Division 1
Mac Uni Warriors 15.17.107 Defeated East Coast Eagles 5.2.32
The Warriors took on last year’s grand finalists away at Bruce Purser which we knew was a big danger game with ECE needing a win to stay in touch of the top 5. We had 4 forced changes from the previous rounds win against West’s and it goes to show the depth of the club with their replacements ensuring we had a 22 strong side with an exceptionally strong bench.
We started well with 2nd game Matt Bourke providing great service in the middle to Dylan Brogan, Dean Connors and Brett Harland which resulted in numerous inside 50 raids. Kev Jones played the role of tall in the forward line and Scottie Cations enjoyed the crumbing opportunities that came as a result of fast ball movement into the forward line. A great snap from Sammy Lehmann late in the first put us up by 3 goals at the first break.
The 2nd quarter was more of the same with Brad Moore coming off the bench and finding clean ball out of the middle and with his long penetrating kick he delivered more quality ball to the forwards. James Brackin was dangerous at half forward and if not kicking goals he was chasing down ECE ball carriers and causing turnovers.
A solid lead at half time was just reward for the Warriors and if we could hold off an early ECE 3rd quarter comeback we would take full control of the game. We managed to kick the first of the 3rd quarter to effectively put the game out of ECE hands.
Tim Scoular down back, Leighton Corr on the wing and Josh Murphy up forward were all solid contributors in what was a strong win away against the strong ECE club. The 75 point win gave us much needed % and sees us 1 game outside top spot.
The Warriors now tackle 5th played North Shore at home on Saturday in what will be a big game in front of the Kookas Old Boys, with the other grades tackling Parramatta and a big game for the 3rds v Maroubra Saints who have a number of former Mac Uni players.
Go Warriors and Kookas!
Best on Ground: Brad Moore, Matt Bourke, Dylan Brogan, Tim Scoular, Scott Cations, Dean Connors, James Brackin
Division 3
Mac Uni 13.11.89 def East Coast Eagles 8.9.57
Second Grade travelled to Bruce Purser to make amends after the embarrassing loss to Southern Power. This game we knew was a big danger game with a loss derailing our finals chances and ECE needing a win to stay in touch of the top 4.
The lead up to the weekend had been poor but the pre-match the attitude was focused and the warm up strong but yet again we started slowly allowing ECE to get the jump with a couple of early goals. After the first 10 minutes the game started to settle down and we were starting to move the ball forward with some direction. At quarter time we had more scoring shots but were unable to convert a couple of late chances to go into the break behind 1.6.12 to 3.2.20.
The second quarter started fast with the onballers of Razzle, Guns and Funky gaining ascendancy resulting in numerous centre clearances. The forwards started to reward the midfield and backline for the solid work and the results show on the scoreboard with Basely and Benji forming a potent combination. At half time we had taken the lead with a 6 goals to nil quarter. Half time scores were 7.7.49 to 3.5.23.
For the third quarter it was important to get off to a good start and with Griz and French dominating the ruck the onballers continued their good work. ECE started to show some fight but the backline of Hobbo, Bubs, Bish and Jism halted many chances going forward. At three quarter time the lead had increased with a 4 goal to one quarter. Three quarter time Scores were 11.8.74 to 4.8.32.
A disappointing fourth quarter with ECE outscoring the team 4 goals to 2. Semi highlight for the last quarter was our own Frenchman doing a Jim Stynes impersonation from the 87’ preliminary final running across the mark after the siren to gift ECE a goal.
With the next game against Parramatta it will be important to improve our attitude towards the umpires even if they are blatantly biased as it will eventually cost us when it counts.
We expect to see good number on the track with only 7 games to go and to be part of finals.
Best on Ground: Darren Avery, Mark Bell, James Seabrook, Gavin Nixon, Sam Millard and someone else.
Division 4
Macquarie Warriors 11.12.78 defeated UNSW/ES Bulldogs 6.9.45
The Warriors travelled out to the Village Green to take on the UNSW/ES Bulldogs, and were expecting a fierce fight despite their low position on the ladder.
The first quarter started in a blaze of glory as everything clicked into place and went according to plan. Nipper drifted into space to mark and goal for our first and Butch and Stix followed up with goals to get us off to a flyer. The midfield was reading the taps well and despite the boggy centre square, we were able to move the ball quickly into an open forward line with some precise passing. Scores at quarter time were Macquarie 5.3.33 to UNSW 1.1.7
The second quarter saw the Bulldogs start to lift and take the game up to us, and while we were still on top we had less control over the game as the intensity started to rise. Any time the ball went into our backline we were playing in front, and were able to repel the ball effectively, minimising any possible scoreboard damage. Up the other end however, crowding of the forward line made scoring difficult and we were unable to put UNSW/ES away. A late goal on the siren to the Bulldogs kept them within striking distance going into the second half, but the Warriors still held sway with a 27 point lead.
The third quarter was where we stepped up last week, but unfortunately the boys came out of the sheds a little flat. The willingness to work hard and get numbers to the ball had dried up, along with the talk, and that made things difficult as the Warriors had no flow at all in the third quarter. Stumpy’s early goal was cancelled out straight away before another to UNSW/ES allowed them to reduce the deficit to 3 goals. This seemed to spark the boys into action however, as the midfield, led by Jockey and Marshy, started to get on top again. Hobby charged through the middle and provided us with a steadier from the 50 before Docker kicked a long range goal on the siren to give us some breathing space at three quarter time.
