Round 2 Mulwala Vs Congupna - Easter Saturday
Seniors
The Road faithful headed over the border, in beautiful Autumn sunshine, to battle home side Mulwala, with hopes of bringing home some more Easter joy over the long weekend.
Both sides looked up and about in the first term, with the Lions bagging their first major within a minute and a half of the starting siren. After the second bounce Gleeso launched a long bomb into our attacking zone, which was intercepted and traversed up an down the ground three times before young Mitch Beck delivered to Jess Cosa for our first major for the day (after Matty Shannon had seen plenty of the egg, to our advantage). Our lads continued strong in defence throughout the term, led by Bowlesy, with Mooey dangerous from way out up forward.
On the change ~ The Road 3 1 to The Lions 1 5.
The second term started well with a goal to Moo from Sammy “freight train” Ferguson in the first minute of play, proving way too strong for the opposition. Then all watched on in disbelief as the Lion roared and collected goals like a sugar-fueled two year old at an Easter Egg Hunt. Harry Ellis, strong in back steadied our lads, although our intensity had disappeared. Again young gun, Matty Shannon continued to capitalise his opportunities. The term finished with Mul on top 8 9 to our 4 3.
(The author sitting on the far wing deciding not to walk across for the half time rev from Gonzo, thinking it would be heard in Yarrawonga, and from the car!)
The third term saw a return to earlier form, with Matty Shannon getting amongst it again, Bowlesy strong in defence, under great pressure and Taita also frustrating the opposition. Big man Jack Ellis delivered well from the centre bounces, with DC ploughing his way through the big felines and finally scoring, after getting his eye in only moments before. The Mulwala boys continued their consistent attack, making position and finding their targets (and fortunately for us, not the centre of the sticks, as much as the points). Jack Fuller, standing on the goal line, cut off a massive Mul onslaught toward the end of the 3rd quarter and our boys sent the egg goalward for a casual by Kieran Sheehan. Then Matty Shannon hit Bowlsey from 20m out who went on to score and give our lads (and the Road Faithful) a massive lift!
A 50 m penalty awarded to Bowlesy put him in Rennie for his next goal (after a very strong mark!)
Pocket rocket Mitch Beck slotted his first after spinning wildly taking us to 9 5 for the term to Mul’s 11 12. The Road was back in this game and looking like a completely different unit to the squad that had contested the previous quarter!
After another heartfelt plea from the coaches our lads entered the final chapter heads up and ready to steal Mul’s Easter Basket, after an unanswered goal. A Kieran Sheehan pass to Becky ended through the middle of the poles after our lads showed greater conviction and increased tempo. The far wing was used with greater success and precision. Mul recruit Will “The Gazelle” Farrier commanded the skies, stemming our momentum. Minutes later he unleashed a show of dazzling speed and agility to edge Mulwala further from our reach. Eventually the siren called an end to the battle with Mul 14 17 to our 10 8 as our lads returned to the rooms to reflect on the second quarter slumber and resolve to play four quarters against Barooga at home. Coaches best for the day: Sam Ferguson, Dan Collyer, Daniel Bowles, Harry Ellis, Jack Fuller, Matt Shannon.
Reserves
The reserves went down to an experienced Mulwala outfit this week. Again with a makeshift team the boys put in a very good showing for three quarters but could not sustain it in the last with Mul running away with the win. A big thank you to the 3rds boys, Belly and Robbo for filling in. Best afield was Joel Costa, he was well supported by Lucas Jefferies, Brayden Lambert, Jono o Donoghue and Jaiden Thorne. We look forward to having several players back this week and strengthening our outfit.
Under 17
Congupna headed to sunny Mulwala on Saturday knowing that they were going to be in for a tough day at the office. It was a beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze, birds were chirping and everything was going well. All of a sudden the game started and things looked very bleak for the next hour or so. The Congupna boys were second to the contest, not manning up and were up against very good opposition. Luckily for Congupna the Mulwala boys missed a few easy chances in the first half. After the initial onslaught from Mulwala, Congupna started to settle and did their best to fight the game out the best they could. In the end they were beaten by a very good side who had good players all over the ground. James Trewin, Patrick Martin and the first year players battled well in the backline. Kobe Currie, Alex Smith and Matt Teitz never gave up in the middle and Brayden Thomas led well at Centre Half.
Under 14
Arriving at Lonsdale Reserve, Mulwala for our round two clash we are greeted with a ground in pristine condition, facilities that appeared to lack little. A heavy dew would make the opening quarter a little slippery and a challenging affair.
Initial sighting of the opposition, we thought the 3rds, were warming up with the 4ths. However when we lined up we realized we were mistaken. Clearly unmanned, the first quarter presented our players with many challengers and a fast running, quick moving style by Mulwala. Our backs, lead admirably by our Full Back, Brodie Poole, were under siege continuously. With Mulwala gaining first use of the ball at ball ups in the centre and around the ground, the quarter time break could not come quick enough. We needed to reassess, regroup and compose ourselves for what the remaining game would present. Great leadership shown by Patrick Jacobson in the centre, a good solid quarter by Jordie Gee, Sam Slavich, Joel Shannon and Liam Quobell.
The Second quarter began with Congupna facing a daunting task, clearly our boys reassessed and adjusted to the challenge ahead. Patrick Jacobson continued to lead by example, presenting and throwing his body into every pack, Liam Quobell and Noah Culpan began to mussel their way into the contest, Aidan Shannon, Brodie Gee began to enter the fray, Sam Slavich, Joel Shannon and Jordie Gee continued to present and use the ball well. For the majority of the quarter Congupna was back in contest but a lapse in concentration late in the quarter saw our defenders again under seige, Brodie Poole again presenting at every contest and now joined by Connor McNabb for assistance were attacking the ball and repelling continual attacks.
The Second half began and unfortunately the loss of our captain for the day, Joel Shannon and Jansyn O’Donohue to knee injuries, left us short on interchange for the remaining of the game. Again the Congupna boys started with a commitment and aggressive attack on the ball, lead once again by Patrick Jacobson, Brodie Gee and Sam Slavich continuing to get to contests and using their skills to move the ball for the benefit of the team. Connor McNabb continued to get his body in the line of fire and repelling constant attacks. Brock Austin, Darcy Lees and Luke Bartels began to get involved and assisting with the moving of the ball. Noah Culpan together with Liam Quobell continued to mussel in on ball ups and boundary throw ins, even though clearly up against bigger and more experienced opponents.
In the final term the boys were facing an unrealistic challenge to win the game , however the aim was to win the quarter. Once again it starts with Patrick Jacobson, leading across the centre and across half back, Brodie Gee, Aidan Shannon and Sam Slavich, continually moving the ball to our advantage, Liam Quobell and Noah Culpan presenting and competing for every contest. Brodie Poole moved to centre half forward, immediately presented as an option and avenue to goal. Luke Bartels, was running the ball up forward, Noah Culpan with Connor McNabb continued to repel Mulwala attacks. Final Siren yields one goal each with Congupna winning the quarter by a point.
A good, committed effort in which our players would have learnt a lot, against a much bigger, stronger and more experienced outfit in Mulwala.
Last Modified on 30/04/2014 14:53