Leading into this match, we were expecting two closely matched teams and this proved to be the case on the day. From the outset in the first quarter Campbelltown's intensity at the ball and endeavour was high. As is always the case in the opening quarter of Rd 1, there was plenty of pressure around the contested footy and the team that adjusted to these conditions the quickest would need to take advantage of it. Unfortunately, we were unable to control possession of the ball after winning more than our fair share of contested footy. Campbelltown skill errors resulted in turnovers which were capitalised on by Wests with accurate kicking around goal (6 straight).
Despite this, the Key Performance Stats at the end of the quarter indicated that if we persevered we could grind our way back into the match. Campbelltown continued winning more than its fair share of the contested footy and started using the ball better around the ground. Confidence and belief were growing and we worked our way in front at the end of the third term. If we could sustain the effort required to stick to our game plan we would wear Wests down and run away with a gutsy win.
Unfortunately the effort spent in recovering our slow start took its toll in the last quarter and despite the courageous efforts of our squad, we ran out of legs which allowed the Magpies to get a sniff of victory, grow a leg and pinch the win in the last quarter. This was definitely a game that slipped out of our grasp on this occasion. The pleasing signs are that the areas in which we let ourselves down (ball control, decision making under pressure and playing to our strengths) can all be improved. This squad is quickly learning how to play for each other and last weekend was a big help in that regard. Provided we keep working hard to improve those aspects of our game, maintain our belief, and are resilient when setbacks occur we will have the respect of our peers and will not be underestimated in this competition.
I already cannot wait for our next challenge and opportunity to prove ourselves against the competition benchmark UNSW.
CAMPBELLTOWN
Goal Kickers: M. Edwins 4, M. Withers 2, C. Desmond 2, P. Green 2, T. Etto , B. Sommerville , A. Pirika , V. Musgrave
Best Players: M. Edwins, M. Hogan, H. Sherwood, T. Etto, A. Pirika, C. Gordon
Last Modified on 11/04/2013 11:46