The last quarter was a low scoring slog, with one goal to either side, but this was enough for the Warriors to hang on and record a solid 33 point win. Special mentions to Timmy Lawson, Storky and Burnsy who continually gave great drive and rebound from the backline, Party who stepped up in the ruck, giving us first use in the centre and also Nipper for his four goals which were crucial in us setting up an early lead.
Best on Ground: Tim Lawson, Eamon Byrne, Gareth Hood, Steven Powell, Nevin Nath, David Marsh
Division 4
Mac Uni Kookas 3.5.23 def by Nor-West 12.7.79
The Kookas arrived at Benson Lane, Richmond ready to make amends after two heavy defeats in previous weeks to the top of the table teams, Moorebank Sports and Auburn.
The lead up to the weekend had been strong with training attendance returning to normal following two weeks of disruptions of university exams and a heavy injury count.
Pre-match the attitude was focused and the warm up strong with the only agenda of the day the match ahead.
Injuries however, still plagued the Kookas with a number of key footballers sidelined and several others, playing with less than 100% form. The Kookas started the match by scraping through with only the 18 needed to fill all field positions.
Instructions pre-match, made it clear to the team unit that a lot of today’s performance would rest on the shoulders of the midfield. Failing to win the ball out of the centre, is what had let the Kookas down in previous weeks.
During the first term Nor-West got the jump by moving the ball fast from the midfield to their attacking 50. The backline, lead by mainstay fullback Luke Coscia minimized the damage to three goals by the quarter time break.
In the second quarter the Kookas seemed to stabilize and find an ounce of traction. The midfield was supported by the running utility Andrew Kent who time and time again ran to linkup and collect the handball. By half time the Kookas had added two majors to the scored board while Nor-West had doubled their first quarter effort. This saw Nor-West extend their lead to four goals.
At half time, two clear instructions were delivered to the players, the first was to apply pressure to the opponent and the other to present for the football on every occasion by leading hard.
The third term started with some positive signs from several footballers. Defender Matt Chaplin stepped up by applying enormous pressure with third and fourth attempts at every opportunity across the half back. Tim Wall was also leading hard and being very vocal across the half forward. Nor-west then found another gear that added five goals to their score and put the Kookas out of the game.
The backline needs to be commended for their never die attitude throughout the final term which shut each Nor-West attempt on goal down.
Best on Ground: Luke Coscia, Andrew Kent, Chris Day, Tim Wall, Matt Chaplin, Grant James.
U18 Challenge Cup
Mac Uni Warriors defeated East Coast Eagles
No report
Best on Ground:
Sydney Women’s
Mac Uni Warriors 2.1.13 defeated by Wollongong 10.18.78
The away game for the Warriors saw the team travel to Wollongong University. After being decimated by injuries and absence of players we enlisted some very fresh rookies to be able to field a full team in the Round 11 match against Wollongong.
Captain Kim Woldhuis did not play due to a knee injury, which will keep her out for the next few rounds. Liz Fassone took on the Captain duties for the match and will be acting Captain until Kim’s return.
Both teams started out a little slow but after warming up the first quarter was quite an even match up. Naomi McDonald played very well in the Ruck despite being hampered by a knee injury. Aislinn Albury and Steffanie were new to the roll of ball followers but stepped up to the job and were dominating though out the first quarter.
Wollongong was the first to score with two minors then a goal before we were able to get the ball into our forward fifty. The Warriors got the clearance from the centre bounce and Ash took a good mark thirty metres from goal, and scored our first goal.
After a rushed behind for the Warriors, Wollongong were able to get the ball out of the fifty. After a little scrappy play Ash found the ball again and got the ball to the end of her boot. The kick was a beauty travelling forty meters and bouncing through for a goal as Alex Frolich sheppard off fast running Wollongong defenders.
Just before Quarter time Ash went down heavily from a knock to the head, and was helped off the field.
After the quarter time break it was all downhill for us. Wollongong played well with fast running and exceptional ball play, which we were unable to match. Having a lot of inexperience from many of our players proved to be our significant handicap and we were not able to score for the rest of the match.
Despite the level of inexperience we were graced with the return of two seasoned players, Kat Borman and last year’s Best and Fairest winner Kerry Taylor, whose experience shone well above the level of play. They both proved they still have what it takes and played some brilliant football.
There were glimpses of good play with which both Kat and Kerry were a major part and were able to get the ball in our forward fifty, however were unable to score.
Liz Fassone also played well putting on some hard hits and running the ball from the centre. Leah Woldhuis was extremely strong as full back and dominated over their forwards all day.
Overall a disappointing match, but some good stand out play.
Round 12 sees the Warriors first match up with ladder leaders Balmain Dockers at 10am in Drummoyne.
Best on Ground: Kerry Taylor, Liz Fassone, Kat Borman, Lindsay Van Andel, Leah Woldhuis
Last Modified on 29/06/2010 11:22