CROWS ATTACK VOL 7
This game saw us play the Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Lions Maroon team for the 2nd time. We played them in round 1 at Emu Plains and came away with a good win but since then we had 3 losses in a row and the Lions put a string of wins on the board to be in 3rd place with us in 5th place. We needed to a win today to keep up our confidence and also to break into the top 4. The day was overcast with some light drizzle and the ground was wet so we knew ball handling would only get harder as the game progressed and the leather ball absorbed the water. We had 2 boys away with Kyle being sick in bed and Oskar recovering from an ear operation. Oskar made it down to see some of our game, hope to see you again soon.
The boys started well getting the ball out of the middle and we managed to get an early goal on the board. Our defence started well with the half backs stopping most of the attack and if it did get through our backline was doing a fantastic job. The ball see sawed from one end to the other and we were able to kick a 2nd goal to go to the first break 2 goals to nil.
The second quarter saw both sides play exceptional football in the conditions. They were hard at the ball, fearless in tackling and strung some great pieces of teamwork together. The ball went from one end to the other as both teams tried to get on top. The Lions kicked their first goal to give them some confidence. Our boys responded quickly with a behind and then a goal. At half time the score was Crows 3.3.21 to Lions 1.1.7. At half time we spoke about maintaining the pressure and made a few positional changes which we hoped wouldn’t fall apart like they do sometimes.
The boys stayed focused and it was great to see some of the things we had practiced at training were being tried on the field. We rotated players to keep them fresh in this quarter but one who was popping up everywhere you needed him was Matty so we left him out there. Ritchie wasn’t far behind in being in the right place at the right time even if it was 50-60metres from where he should have been. He & Matty influenced the game where they popped up and that is what we asked for. The forwards were a little unorganised but in the end they managed to get the ball through the 2 big sticks. We managed to kick 2 more goals and our sensational defence kept the Lions scoreless again.
The last quarter and this is one we needed to win. It would be the first time all year we won all 4 qtrs so the challenge went out to the players. We also ask for them to make better use of our scoring shots by taking your time or using better options. The midfield shifted the ball direct into the forwards and we had our 6th goal within minutes of the quarter starting. The Lions were rewarded for their constant pressure on our defence and kicked their 2nd goal. Our boys determined to make it a win in each qtr finally started to sort out our forward congestion and kick 2 more goals. We had won a last qtr, all 4 qtrs and no behinds in the last. Final score Crows 8.6.54 to 2.2.14. We were stunned by the final score as the game had been a real arm wrestle for 60mins. Both teams are congratulated on a great exhibition of footy in wet conditions. It just seemed so much closer than the final score. Brock, Blake P and Daniel were rocks in defence. The midfield of Eti, Corey, Matty, Lio & Cain worked tirelessly all day. MJ, Victor, Ritchie & Toby put pressure on the Lions backs all day.
See you all at Bensons Lane Richmond Sat 9th June at 9.15am vs Hawkesbury at 10am.
John, Geoff and Graham
Last Modified on 03/06/2012 20:20
