Round 2 - South Colac
A beautiful sunny day greeted supporters journeying to Birregurra Recreation Reserve for the Saints’ first home game of the season against South Colac. A sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air as the home side looked to build on a positive start to the year. South had recruited strongly over the summer break and, under the guidance of a new coach, had every right to approach the block-buster clash with a degree of confidence. Rumour abounded during the week in regards to the fitness of a host of Birre stars. Question marks hung over the heads of Green, Phillips, Davis, Whelan and Coach Lynch. The scene was set for a thrilling encounter.
As the Birre boys burst from the rooms it was Perfect Pat Nolan at the helm. He resembled a prize fighter; fit, focused, chiseled, and ready for action. Alas, there was no sign of Cool Hand Luke, Super Sam, Skipper Mick or Twanger Whelan. Coach emerged in his civvies. The task just got a little tougher. A victory under the circumstances would indeed be praiseworthy. Could we step up?
And so, as the ball was bounced the crowd was treated to a display of fast and frenetic football. South jumped out of the blocks moving the ball quickly, placing the Birre backs under pressure. Not to be outdone the Saints’ midfield responded. The Doctor ducked and danced, driving Tommy forward with distinction. Perfect Pat found space and Conspicuous Cam keenly contested, then distributed with class. Big Tom attacked ferociously in the ruck and down forward, Jackhammer Jack was vice-like. He planted, grappled and ‘bang’, he grabbed. And boy, did he kick truly. The second stanza didn’t quite produce the fluent football of the first as the match showed all the signs of turning into a dog fight. South were clearing cleanly out of defence and their mosquito fleet were busily buzzing about. Tackling was fierce and the running was hard. The battle showed no signs of abating. At the major break a solitary minor separated the combatants.
More of the same characterized the 3rd. This was going down to the wire. Big Tom was untiring and Conspicuous Cam continued to pressure. Sublime Stevey Sal stood strong (what’s new!) and calm Kenneth reliably repelled. But South were in for the long haul. The lead see-sawed throughout the last. Still, the Roos bounced and boxed. Chicken Man Lynch goaled and it was anyone’s. As the final siren loomed South pushed forward and sadly through the big sticks Tommy sailed. That was the end of that. It was an admirable effort but we had fallen short. Till next time Kangas.
Final Score
South Colac 7.8.50 defeated Birregurra 7.3.45.
The Saintly Scribbler
