afternoon, which make’s a change from 8.30am in the morning and 6 degrees in a game that needed to put us back in the winning frame of mind. For the first time this year we had a bench of 4 – a luxury we hadn’t had all season.
The first quarter was disappointing seeing we had had 7 scoring shots to 4 but only led by 8 points. The 2nd quarter was not much better with 15 scoring shots to 9 and a lead of 11 points. Moorebank to their credit gave all they had but bad options and wayward kicking by the Warriors allowed them to be still in the game.
The half time chat revolved around structured play and where players should be on the ground and looking for the best option, not any option.
In the 3rd quarter the team started to put it together, structure good, talking improving and a commitment to go forward linking the play and creating opportunities. Score at 3-qtr time 14-14 to 6-3 Moorebank hadn’t scored a point.
Last quarter saw much the same 4-6 for the quarter and Moorebank again not scoring. A good performance in the end and a win at long last.
Performances to note would be Daniel Martins efforts in defence and his runs through the centre. Alex O’Dea’s tenacity and aggression, for a little guy he is certainly not afraid to have a go. Jamison’s marks at full forward and 3 goals and James Lemon’s (Kev, as in kev o’lemon) 2 goals in his first game in the forward line.
With some better finishing it could have easily have been a further 50 points but anyway a win is a win.
We now face a tough game next week against Manly back to 8.30am. They have beaten us twice this year now it’s our turn. Come ready to play.
Best on Ground: D. Martin, A. O''Dea, A. Stewart, N. Coaldrake, K. Eynaud, A. Brockway
Last Modified on 11/08/2010 08:10