Senior Football
Last weekend saw the last night game of year for the Bulldogs, this time it was against keen rivals Kyabram. The boys were talking-the-talk this week and were confident of a good showing after a solid week of training. With three inclusions, including the first senior outing for newcomer, Danny Clarke, there were enough changes to see a bit of pressure on players for spots in the near future.
The game started well for the Bulldogs with a couple of early scores but Kyabram came back and made the most of some sloppy disposals and poor efforts. Tom Durward was on top of his highly-rated opponent and he showed what a fine all-round player he is. Linc Wellington also led by example with a very solid four-quarter effort. It appeared, once again, that too much was being left to a few though.
The second quarter saw the opposition kick away and hold a handy lead at the main break. Coach Paul Serra asked his players to have a good look at how they were playing and asked for more teamwork and to use each other with first options rather than look for individual efforts. Kyabram extended its lead in the third quarter. Tatura looked like winning the last quarter but it was too little too late.
Tim Little lifted his work rate after half time and took many marks around the ground, while Danny Clarke, Tom Sullivan and Mark Eaton showed plenty of fight with determined efforts throughout the game.
Coach Paul Serra said “If everyone played with the passion of these few guys, he would be more than happy” After the game he said he was disappointed with the way the team ran out each quarter. After the game, he said that all players could expect a big two weeks of training with the bye next week. “It’s time to step up and be counted for a few of our players”
Final Scores: Tatura 8, 11 59 to Kyabram 23, 17 155.
Reserves
The reserves’ second game started poorly. With two players injured within the first few minutes, the depth of the team was stretched once again. In the first half, the backline was under siege but standing-up well under the circumstances, Shaun Rennie made the most of being an extra player down back and teamed well with James Walters and Jonny Davison on many occasions. The boys stuck with the team rules and stayed positive.
The third quarter started with a couple of quick goals. Evergreen, Dene Archer was looking the player most likely to score up forward and showed that he could still hold his own with a couple of goals again. In the end, it was a big win for Kyabram but the players were committed and played the game out well. There were plenty of physical clashes that kept the crowd entertained. Coach Brendan Vanderdonk was pleased with the team efforts. They were short of players but still gave it their best. Get to training boys and it will turn around after the bye.
Final scores: Tatura 3, 0, 18 to Kyabram 20, 14 134.
Awards:
Club Awards – Shaun Rennie, Daniel Flynn
Hilltop Award – John Davison
Vic Hotel Award - Shane Witham
Pizza Nostra Award – Dene Archer
Tatura Video Award – Tim O’Shannessy
Under 18s
The U/18s were ready to go this week with a couple of players back in the side. They looked good early in the game, with the first use of the ball courtesy of some good work in the middle by Pat Frappell and Daniel Coe. The first half was a really tight contest; both teams tackled hard and applied plenty of pressure both up forward and down back.
Ben Lolicato and Bernie Howley showed how much they have improved with some really good clearances and defensive work over four quarters. Sam Hill and Nick Elliot also gave plenty of drive when the got their hands on the ball in space. After half time, the Kyabram team got away from the young Bulldogs and, despite very good efforts from Nick Rijs, and Daniel Johnstone in the key defensive roles and Jake Rennie around the ground, they couldn’t get back in touch.
Final Score: Tatura 6, 8 44 to Kyabram 11, 15 81
Awards:
Club Award – Daniel Johnstone
Pizza Nostra Award - Jake Rennie
Sportspower Award – Sam Hill
Tatura Video Award – Ben Lolicato
Mick Brett Driving Lesson Award – Justine Milic
Last Modified on 19/07/2010 11:06