Sat 30th June- All week I was worried about the weather, the thought of a home game being washed out did not excite me in the slightest. However on arrival at the ground, the sun was shining and the sky was clear and things were looking good. Was it an omen? Were things going to go right today and would we win? As it turned out I read the omen wrong, it was telling me to go home and get my own washing done before the rain came.
There was no thirds game and the reserve team was stacked with the U/19's that were available to play. Unfortunately Heidelberg came out and played all over the team Hoffy put on the field, losing the game by 16 goals. Not the best way for a home game day to begin.
The seniors came out and the crowd was silenced as with the aide of a strong breeze Heidelberg came out and proceeded to take Monty apart player by player. Last week we were able to score four goals before Bundoora touched the ball, this week Heidelberg scored seven before we touched it. The display put on was not what the Monty faithful come to see. By the end of the first quarter Heidelberg had kicked nine goals to Mont's two and things were not going to get any better.
I dont know what Jack could have said at at Quarter time to inspire the Mont side, but what ever it was, the boys didnt listen. It was almost as though we were deliberately kicking the ball to black and yellow jumpers then stepping aside and saying "please kick a goal". The number of missed tackles and turn overs was obscene. Heidelberg mean while were laughing as they scored another 5 goals to 2 to take a commanding lead at the main break.
If Mont thought it was going to get better after half time, they were wrong. The only hope it seemed was for Heidelberg to think the game was over and to pack up and leave. Unfortunately they did come back out after half time and decided to keep the same intensity going for the third quarter. Heidelberg kicked the next 6 goals to be more than 100 points infront before Monty scored a goal. It was game over. The Heidelberg boys had run hard and used their petrol tickets, but they had used them well. Mont kicked the last 3 goals of the quarter but the damage was done.
The last quarter saw a mini Mont revival as they kicked the first 3 goals to have 6 unanswered goals. But Heidelberg had changed game plan. Now instead of running at the Monty players they were playing off them and containing them. I suppose it is hard to keep the intensity Heidelberg showed in the first half for all four quarters, especially when you are so far in front. Heidelberg did score 1 goal in the last but they need not worry as now at the half way point and being undefeated, they have all the lollies.
Thanks to Phil Plunkett for allowing us to interview him after the game, winners are always going to be grinners.
So where are we after today? The last time we played Heidelberg in last years Preliminary Final they smashed us, today was no different. Have we improved? Have we gone backwards? It will be interesting to see how we now respond. With West Preston away next week, things do not get easier.
Thanks to all those that braved the conditions to make the game one of great atmosphere despite the result. Heidelberg showed up in good numbers and stayed back with the Monty people after the game. It was a pity one supporter forgot decorum and forgot that it should be Monty that does the intro's and wraps after the game, do that in your own rooms, not the oppositions. Enough said on that moment.
I look forward to the return game and the chance to see if we can improve on todays effort. The Heidelberg "unit" is trully professional and shows the rest of us how football should be run. congratulations to Heidelberg and see you in 9 weeks time.
Last Modified on 02/07/2007 11:43
