Campbelltown Monarch Blues Reserves travelled north to Manly with renewed hope after coming off a win. Manly on the other hand hadn’t won since round 1 against Moorebank. With both sides sitting on 1 win for the year both were looking to climb one spot up the ladder.
Campbelltown were out of blocks first, once again winning the clearances and contested possessions. For the 3rd week in a row the Blues kicked the opening two majors. Hickey the key target up forward did not disappoint as he kicked straight to get himself two goals early. Manly fought back with G. Smith sparking a mini revival in the first quarter setting up 3 of Manly’s goals. With the game evening up Huddo and H kicked quick goals to steady the ship as the blues took a solid lead into the quarter time break. The Blues lead 5.2.32 to Manly 3.1.19.
In the second quarter, the Blues showed some steely determination. Campbelltown were here to play as they controlled possession with controlled kicking and manic pressure in defence put Manly under a lot of pressure. Campbelltown were out playing Manly in every facet of the game, out played on the field and out coached. G.Smith was tagged out of the game brilliantly by Jez which shut down Manly. In addition Manly went into the match with a 4 man forward line to open up space but this backfired as Campbelltown continued to cut off supply to the Manly forward line. The Blues played beyond their years; with so many inexperienced AFL players in the side they showed true character to keep Manly Goal less in the 2nd term. A wonder goal from Gardner on the run from 45 m and a chest mark in a pack of Manly players to Green who slotted it home just before half time lifted the Blues to take a commanding lead in to halftime. 7.4.46 to 3.6.24.
The third quarter can be telling and manly had to come out fighting but instead the blues charged forward. Once again manly toiled with their 5 man forward set up with extra wing man but this played into the blues hand as they pressed forward. Once Again the blues Defence stood tall lead By Harry at fullback and the Two Lukes, Roonz & Bradley, they kept Manly Goalless again. JD yet again producing effort after effort in defence inspired others to follow suit. In the Midfield Fretwell and Billy toiled hard all day both sharing the Rucking duties. The Blues press was on and solid marks by Giant Killer Hickey who just could not be stopped, the goals began to flow. Jezza put his body on the line and earnt himself a freekick, and from 25 meters out from goal, on a slight angle, Jezzer managed to guide it through for his first of the season. Hickey, and Flint also grabbing majors to leave Manly sliding to their 6th loss in a row virtually ending any finals hopes they might have had. At 3 quarter time the Blues had the match wrapped up. 11.9.75 to Manly 3.9.27
The final Quarter was going to be interesting. A telling moment was just before the bounce a Manly player cried out Let’s not Give up and with that and a shift in tactics whereby Manly played with 6 man forward line for the first time in the match, rattled the blues. 3 quick fire goals to manly had the pundants wondering if there would be some miraculous comeback. But this was no day for miracles. The blues took control again slowing down the tempo and killing off the game with check side snap in the pocket from Yzo ending Manly’s attempted comeback. Hudson summed up the game with the most casual of goals as he made his trademark run along the boundary to slide in his 2nd major for the match. In the end the Blues had done the job in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and although Manly fought to the end it was too little too late as the Campbelltown Reserve notched up their 2nd win in as many weeks. The Blues song was sung loudly and proudly in the rooms afterwards and for the second week in a row the Blues had another birthday to celebrate with Goal Umpire Mr Waack enjoying a Bevi as the birthday song rang true. Celebrations continued with the Blues finding themselves cheering on Sydney Uni then kicking on till the wee hours of the morning.
For the record,
Campbelltown 13.11. 89 Defeated Manly 6.11. 47.
Among the Top 6 were J. Hickey, D. Gardner, N. Hudson, J. Quick-Nadin, J. Duncombe, L. Bradley with the Goalkickers being J. Hickey 4, N. Hudson 2, D. Flint , C. Green , B. Smith , D. Gardner , N. Tyerman , H. Sherwood , J. Allsopp
Massive thanks goes out to D.Voss P.Voss & Irish Mark for helping out with running water and Theo’s running and messaging was spot on. The win belongs to you just as much as it does to the players who played. A club doesn’t function without the support of people like you.
The Blues now take on Wollondilly on the ultimate night for footy, Friday night, at Bargo sports ground at 7pm which will be a game for the ages. We would love to see as many supports out there to see us go for 3 on the trot! Go Blues!
Last Modified on 25/05/2014 20:30
