Seniors
Well, what a cracker of a game!
If you happened to hear Gonzo’s rousing pre-match address you just knew the Roaders meant business. Kicking with the aid of a 3-4 goal breeze, the boys went bang, bang ………. bang, bang, bang! to lead five goals to two at the quarter time break. We played with confidence and showed superior ball use for most of the quarter. Our midfield group was working hard, backline was as tight, and forwards were kicking goals. We seemed to lose our focus for five minutes at the end of the quarter which allowed Barooga a second goal. Qtr time scores 5.3 to 2.3.
Gonzo delivered a couple of sobering and deliberate messages at quarter time – “Don’t get ahead of yourselves” and “continue to play that disciplined, possessive game” as per the game plan. It seems that not everyone was listening. A 50mtr penalty gave Barooga the kick start they needed. Turnovers proved costly, with Barooga scoring two goals from as many opportunities. Undisciplined frees gave the Hawks much more of the ball than they were entitled to and presented them with ten scoring shots for the quarter. Our single scoring highlight was a boundary tap by Moo to DC for a left-foot snap. Half time scores 6.3 to 8.7.
The Coaching group was surprisingly calm in the rooms, but unified and firm their belief of the playing group and the predetermined game plan. “Be composed”. “Retain Possession”. First blood to the Hawks – not the start we had hoped for. Then from a scrambly piece of play Joey ‘pick-pocketed’ the ball carrier and snapped a major. Moo thought it was a great idea, so he stole one too – another major – his third. Nine points down and right back in the hunt. The midfield group led by Tater, DC and Ferg were working their butts off. A worm-burning pass from Regan Sheehan found its target with Jessie C. slotting one from the Members pocket. A great switch across half back by Harry E to Killer, on to Ferg then to Diesel for a run and carry 50 bomb had the Members jumping. Go Roaders! Joey marked strongly in the Netballer’s pocket, then played on a-la ‘Stevie J’, for another six pointer – his third. Three qtr time scores 12.7 to 10.9.
A few minor tweaks to the line-up saw us back in a more standard formation. A rebound from half back resulted in Diesel taking a set shot, 40 mtrs out, into the teeth of a howling gale. Bang! Straight through the middle for a third. Up by 17pts. The backline, led by Congo and the Harrys, Benny, Kieren and Bowlsie was impenetrable. Jack Ellis was outstanding all day. The last half of the final quarter became a scrappy affair as many players were ‘out-on-their-legs’, but that didn’t stop DC from snapping his second and icing the game. Roaders by 20! It was a tremendous team effort with no passengers.
Catch you next week …. (I hate felines). ROADKILL
Reserves
Our reserves put up a very good performance against yet another very experienced fit outfit. We put in a very good showing for just over 3 quarters but fell away to be outclassed by a well drilled Barooga team. Our effort was very promising and there has been major improvement each week so If we keep the efforts up the wins will follow. Tim Zak was best afield and he was well supported by James McBain, Adam Bovell, Alex Hall and Shane Bensch
Under 17
On another great day for football, Congupna welcomed Barooga to our home ground. After a bit of shuffling of players between the two sides the game got started, with Congupna starting well early kicking a couple of quick goals and leading at quarter time by 4 goals. This trend continued in the second quarter with Congupna moving the ball well into a slight breeze. After half time the heat was starting to take its toll on both teams and the game slowed down a bit but Congupna continued to drive the ball into the forward line and ended up winning when the final siren sounded. Better players were Joel Brett and Matt Teitz in the centre, while Pud Martin, Alex Smith & Nic Jacobson played well across half back and Brayden Thomas played well up forward kicking 6 goals.
Under 14
After the Mulwala loss the week before our young gun fourths were keen to atone for the defeat and worked hard on the track all week. They were looking forward to the challenge and to put in a stronger performance against Barooga. For the second week in a row when the opposition Barooga 4ths ran out, albeit for a couple of littlies, they looked taller stronger and much older. There was even a rumour that a couple of the Barooga fourths actually drove their cars into Memorial Oval. But seriously, we looked a far smaller team which will be the case most weeks so we have to learn as a team to play to our advantages.
Once the siren went to start the game within 30 seconds Barooga whisked the ball out of centre with ease and score the first goal, so set the trend for most of the match.
Four goals down at quarter time, and eight at half it was pleasing that we never gave up. Eventually having the mercy rule was invoked in the third term.
At times our backline were too loose and our one percenters were not to a level we expect as a team but we are a developing team and as the weeks pass we will get better and better in those aspects of the game. The coach empahsised after the match that it was no good being champions at training but not producing the same level of constituency under pressure in a game.
Our goal kickers were Reece Bartels who came on late in the second quarter and was rewarded up forward with a free to score our first major, then we had to wait till the last quarter for our next major which came courtesy of another interchanged player Timmy Trewin.
Awards this week: The Trelly’s award went to Broph, Sportsfirst award to Luke Bartels . Paddy Jacobson got the Congupna Shop award and was arguably our best player, the “flying face washer” Darcey Leys was rewarded with a hat. Joel Shannon battled injury and took home The Club meal voucher and Brenton O’Brien received the beanie. Special mentions to “Slamin” Sam Slavich & Liam Quibell who tried their hardest all match putting in their best games for the club. So let’s continue to work hard and put our best efforts in against Finley.
Last Modified on 30/04/2014 14:53