|
Q1
|
Q2
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Q3
|
Q4
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MANNINGHAM SHARKS
|
0.4
|
0.9
|
1.9
|
2.13-25
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ST BERNARDS
|
2.6
|
4.8
|
8.10
|
11.10-76
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Goal Kickers: J. Waters, J. Aver
Best Players: J. Urbano, D. Di Bartolomeo, J. Waters, D. Tibaldi, N. Tomecek
Bring out the clichés – they all apply to this one. Bad Kicking is Bad Football, Lack of Scoreboard Pressure, Didn’t take our opportunities, Could Have – Should Have – Didn’t!
It was a very frustrating afternoon at St. Bernard’s as we wasted an opportunity to claim a top four team. Unfortunately we lacked the polish to get the job done. Our intensity at the ball and in body pressure was once again unquestioned but sloppy work with the ball in hand early on while kicking into a gale saw us blow the chance to take the initiative on the scoreboard. Restricting St. Bernard’s to only 2 goals with a hurricane behind them seemed like a great performance and if we didn’t blow some easy shots on goal we could have led at the first break as our 4 misses were not difficult chances. However, the 2nd quarter was a disaster and all of the good defensive work was wasted as we continually played wide on the wrong side of the ground. Because of this there were no easy paths to goal and the middle of the ground opened up for them to attack through. To trail 4.8 to 0.9 at half time was not a true reflection of our competitiveness but it did reflect our poor decision making and execution.
We again played well into the wind for little reward in the 3rd quarter. What was most frustrating was that we were getting first hands on the ball but then coughing it under pressure. This gave St. Bernard’s the chance to take the ball away from contests too easily. The defence was under pressure but holding firm, but we struggled to transfer the ball forward. Needing 7 goals to win was not an impossible task in the last quarter with the wind only getting stronger. However, we once again took the wrong paths to goal and allowed St. Bernard’s to dictate terms. The final score would indicate a heavy loss but to have 15 scoring shots to 21 gives us some confidence to compete with the top teams. However, there is no doubt this was a very disappointing performance and loss as we know we could have pinched this game if we played well. Once again Joe Urbano led the way with the intensity while our usual reliable small men Dan Di Bartolomeo and Dan Tibaldi ran hard all day. Nat Tomecek adapted well to his new role in defence while Jimmy Waters did a great job in the ‘physical’ side of the game to make room for others.
Next week we face a struggling Aquinas at home in the first game of the triple header at 9.20am. This is a game we cannot take any chances on and hope to have a big win to set the day up for the club. All Under 19 players, parents and supporters are then very welcome at the Club Luncheon at 12.00pm.
Cheers, Pete
Last Modified on 01/10/2009 19:48