WEST PRESTON LAKESIDE vs LOWER PLENTY
Round 17 @ Lower Plenty
West Preston travelled to Lower Plenty to take on a tough lower plenty side who had been very competitive all season and a serious threat to the Roosters. They sat one spot below the Roosters at 5th on the ladder so it promised to be a close encounter.
A whirlwind start from the Rooster saw the first 3 goals slotted in quick succession to suggest another big win was on the way. That was when Lower Plenty kicked into gear. The next 45 minutes of football was dominated by the home side going into half time with a comfortable lead and the game in their grasp. Hiho decided that facial fractures were not enough to keep him from playing and was knocking the door down to have an impact when Lower Plenty kicked its 4th straight goal of the second term. His impact was profound as usual taking no prisoners along the way and lifting the Roosters at every contest.
Big Andreas was blossoming in the ruck and dominating the aerial battle. His tapwork was vital but his ground skills were clean and crisp. He was certainly showing some other little fellas just how it was done. It was going to take some sort of effort from the Big fella to marshall the troops in the second half. He was not going at it alone though, Tom O'Neill was at his courageous best in the back half cutting off opposition attacks with fists and strong marking. Alongside the former skipper was Brian White and Nick McKernan holding fort.
The second half was to be played out in uninviting conditions and a lift was needed. Rizzo, after a quiet first half was instrumental in the teams efforts. Having battled through 25min of the 3rd quarter facing a 7 goal deficit and a likely defeat he was the spark. A mark and goal from outside 50m in dreary and wet conditions seemed impossible but not for Rizzo. A monster kick and a team lifting goal that was the turning point. Not too long after another goal saw the margin at 5 goals at the final change. Not insurmountable but any stretch, especially on the small ground, but an almighty effort was required.
The coach gave a rousing 3qtr time speech to instil confidence in the players that this was an attainable task. He needed a boost from his leaders and after serviceable games so far it was Barker and McDonagh were the likely candidates. McDonagh demanded to be put in the middle for the start of the final stanza and responded with the first 3 clearances and some inspiring football. His efforts with Barker and the Big Dynamo Andreas were edging the margin closer and closer but with 5 minutes left and a 2 goal margin the door was closing.
A noted and accomplished defender in J.Caspersz snuck forward to attend a forward stoppages and proceeded to win the ball and snap a goal. The margin under a goal and the scene set for an enthralling conclusion.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. David Bonadio marked strongly inside 50 and went back to calmly slot the set shot and put the Roosters in front. Moments later the siren sounded and elation for the Roosters. A classic victory and a confidence booster going into the first final in 2 weeks time against the same lower plenty side.
Excited players and fans alike (including a certain Centre Half Back's old man) were enjoying the win after a day of tough wintery conditions. Andreas was clearly the teams most valuable player on the day and a few notable members may have likened it to a similar performance 8 years ago from the current reserves coach. He was simply unstoppable.
A final game before a return clash with Lower Plenty in week 1 of the finals will be a good tune up for the Roosters. Eltham sit 2nd so a great test before an open finals series awaits in the reserves division.
Last Modified on 23/08/2012 14:05