2nd Grade – Belconnen Magpies lost to Queanbeyan 29 to 43
BMFC reserves took on Queanbeyan Tigers on Saturday in the first semi final. Saying it was wet would be an under statement, the ground was under water and a strong breeze favouring the Manuka end took any skill out of the match. The magpies failed to adjust to the conditions and continued to finesse and over use the slippery ball causing them to turn it over to the opposition. When goals were hard to come by lack of discipline in our back 50 cost us 4 goals from free kicks, 2 from 50m penalties. The pies did fight on and came within 4 points in the last quarter however we just couldn’t get any continuity in our movement of the ball. Our big men Matt Porter and Stu Boyd fought hard all day with Justin Hodder continuing his good form. We take on Ainslie this weekend for the chance at a grand final spot.
3rd Grade – Belconnen Magpies beat Harman 63 to 32
Belconnen Magpies have put in a solid 4 quarter effort to progress to the 3rd grade Grand Final to be played on Sunday the 12th of September at 2:15. Despite last week’s disappointing loss to the Rams, the Pies confidence was high and they willing to put their bodies on the line and apply bone-crunching tackles to inhibit the Hogs damaging run. Belconnen adapted to the slippery conditions and listened to instructions to kick the ball long inside 50 to create opportunities for the forwards. Big Man Timmy Reardon dominated the forward line, leading well and booting three goals proving to be too much trouble for the Hogs backline. As the game progressed, the Pies continued to use the ball well through the centre corridor frustrating Harman and enabling Mark Braybrook and Chris McDevitt to move the ball swiftly into attack. Belconnen had great awareness of their teammates around the stoppages, allowing the quick getaway and increasing the pressure on the under-siege Harman defence.
Chris Calvert led by example laying ferocious tackles forcing his opponents to ground. The conditions had taken a toll on both sides but the Magpies were prepared to give it their all, Jacko Rowe and Mick Henry initiated play off half back providing their side with plenty of run and an opportunity to score at the other end of the ground. Harry Rowe and Jezza Broadie Read took the game on and delivered to our forwards with precision. Tails who never fails was in and under every pack and often emerged with ball in hand pumping it to advantage. The final siren sounded and the Magpies had booked a place in next week’s decider. The best for the Pies were; Mark Braybrook, Chris “Coatsy sounds like a girl on the phone” McDevitt, Chris Calvert, Timmy Reardon, Jacko Rowe and Harry Rowe. Goal kickers were; Timmy Reardon 3, Harry Rowe, Stevie Batton, Michael “No Devo, I do not sound like a girl on the phone” Coate, Heath Axelby, Bee Daw and Gil Valentine.
4th Grade – Belconnen Magpies lost to ANU 44 to 110
It was do or die for the Magpies on Sunday as they faced ANU for a spot in the 2010 Div 4 Grand Final. The boys had been disappointed with the way they faded out of the game the previous week against Goulburn after holding an early 5 goal lead, and were determined to rectify their mistakes. With a few of the boys retiring at the end of the year and a long summer ahead for the rest of us if we lost - it was all there to play for. Unfortunately a complete reverse of the previous week occurred to start the game with ANU jumping us early and slamming on the first 3 goals before we even knew what hit us. Thankfully though we were able to steady and, assisted by some 50 metre penalties, Talla, Sammo and Sammy C were able to work together to draw us pretty much even with the Uni boys at quarter time. The second quarter was a real struggle with neither side getting on top and not a lot of scoring occurring. A large amount of the quarter was played in the boggy middle of the ground, with JD and Ian "Prince" Andrews working their backsides off trying to get the ball moving forward for the Magpies. Finners was constantly providing a target at CHF forward as well and took several marks for the quarter as he tried to provide our deep forwards with scoring opportunities. Going into the half time break only 10 points down and not playing their best footy, the boys felt like they had a real chance to over run ANU in the second half if they stuck to doing the things that had seen them come from behind to win in several other games during the year. Unfortunately, finals are so often a different story and there was to be no fairytale today. Despite Jezza, Knighty and Ryan Mac standing tall in the back line, ANU jumped us in the 3rd with 4 quick goals which we never recovered from.
Due to an unfortunate incident in which the writer managed to land on his head, the rest of this report will be light on detail but the final margin of 66 points will tell you that the rest of the game wasn't great for the Magpies. Talla kicked 3 and Sammy C kicked 2 while our best players were JD, Prince, Whitey, Knighty and Rosey. Congratulations to the 3's boys who qualified for the GF with their win over Harman. Good luck to Collo, Lavo and the boys in the big one this Sunday against ADFA - we will all be cheering for you. Commiserations to the women's team who went down in their prelim final to Ainslie. Congratulations on a great season though, especially that great win over Eastlake in the finals. With the season over for 4's it's time for a few thank yous. First and foremost to Puddles for coaching again this year - you did a great job mate and we are just sorry we couldn't perform better for you when it counted - maybe next year. To Sam Jarvie, Grace Campbell, Sarah Collins and all others who helped with strapping etc this year - we couldn't get a side out there without you. To Jo Foster who is our manager, strapper, general organiser and pretty much everything else, thank you for everything. Thanks to anyone who has been involved in 4's in any way this year. To Jez, Finners, Sammo and Macca who are retiring - congratulations on great careers with the Magpies and all the best for the future. Sorry we couldn't send you off on a better note. To everyone else, thanks for your support and we'll see you again next year.
Under 18’s – Belconnen Magpies beat Queanbeyan 51 to 17
The Belconnen U18s fronted Queanbeyan on Sunday in the sudden death elimination final at Manuka oval. Both teams had to adjust to the tough weather conditions. Kicking into a slight breeze in the first quarter, the lads displayed great courage and fight to win the contested footy. Our midfield group lead by Shannon Goodsell, Jackson Maloney, James Michell, Rhys Hartwig, Jordan & Lachie Harper and Nick Collins showed the way in this department. The Duncan brothers on each wing also contributed to many forward attacks. Goals were at a premium; our small crumbing forwards in Aidin Pini, Jacob Taylor and Lachie Harper all kicked vital goals throughout the match. The backline lead by Brad Posch, Andrew Courir, Ben McCabe, Albert Hogan, Jarrod McKinnon and Vineel Dutt once again held strong only allowing 2 points to be kicked against them in the second half. The boys work hard 4 quarters and never allowed Queanbeyan an opportunity to get into the match. The win has given the side a huge boost in confidence heading into next weeks match against Ainslie.
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Women’s Team – Belconnen lost to Ainslie 1 to 46
We played Ainslie in a preliminary final at footy park. Conditions were terrible as the oval was saturated from heavy rain and there was a gale blowing across the ground. Ainslie jumped us from the outset and kicked 4 goals in the first quarter. They wanted the ball more and we gave away a few undisciplined free kicks. The players put in a better performance in the 2nd quarter but we kicked to the wrong side of the ground when attacking and as a result didn't get goal scoring opportunities. The 3rd quarter was hard fought but we still let them kick 2 goals. The last quarter was full of errors but we battled it out. A disappointing end to the season but it was always going to be difficult as Ainslie's bigger bodies reveled in the wet and windy conditions. Michaela Costigan had a disciplined game in the ruck. Emma McCaskill contested well. Sophie O'Dea did some good things. Heather Anderson tried to create opportunities. Elise O'Dea, Clare Gough and Gen Netting all had great games.
Last Modified on 10/09/2010 13:00