The seniors set out to break the Good Friday hoodoo against archrivals Berrigan in front of a massive crowd. The weather gave the game a final like atmosphere, and the early tempo suggested just that.
With both teams going goal for goal throughout the first half, it was the like of Jacob Hore, Keith Baron and Dizza Flanagan keeping the boys right in the fight. Steve Patten was in almost everything and young forward Troy Poynton showed his ability with a couple of goals. It was always going to be a game of attrition and the Berrigan boys showed in the second half that they are going to be serious contenders this year.
Some great running and finishing skills were the difference in the last quarter, with Berrigan turning the game on its head.
The boys showed fight and some great passages of play but the hoodoo remains. New recruits and past players all showed glimpses of their abilities, with Max Brooks and Greg Whelan impacting the game considerably. The club is hoping Greg gets some good news this week, and has a speedy recovery. Both Dane and Sean will be working closely with the senior squad to turn the results around against Yarroweyah.
The Midday Show started their 2016 campaign with a hard fought come from behind victory. Down by 3 points at quarter time the Bloods continued to be competitive but Berrigan were able to keep their noses in front through accurate kicking. Finding themselves 19 points down late in the third quarter, goals to Ken Chellew and Rob Randall brought us back to within ten points at three quarter time. Tocumwal dominated play in the last quarter but couldn't put their advantage on the scoreboard. Finally goals came as we hung on to win by a couple of points. Great defense efforts by Luke Brooks and desperate efforts by Jordan Poynton were highlights of a wonderful team effort.
The boys started the game off quietly but the next three quarters looked better. Dylan Maxwell played his first game for the Bloods and showed that he will be an asset to the team and the club. It will be great to get all the boys to training and work on our fitness and game techniques.
The junior Bloods started Good Friday off on a great note, playing some terrific team football from start to finish. Our on ball brigade - Zander, Tom, Dec and Braid linked up beautifully all over the ground. Cody stopped everything that came into the backline and was well supported by Will and Ollie. Harvey and Baylee both had blinders finishing off the good work up the ground.
The most pleasing aspect was every single player was prepared to run and put their head over the ball when it was in their area.
Congratulations to Hamish, Raymond, Kane, Jackson, Antonio and Lincoln who played their first games for the Bloods, hopefully many more to come.
