SENIORS
The Hills made themselves at home at Hurstbridge in the top of the table clash against Thomastown starting the better of the sides in front of an enthusiastic home crowd boosted by the past players and life members day. The first 2 goals went the way of Panton Hill, but Thomastown hit back strongly to maintain an even first quarter. Redbacks coach Dean Haydock emphasised at quarter time that The Bears wouldn't simply drop away like other sides and therefore a consistent performance was needed. The Hills maintained their pressure and by half time found themselves 6 goals up thanks to a handy 4 goal quarter by full forward Ben Finin who was marking everything that came his way. The Redbacks form was maintained in the second half to enable them to finish the match with a comfortable 10 goal win. Ben Finin was terrific at full forward for Panton Hill and finished with 8 goals. Joffa Byron was the key link man across half back with Jeremey Gercovich punching the ball away time and again at full back. Other key players included Callum Still and Zac Williams up forward and Anthony Bryce on the wing although its fair to say that the Hills had contributors all around the ground with everyone playing their part.
RESERVES
With a strong senior side in place the Reserves were bolstered by improved numbers with senior players dropping back into the side. This lifted everyones performance. The contest was played with intesnity and high skills with the Redbacks kicking the first goal but Thomastown hitting back soon after and then took the lead for the balance of the first half. However, The Hills had set their sights on winning this game and wrestled their way to the front in the second half and stretched their lead to over 3 goals at one stage. The last quarter was a cracker with Thomastown getting their noses in front with only minutes left on the clock. However, The Hills weren't finished and were able to get back in front again following a strong mark by Dylan Collins which was converted from about 35 metres out on an angle. Ben Hibberd was best on ground for the Redbacks with lots of hard work through the middle and assistance from Adam Anderson. Simon Gunn was brilliant running off half back with Gavin Abrahams playing the important marking role in the backline. Daniel Pratt was tireless in the ruck and around the ground with Anthony Kidd being the other key contributor up forward. This was an important win for the Redback Reserves which helps keep them in the all important final four.
Last Modified on 15/07/2013 12:46