SENIOR FOOTBALL
Following the solid win over Seymour, Tatura approached the contest against Kyabram with an air of confidence.
Ben Cosgriff and Dylan Johnson were replaced in the side by Josh Harris and Jase O’Neill because of knee and collar bone injuries respectively.
Kyabram, playing at home and under lights, adjusted quickly to the conditions and moved the ball with speed and accuracy. Tatura, on the other hand, were missing targets and fumbled the ball, which caused many turnovers.
Lee Warnett and Shane Kay worked hard at keeping the Bulldogs in the contest. While James Milne provided a target up forward, inaccuracy was a problem. Paul Newman was always going to be an imposing opponent and his six goals for the evening were critical.
Two quick goals just before half time had Tatura within 27 points. The second half saw the Bulldogs respond to Steve Daniel’s plea to kick the ball long and direct.
Early goals to Milne, Tom Durward and Paul Kirby had Tatura back within 13 points but then injuries took their toll.
Cam Trewin and Billy Lovel did not reappear after half time, restricting the rotations through the bench.
Jase O’Neill and Shane Kay gathered plenty of the ball and kicked long into the forward line.
Kyabram showed that they will be a force again in 2011; they answered each challenge Tatura presented them with.
While Chris Ryan worked hard in the defence post and Leigh Owen never stopped running, the Bombers were able to steady and eventually run out winners by 36 points.
A highlight of the last quarter was the screamer mark taken by Linc Wellington, showing there is still life in those old legs.
Coach Steve Daniel said that Tatura failed to adapt to the conditions.
“We tried to play “day” football in a night match and that was our downfall.
"We’re now looking forward to the boys bouncing back against Mansfield in two weeks,” said Daniel.
With a bye next week the team can regroup and prepare for the home game against Mansfield in two weeks.
BEST: Jase O’Neill, Shane Kay, Chris Ryan, Leigh Owen, Tim Little and Linc Wellington
SECONDS FOOTBALL
The undefeated Bulldogs opened up full of running and had plenty of the ball. Early wasteful shots on goal were he only blemish.
Rob Montgomery played his first game for Tatura and gave great drive through the midfield. He showed enough to suggest that a senior call will not be too far away.
Jonathan Barnett made a welcome return to the Bulldogs, providing a great target up forward. Evergreen Josh Stammers kicked the ball long and direct inside the 50 metre arc.
The whole side played team football and were rewarded with a comfortable win. The highlight was a mark and goal on the fulltime siren by Jonathan Barnett, his tenth goal for the game and a fantastic individual effort.
Coach Brendan Van Der Donk was pleased with the win.
“There is lot of pressure on all the players to train and perform with such a big list of players to choose a side from,” said the coach.
THIRDS FOOTBALL
Tatura was keen to continue the good form shown the previous week against Seymour. With three new players, Noah Sims, Matt Daniel and Robert Kirby, up from the under 16s, the team started the contest in good form.
Hard running and good team work, with use of handball, saw the side open up several scoring opportunities. However missed shots at goal did not reward the efforts.
Thomas Miller gathered many possessions across half back and Mitch Elliott and Matt Cornwall provided a strong contest.
The game was evenly balanced at half time, with Kyabram leading by 20 points. Jake Rennie showed he is a promising player, taking some strong marks and slotting through three goals.
Noah Sims relished the contest and showed enough to suggest he has a good future.
From half way through the third quarter, the Bombers started to get on top and showed the young pups a clean pair of heals. The Bombers scored goals regularly and eventually ran out comfortable winners.
Coach Mark Rijs said that while there were some promising patches of football played, Tatura missed good opportunities.
“Tatura failed to put scoreboard pressure on which really hurt the final scores,” said Rijs.
BEST: Mitch Elliott, Thomas Miller, Zac. Brian, Noah Sims, Jake Rennie and Damon Guy
Last Modified on 11/05/2011 17:58