DIVISION 1 9.8-62
def by Southern Power 11.15-81
After a terrific pre-season the seniors faced premiership favourites Southern Power at the Uni Oval, which presented us with a great opportunity to truly assess where we stood in comparison to a leading team. After a great first quarter, the team battled hard over the next three quarters against a well drilled team, who eventually won by 3 goals.
At times we struggled with our composure, game style and skills, but at no stage did the boys ever give up. They fought the game out right to the end, but in the end the Power were just a little more composed and executed their skills and game style a little better than we did. Our cause was not helped by losing exciting first gamer Marc Williams to a reoccurrence of his ankle injury suffered several weeks ago, early in the second quarter.
The leading players for us on the day were Nick Williamson who played a brilliant game either at centre half forward or in the ruck, along with Cam Ludowyke at full back and Marc Bishop in the back pocket. Throughout the game every player contributed in a positive manner for the team, but there is no doubt we have much to work upon not only for this Saturday against the Eagles, but for the coming few weeks. I am looking forward to the response of the boys both on the track this week, as well as the game on Saturday at Bruce Purser Oval at 5.10pm.
DIVISION 3 10.4-64
def Southern Power 8.12-60
No report
Please also check out photos of the Division 1 and Division 3 games here, courtesy Darryn 'Raz' Avery.
DIVISION 4 4.10-34
def by Sydney Hills Eagles 9.8-62
The first game of the season saw the Div 4 boys make the trek out Bruce Purser Oval to take on the Sydney Hills Eagles. With 15 new faces to the club it was going to be an interesting experience for them and also from my perspective seeing how some guys went in untried positions. The dewy conditions overnight saw the first quarter proving to be a scrappy tight tussle with the Eagles holding a small lead at the first break. The second quarter got away from us as they scored 5 goals to 1 in a very short time. Big Steve gave the guys first use of the ball throughout the midfield as they battled very hard in what was still a tight game.
The third quarter saw Tim Cameron score his third goal for the day in what was a great performance from the big guy. The back line battled hard all day repelling time after time with Sammy Cameron and big Eddie leading the way with rooster and fish racking up possessions and pushing us into attack it looked like we were going to go close.
The 4th quarter saw us have the ball inside our forward 50 for the majority of the time but tired legs and constant pressure meant we were unable to push the advantage.
UNDER 18's 7.6-48
def Moorebank 6.5-41
With 16 of the 22 under 18s players named for Saturday’s opener being new to the club, it was uncertain what sort of performance we could expect. What we saw was a young group who have taken to a new game plan extremely well and were able to execute it in tight situations. The weather was no ones friend and the game was always going to be more physical, a challenge against the bigger more seasoned bodies of Moorebank. However, the desire for the football from the first ball up was evident and the Warriors stood up to the challenge. In the end, it was the boys ability to back themselves, stick to a new game plan and run hard through the half back flank that handed them a gritty and hard fought 7 point win. Special mention must go to Ollie Jackson who managed to score 3 goals in a fantastic performance across centre half forward, Cam McBrien and Henry St Hill for their shutdown jobs on the key forwards from Moorebank, and the run and carry from the backline boys especially Riley Cooper, Tim Cordner and Stephen Veitch. It was hard to pick just six boys for best afield honours as everyone attacked the ball well and contributed to the win.
WOMENS UNI CUP
The Warriors hosted the Women’s Uni Cup on Sunday, which was the last proper hit-out before Round One kicks off next week. With a few senior players unavailable on the day, it gave many of the new girls a great opportunity to gain valuable match experience leading into the home & away season. The first match was against Division One side UNSW Stingrays (the eventual winners) and despite playing some great football the girls were beaten by just 6 points. Next up was a tough match against 2012 Grand Finalists Sydney Uni, who were too good in the end. But the Warrior Women were rewarded with a great result in Game Three - a convincing win over UTS, holding the Shamrocks scoreless for the game. It was a very solid performance from a team that is starting to put together some great football. Amanda Farrugia (Fridge) was named the Player’s Player at an after-match function at the Epping Hotel, and Sara Cooke (Cookie) was given the Coach’s Award. However, the entire squad’s performance was encouraging, especially from some of the new players. A very big thank you to the Warrior Men who gave up their Sunday to help set-up and run the tournament, and thanks also to Lisa Pethybridge for running water for the team on what was a very warm day!
Last Modified on 10/04/2013 10:14