RESSIES RALLY TO OVERCOME THE SAINTS
City Ressies clawed their way to a hard fought win holding back the Terrigal Saints in their clash @ No.1 Sportsground in Round 11.
A close encounter of the City kind was in order with less than 8 points separating the two sides all day. Conditions were prefect for a good game and that was dished up!
City game out in their usual fast starting fashion slamming home it’s first goal 15 seconds into the game however early inaccurate kicking seemed to set the scene for the day. It looked like the early jump on Terrigal went to the Blues’ head with accountability and support falling away allowing Terrigal to lead at quarter time 3-3 to 2-4. City goals to Deed and Annesbury.
City dominated the second term with great flow on play out of defence with Parker landing many quality possessions and Dawes again winning the majority of ruck contests. Congestion in the forward line made scoring opportunities difficult with long bombs not working. With City booting 1-4 to Terrigal’s 1 point, the Blues went to the half time break up 3-10 to 3-4. Dinneen was the sole goal kicker for the quarter.
Terrigal resumed the 3rd term taking advantage of City’s sluggish start (which is becoming far too common). The Saints could have skipped away to a greater lead had it not been for some fantastic defence by Morrell, Grabham, Robertson and Thompson. The switch of Deed into the backline sured up City’s defence to hold the Saints to a 4 point lead at the last break, up 5-8 to 4-12. Baster kicking City’s goal.
The last quarter was primed for either a Terrigal blowout or a City fightback. Fortunately it was the latter with City showing true grit to dig deep to go on with the job, dominating play the longer the game went. James kept running hard and fast, Smith fighting hard to win ball, Dinneen standing tall providing a good target up front and Armagos getting key possessions. Dawes came off after a knock to the head with Thompson picking up the ruck in good form. City ran out the last term with 3-3 to their 2-2 finishing up 7-15 to 7-10, redeeming their 2 point loss to Terrigal earlier in the season. Final quarter goals to Dinneen (2) and Dalton.
City goal kickers being Dinneen (3), and singles to Annesbury, Deed, Baster and Dalton. City was best served by Dawes, James, Duhring, and Smith. Special mention to Duhring who played a fantastic shut down role on a key Saint, taking him right out of the game and picking up plenty of play along the way.
With the rotation policy in place for the 1st round of matches now finished, selections based on training and playing performances may have started to pay off, with desperation and desire behaviours standing out.
Next game is against Warners Bay at No.1 Sportsground will be another test for the Ressies.
A happy ‘True Blue’!
Last Modified on 27/08/2012 20:59
