The Lismore Swans hed to Warwick on the weekend to compete in the Warwick pre-season carnival featuring teams from Lismore, Warwick, Goondiwindi, and Jimboomba. The Swannies were hoping to get game fitness, test players out, give the boys an opportunity to have a go and show there skills. A small bench was always going to test the boys in 3 x 50 minute games in 35 degree heat on the Saturday.
First up the Swannies took on Goondiwindi and marked there presence in Warwick from word go. The midfield continuously drove the ball forward and the forwards took advantage with Jarred Kelly, Rowan Hindry, Wesley Seewald and Alex Aitken getting plenty of the footy. Swannies led by 6 goals at half time. Inaccurate kicking for goal kept the Swannies from double digit goals while Goondiwindi's only goal came from a free kick 15 out directly in front. Final score Lismore 9-15=69 Goondiwindi 1-6=12. Goal kickers; 2 each to Wesley Seewald and Mitch Montgomery while singles to George Massa, Josh Mapstone, Rowan Hindry, Mitch Grivins, Jarred Kelly. Best for the game were; Mitch Grivins, George Massa, Josh Mapstone, Alex Aitken, Rowan Hindry, Jarred Kelly.
After a long break the Swannies came out very flat against Jimboomba and got smashed trailing by 6 goals at half time. The boys improved a little in the second half however was an ordinary performance. Final score Lismore 3-7=25 Jimboomba 12-3=75. Goals went to Daniel Bruce, Alex Aitken, and Jarred Kelly. Best for the game were Dan Maloney, Alex Aitken, Simon Howard, Dylan Brooks, Phil Tsourlinis, and Morgan Hindry.
The Swans had to back up and play Warwick and in a tight first half the Swans trailed by 6 points. The Swans looked a lot hungrier in the second half and were first to the footy. The second half was an unbelievable performance with Lismore steam rolling the home team. Final score Lismore 8-4=52 Warwick 5-6=36. Goal kickers; 3 to Wesley Seewald, 2 each to George Massa and Alex Aitken and 1 to Dan Maloney. Best for the game were Angus Legoe, Dylan Brooks, Rawdon Pierpoint, Phil Tsourlinis, Josh Mapstone, Dylan Brooks. The win getting the Swans to the final.
Unfortunately Lismore lost Nathan Box and Dylan Brooks for the Sunday and without a ruckman or a bench it was always going to be tough for the boys to back up after pulling up sore from a big Saturday. The Swans took on Jimboomba in the final; the Redbacks had a full bench and fresh legs for the final however this was not going to hold the Swannies back.
The Swannies came out to play footy and really stuck it up to the Redbacks however trailed by 5 points at the first break. The Swans continued to put pressure on Jimboomba and this showed as the Redbacks frustration resulting in dirty tactics. A fantastic first half by the Swans keeping them within 2 goals of the opposition. The third quarter was frustrating for the Swans as many ordinary free kicks were given in Jimboomba's forward line allowing them to break the game open. A few poor umpiring decisions early in the final quarter took the margin out to more than 10 goals. Fortunately for the Swans the boys regrouped and put in a solid finish kicking 4 final quarter goals to go down 8-5=53 to 13-16=94. Goal kickers; 2 to George Massa and Wesley Seewald, 1 each to Josh Mapstone, Mitch Grivins, Daniel Bruce, and Alex Aitken. Best players were George Massa, Mitch Grivins, Josh Mapstone, Morgan Hindry, Angus Legoe, and Simon Howard.
All in all an excellent performance by the Swannies capping a great weekend with the team we had. A good first hit out and a great team building weekend. Not to mention a great bus trip back to Lismore. Warwick weekend was a greaaat weekend!
Last Modified on 27/12/2009 14:24