RESERVES
The Reserves with many changes to the side challenged fourth place Yarra junction last Saturday. With an early start to the game it was an even contest early as both sides the scored three goals in the first quarter. Alex. lost their way in the second quarter failing to do all the basics and were well off target with only six behinds for the quarter whilst the visitors took a 14 point lead to half-time. Led by the experienced Len Jenkins, the Rebels got their game flowing in the third term and with young Jordan Purcell and Jedd Hamill kicking multiple goals Alex. added six third term majors to lead by eleven points at the last break. Alex. continued their ascendancy in the last quarter with another six goals whilst the defence led by Paul Francis contained the ’Junction forwards giving Alex a comfortable 15.11 to 9.8 win. Best: L.Jenkins, J.Purcell (4gls) B.Podger-Carroll, P.Francis, S.Graham, J.Rouget.
SENIORS
Alexandra was at home to Yarra Junction playing for the George Steiner Cup again on a cool but fine day before a good crowd boosted by some interested Truck Show observers. The Rebels added Coach Sam Kidd, Cory Jack, Ryan Carter and Billy Cody to replace Chase Pearce, David Bourke, Jordan Purcell and Daniel Rouget from the side well beaten at Kinglake. Popular ruckman Lee Ragg, playing his 100th game, led the side out. Alex. attacked to the town end goal early and the ball rebounded between the half-back lines before Tyler Horwood marked and goaled for the home side. Yarra Junction, aided by a free and fifty meter penalty quickly replied with their first goal and followed up with another from a goal-square infringement. Roving well Brent McDonald got Alexandra’s second goal and Chris Mullins marked strongly close in but Alex. lost the ball due to an undisciplined act and Yarra Junction took the ball the length of the ground for their third goal. The twelve point turn-around enabled the visitors to lead by 8 points as teams changed ends.
‘Junction got the first score of the second quarter before Alex. went forward where McDonald pounced on a Junction mistake near goal and kicked his second goal. Scott Heveren continuing to play his dashing style out of defence forwarded and Jake Steyger goaled. Matt Steiner continuing his good form from last week, cleared well from defence and Mullins marked then played on and kicked Alexandra’s fifth goal. Nathan Dundas was doing well in the centre and the Rebels seemed to be getting on top as McDonald again roved well to goal. Another disciplinary error cost the Rebels one hundred meters of grass and a ‘Junction goal. An unforced error led to another Eagles goal as Alex. had now lost their momentum. Yarra Junction finished off the quarter with the last goal and had got back to within three points at half-time.
The game resumed after half time with both sides making many mistakes perhaps indicative of their ladder positions Sam Kidd down from defence on one of his customary ventures, roved a contest to kick his sides seventh goal but the visitors were again quick to reply after a mark at CHF. Another 50m penalty but this time only a behind resulted but ‘Junction did kick the next goal. Lyndon Purcell marked for Alexandra’s eighth goal as the close contest continued. Matt Steiner marked strongly and was on target but Yarra Junction made the most of Alexandra’s lose checking for their ninth goal as they trailed by a solitary point at the last change. The stage was set for an exciting last quarter as Alex. were keen for their first win of the season but the Eagles kicked the first goal of the last quarter as full back Michel Miller was illegally thrown out of the contest. Alex. came back with a goal to the hard working Ben Cooper who never stops. Players from both sides were hard at the contest creating many ball-ups. ‘Junction got the next goal but scores were level as Cory Jack goaled. Cooper put Alex. in front as his shot at goal was touched. The defence was under pressure as the Eagles attacked late in the quarter finally adding a behind to tie up the scores 11.8 each. Best: S.Heveren, B.Cooper, M.Steiner, C.Mullins, B.McDonald (3 gls), N.Dundas. Whilst coach Sam Kidd said he was pleased to get out with a draw and the teams effort and at training during the week, it was disappointing that a few instances of “lack of discipline” certainly cost the team a win. In Alexandra’s position we don’t need further handicaps to overcome.
Last Modified on 09/06/2015 14:25