The Pumas travelled to Coolangatta on Saturday for matches that were going to both interesting and important for the year. Coolangatta has been struggling for numbers in the reserves but has been quite strong in the senior ranks and were sitting in the top five. The day started off with some heavy showers making the ball extremely slippery for most of the Under 18's match. Despite the conditions the Under 18's recorded a great victory with hard work and plenty of determination getting them over the line for a convincing victory.
The reserves started again with the rain sweeping in. Macca was doing a great job in the ruck and got us off to a great start. The midfield group of Shaneo, Robbie, Darcy and Will were dominating giving plenty of opportunities for the forwards to convert. Wayne Ollington made his return to the team and started on fire with plenty of touches. Quarter time scores were Pumas 4 - 3 - 27 Cooly - No score.
The second quarter was more of the same with only the weather conditions saving Cooly from annihilation. Although the ball wasn't getting into our backline very often Charmo and Mitch were doing a great job keeping Cooly to no score. Richard Jenkie was playing his normal great game on the wing and Laurie was doing the job on the other side. The forward line had to be swapped about because it wasn't a great day for the big blokes. Half time scores Pumas 10 - 8 - 68
Cooly - No score.
The third quarter saw the weather improve and so did the quality of the footy with the Pumas finally being able to show their speed and ability to hit targets. Wolbs, Lewie and Collo were all doing well in the forward line and were starting to rack up the goals. Once again the backline stood firm and did not allow Cooly to score. Lenny was having a great opportunity to view the structures down the ground because the ball wasn't getting to him very often. Three quarter time scores Pumas 16 - 12 - 108 Cooly - No score.
The final quarter saw Cooly throw extra men forward trying to get a score, although they did kick a goal the Pumas were able to maintain their structures and pile on another 8 goals to smash their opponents. Final results Pumas 24 - 15 - 159 Cooly 1 - 0 - 6.
Best Players Macca, Wolbs with seven goals, Shaneo, Robbie, Sutto, Richard and Wayne Ollington. It was a very even team performance with no passengers.
The reserves have snuck into the top 5 with this big percentage boosting victory. Next game we face University who are undefeated in the reserves, they will have a lot of young players who will test our run with thier speed. The Pumas will have to lift to get over the line but providing every player plays to their ability we should rack up another victory.
The seniors was always going to be a tough match with Cooly coming off a great victory the week before, they kicked 8 goals in the last quarter to run over their oppponents. The Pumas were down a few players and it was going to be a test of their depth to remain undefeated.
The first quarter started with Cooly a little bit on top but the Puma backline was resolute in their defence. Mark Hopkins and Blake led the way for the best quarter of football by our backline for the year. Donga was doing a great job with his hit up role and was taking plenty of grabs. The mid field were breaking even with big Mitch doing well in the ruck well supported by Proudy and Eddy. It was a struggle between the two back lines with the ball bouncing from Half back line to Half Back line. Quarter time scores Cooly 2 - 3- 15 Pumas 1 - 3 - 9.
Although there was some concern from coach King and Doy the message remained to stick to the game plan, keep it simple and win the contested ball. The second quarter started with more of the same although the game was starting to break open with more free ball through the centre area. Cooly were putting enormous pressure on every contest and were testing the resolve of the Pumas. The Pumas didn't take a backward step with a lot of the clashes for the ball becoming very fierce. The Pumas were being really tested and the confidence of Cooly was growing. Big Tiger Monk was thrown down forward and provided a big target which started to straighten up our attack. Callum Eddy playing his first game in the seniors was doing a great job as the small forward and showed he can play at the level required. It was a great game of footy to watch with both sides ripping into every contest. Half Time scores Cooly 6 - 6- 42 Pumas 6 - 5- 41.
The scene was set for a great second half as there was bit of push and shove as the players exited the ground for the long break.
The third quarter reverted to the tight contest of the first quarter with plenty of contested ball and terrific pressure on the ball carrier. Dom Nash was doing a great job looking after one of the flanks, his physicality was important. Cooly finished up with 6 scoring shots to 3 for the quarter, the backline was again doing the job putting plenty of pressure on every contest. Cooly had a two goal wind in this quarter so for the Pumas to hold them the way they did was a match winning effort. Three quarter time scores Pumas 8 - 6 - 54 Cooly 7 - 11 - 53. The three quarter time address from Kingy was one of sticking to the plan and taking care of the ball, it was probably the most pressure we have been under at 3/4 time for the year. The huddle broke with an air of confidence which I knew would get us over the line providing we played smart.
The final quarter was all one way traffic with King, Furfaro, Eddy and BJ running over their oppponents and achieving a hard victory. Coolangatta should be congratulated on their performance because I dont think they could have played better than they did. Our guys should take a lot out of the game with the final quarter showing the way when discipline and the game plan is maintained. Final scores Pumas 15 - 8 - 98 Coolangatta 8 - 12 - 60
Best Players Hopkins, Eddy, Wallis, Mitchell, King and Nash. Again a very good team effort with no passengers
There will be a lot of sore bodies from the game because of the fierce contest, the Pumas will welcome the break next week as we don't have a game. Our next opponent is University who will have lots of quick players and will be keen to knock off the top team. Lets get over and support all of the teams at St Lucia and bring home another clean sweep.