In perfect conditions the famous Tricolours hosted arch rival Eastlake at Ainslie oval in what was the 80th anniversary of this great club.
In our two previous encounters the Eastlake demons had smashed us, but dressed in our new anniversary jumper, a new game plan and after a rousing speech from former players Ian Muir and Johnnie Miller the Tricolours were determined to put on a good showing.
The first quarter was tight and tough with neither side giving an inch and with the backline holding firm, the onballers getting first use of it and a forward line refusing to let the demons have an easy kick the Tricolours were a point up at the first change.
The second quarter saw Eastlake kick 3 quick goals but Ainslie recovered late in the quarter with inspirational goals from running backs Love and Searle to be only 4 points down at the main break and with our tackling and running the best it had been all year there was quite air of confidence among the group.
The premiership quarter saw us start well but our kicking for goal let us down and let Eastlake off the hook. And, like all good sides, Eastlake took full advantage and raced out to a 4 goal lead but with all players refusing to concede defeat we continued to press forward, and at three quarter time we were still very much in the game.
With pride on the line and with Eastlake expected to run over us, the boys came out firing but once again failed to hurt them on the scoreboard. We still continued to push forward and when McFarlane kicked truly it was game on and with great support from the Ainslie juniors the home side lifted but unfortunately time was against us and a 14 point loss was had.
In a terrific team performance better players for the day were Matheson (3goals), the courageous Love, classy on-ballers Neely and Paine, youngsters Mooney, Olson and Tonizzo with recruits Frawley, Price and Ebert showing their obvious class.
Chris Rourke
Club Coach
Last Modified on 23/07/2007 14:14