The Pumas finally had their first home match of the year playing host to the Burleigh bombers. Over the years Burleigh has always been a strong side who are known for their toughness over the ball, this was never going to be an easy match despite the Bombers not having a win for the year in the seniors.
Unfortunately the Under 18's did not get a game because the Bombers have decided not to field a side in the 2013 season. The bright side of this is that a few of the boys got an apportunity to play in the senior ranks.
Reserves
The day started off badly with the Pumas going down in the reserves by 33 points. The bombers were prepared to work harder to get the ball and when they did they spread well to create opportunities all over the ground. The Pumas leg speed was exposed and is an area that must be looked at quickly. Bright points of of the day was an excellent game from Balmy who came up from the Under 18's and had a great game. Sharky, Richard, Natcam, Robbie and skipper Lewis all had servicable games. This weeks match vs Coolangatta is crucial if the reserves are to play in the finals, a loss in this match could see the end for the Pumas. It has been great to see the Ollington boys back training and with the return of Barnesy, Josh and BJ should give us the personnel to have a good win.
Seniors
The seniors saw the welcome return of injured ruckman Tiger Monk and the elevation of star Under 18 Angus Hubert into the team. It was a very warm day with the hard surface favouring good skills and hard running. The first quarter saw the Pumas jump to a 6 - 4 - 40 to 4 - 1 - 25 lead. Although the team was attacking well with Iles and Proud leading the way a couple of defensive lapses saw a couple of soft goals get through from the visitors. Furfaro and Brown were getting plenty of the ball with Jakes disposal being a highlight of the quarter. Angus Hubert started the day well kicking two goals which would lead to a total of 4 in a fantastic effort. The second quarter saw the Pumas pile on another 6 goals to the visitors 2 with a couple of pieces of fantastic play that showed what the Pumas are going to be able to produce in the future. The Bombers were fighting hard with plenty of contested ball. Nash, Friis and Eddy were all having great games with Mark Hopkins doing a great job at full back. The end of the second quarter saw a bit of push and shove from the clubs and set the scene for a big third quarter.
The third quarter was a real arm wrestle with both sides registering 5 goals. My best player for this quarter was Blake Wallis who just continues to beat his opponents and is the real general of the back line. Tiger Monk was moved into the forward line, his height, strength and hardwork will see him difficult to control for opposition teams. Three quarter time scores were Pumas 17 - 10 - 112 Bombers 11 - 10 - 76. Although having a good lead the Pumas were not home as the Bombers continued to work hard. The final quarter saw the Pumas score two goals to the visitors three, although the Bombers have started the season slowly there is no doubt they will cause some upsets soon. Thanks to all the supporters who turned up for the day as the big crowd added to the atmosphere around the club.
Final scores Pumas 19 -11 - 125 Bombers 14 - 12 - 96. Ladder position (2)
Best Players Brendon Iles ( Best on Ground)
Angus Hubert
Mark Hopkins
Blake Wallis
Greg Friis
Jake Furfaro
Again it was a very even team performance with a number of players who could easily have got into the top six.
Next week we travel to Coolangatta where the match of the round will see a big crowd attend. Coolangatta are sitting 5th on the ladder and are coming off a last quarter of 8 goals where they ran over Uni to give them plenty of confidence for this week. It is becoming clear that this is going to be a very even season with every match being cosely contested.
If you can travel to Cooly to give some support it would be great for the boys who will be doing everything they can to keep their undefeated record going.
Last Modified on 01/10/2013 13:18