Rebel Yell – Round Four
By Ryan Hobbs
After a gutsy win over the Eastern Ranges, we set ourselves for the task of dismantling the competitions undefeated powerhouse Calder Cannons. The boys trained solidly on Tuesday night with many full ground drills giving us an opportunity to run some soreness out of the legs and continue to improve on our occasionally wayward kicking.
Wednesday saw us meet at the Ballarat RSL to attend the ANZAC day dawn service. This was our theme for the week as it was stressed that this round’s match could be somewhat of a ‘war without weapons.’ Despite the quite emotional experience the service proved to be very motivational. I realised that the values that the diggers shared, such as mateship, determination and sacrifice for others also corresponded to our own team values.
Friday night the club dietician, Kerry Gordon, took Bryce Tickner, Clayton Hinkley, James Delahunty and myself on a trip to the supermarket. As we have all moved into our own accommodation in Ballarat this season it is important we learn what foods are best for us and where to obtain them. It was certainly interesting to be shown what an expert thinks we should be eating.
Intensity and enthusiasm levels were high in a ‘short and sharp’ Thursday night session. It was great to have two current Roosters players, former Rebel Tristan Cartledge and Jacob Spolding, join in and assist with our specials drills. After being named as an emergency for the previous three weeks, Alex ‘Gubbo’ Gubbins was selected for his debut game in what was the only change to our team line-up.
With several inches of rain having already fallen upon Austar Arena and more forecast, both teams were expecting a wet and hard fought game. However, this was not the case as the sun was out and the Cannons were able to showcase their exquisite skill and outstanding team cohesiveness.
Hard-nut Luke Murnane left the ground feeling ‘cheeky’ as he suffered a heavy knock resulting in a fractured cheekbone. Meanwhile Nick ‘Wez’ Peters was forced off with the blood rule a remarkable four times for a severely bleeding cut above his eye. It is also rumoured that Wez is now suffering from leather poisoning after yet another high possession game!
Needing a stitch in the back of my own head at half-time, I contemplated that this was a game where almost nothing was going our way.
This trend continued as Calder powered on in the last quarter making a statement that they are the benchmark of the competition. Irrespective of the scoreboard, Jason Linke and Nick ‘Soobs’ Suban were gallant in the backline whilst Matt Austin continued to run hard all day.
A strict post-game rehab included ice baths after the game and braving the elements at Lake Esmond on Sunday. This will without doubt ensure that our bodies will be in the best possible shape for us to bounce back this week as we welcome the Gippsland Power to our home turf on Saturday at 11am.
Hope to see you there!
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 16:19