Round 15 Match Reports
Division 2
Mac Uni 16.8.104 beat Manly Wolves 7.8.50
The Warriors made the journey out to the beaches knowing that to win the 4 points we needed to play some very good footy all day against the physical Manly side. Early on we struggled to find any rhythm with 6 forced changes making their impact and after a few positional changes the side finally started to gel.
By the end of the first quarter we were down 13 points and with Alex Lamond moving onto a dangerous on ball opponent, Brett Harland moving up the ground and Paul Jackson finding a heap of footy up forward we looked to slowly get on top before half time.
Sure enough some of the changes worked and with Jimmy Considine & Rob McGinn both making their first grade debuts and finding some clean footy, Stuart Newman controlling the new on ballers & Mick Twohig presenting well we went into halftime down 5 points after kicking 2 goals 5 behinds.
On review of the stats our opposition inside 50's v's scoreboard pressure was higher than usual and once this was spelled out to the backline and midfielders we knew the backline would return to their best in the 2nd half.
The second half our fitness and consistent on ball rotations probably provided the difference with the boys adding 12 goals 2 behinds to Manly's 2 goals 3 behinds. In addition the backline statistics improved to the levels expected which aided the strong 2nd half by the Warriors.
Brett Harland, Justin Whyte and Sam Millard all found a heap of footy which allowed improved service to our forwards in Gav Nixon and Paul Jackson.
Goal of the day would have to go to Skipper Carter Mullins after a long run and repeat efforts rewarded with a rare major for the half back flanker.
The backline continues to move the ball extremely well on turn over and Donnie Ollington, Cameron Inchley and Phil Hare set this up perfectly.
Special thanks to Cameron Poole for backing up after the 18's good win and pinch hit on rotations for us. The experience gained this year will certainly put him in a good position to cement a spot in 2010 once he graduates from 18's.
The Warriors now take on East Coast at home this Saturday and with the side welcoming back a number of players from injury and the 1's and 2's teams are really starting to take shape at the right time of year.
Best on Ground: A. Lamond, P. Jackson, J. Whyte, S. Newman, D. Ollington, S. Millard
Division 3
Mac Uni 8.11.59 lost to Pennant Hills Demons 10.7.67
A glorious, sunny winter’s day greeted the Warriors as they made to trip over to Pennant Hills. With a number of injuries and unavailability’s making way for both Cam Jefferies and Coach Scoular to make their Div 3 debuts.
The Penno boys threw everything at Mac Uni, including the ball whenever it went out of bounds, as the result of no boundary umpires, and they opened up with the only goal in the first quarter where both teams found it hard to get the ball through the big sticks. Strong defence from Stapo prevented the quarter time scores from being considerably worse than a 1-goal deficit with Penno 1.4-10 to Mac Uni 0.4-4.
The second quarter saw the game open up as both teams became used to the conditions. Penno continued to clear the ball from the centre bounces, with both Razzle and Abs picking up plenty of possessions around the ground. Butch was providing a good focal point up forward and kicked a couple for the quarter as both teams put on 3 goals for the quarter.
Half time saw the Warriors still 6 points behind with Penno 4.7 to Mac Uni 3.7.
A lift was required in the second half if we were going to get over the home team as their confidence was growing. Cam was presenting well and took some good marks on the lead and whenever the ball went to ground Jacko (of the Nathan variety) was never too far away. Both teams had 9 inside 50’s for the quarter and accurate kicking from both teams saw Penno kick 4 straight and the Warriors kick 4.1.
The margin of 5 points at 3 quarter time was reflective of a game where there were never more than 2 kicks in it. Frenchy and Griz worked tirelessly in the ruck and Wazza continued to drive the ball into our attacking 50 where Butch was to finish with 5 goals for the day. Unfortunately for the Warriors we were unable to get the goals we needed in the final term kicking just 1.3 and with Penno slotting 2 straight for the quarter they were able to run out 8 point winners.
Best on Ground: D. Avery, N. Jackson, D. Allison, C. Jefferies, B. Staples, S. Uglow
Division 4
Mac Uni 10.4.64 lost to Manly Wolves 11.15.81
Round 15 saw the Warriors head over to Pittwater Oval to take on the Manly Wolves. With only half a win separating the teams on the ladder this was bound to be a closely contested game of footy.
Kicking into a steady breeze in the first quarter, the Warriors struggled to work into the game as Manly did all the attacking early. Julz was starting well, taking many a mark across half back and first gamer Fugitive was showing much aggression, however, things continued to stagnate, as some poor disposal allowed Manly to keep pressing. Despite playing much of the quarter in our back half, the Warriors looked dangerous when they got it forward, and when Hobby snared a sharp ground ball and duly converted the margin was reduced to a flattering 12 points, which would be the margin at the first change.
With the wind at their backs in the second quarter, the Warriors came out firing and the momentum in the game underwent a shift, as suddenly we were right on top. Tomi was getting first hands on the ball in the middle and this allowed Lukey and Docker to give our forwards many a chance to apply scoreboard pressure. After a quiet first term, Stumpy was back to his best, putting through 3 for the quarter, and when Sneak snuck through for his first we were in front for the first time in the game. A couple of late behinds to Manly levelled the scores going into the long break.
With the wind offering less resistance the third term started well, as the Warriors pressed forward multiple times, putting a pile of pressure on the Manly defence. Coops and Gareth worked into the game nicely, providing plenty of run out of the middle, and Hobby continued to make his brutal presence felt at centre half forward, constantly leaving opponents worse for wear. His second goal, as well as one to Lukey and another to Stumpy, saw the Warriors get right on top, although the Wolves fought back late to reduce the deficit to 3 points and set up a nail biting finish.
The last quarter started well, with Dunc slotting his first and Stumpy his fifth, however Manly appeared to be finishing the stronger and started to take control. After toiling manfully all day the back line continued to fight on, however eventually the enormous pressure was telling, as Manly kicked away to record a 17 point victory.
Special mentions to Tomi for rucking virtually all day, to Stumpy for kicking yet another bag, and to first grade coach DK for filling in for us. After losing so many players from last game, we put in a tremendous effort and almost knocked off one of the top sides, so full credit to everyone for a great game.
Best on Ground: T. Kallio, G. Smith, P. Leaney, R. Pryor, P. Cooper, J. Beaman
U18 Challenge Cup
Mac Uni 7.8.48 beat Manly Wolves 6.6.42
With 2 away games left Saturday saw us off to Pittwater no. 6 to take on Manly. After probably our best week on the track this year the boys were keen to rack up another win.
The first quarter saw us kicking into a healthy breeze but with Napoleon, Luke and Sam Wood showing great attack on the footy, and Jamie getting involved early, we were looking to give Manly a real scrap and at quarter time were down by 9 points.
The 2nd quarter saw us kick 3.3 and we went into half time a goal up with Adam and Kyle continuing their form from recent weeks.
At half time we spoke about holding Manly out with them kicking with the breeze and if we really wanted to win we would have to play our best quarter for the year so far. And that is what we did, lead by Bish who was relentless with his attack on the ball and man for the whole quarter and well supported by Sam Lehman and Frosty who made a great 50m chase to cause a turn over showed that the boys really wanted this one.
3/4 time saw us a point down, but coming home with the breeze, Pooley and Belly back from playing Seniors in recent weeks showed their leadership and lead from the front as we kicked the first couple of the quarter but Manly were not going to lie down and really put it up to us with the last 10 mins of the quarter a real see sawing battle but we managed to hold on at the final siren by a goal.
In what was a great game played in good spirits by both teams ours was a great team effort with everyone contributing well done boys.
Best on Ground: M. Bishop, P. Frost, C. Poole, S. Lehmann, K. Morkel, A. Martin
Last Modified on 10/08/2009 13:00