UNDER 14's - The U/14's travelled to Rumbalara and once again cold conditions prevailed on the day. The Young Bloods started with determination and showed great skills with ball handling. Our running play was excellent and it looked like we may have had our first win. The flow of play was good to watch with both teams eager to spread the ball around and although greasy conditions we held some good marks. The game was evenly matched around the ground with both teams showing good discipline.
Plenty of pressure on either side saw the score line low and nothing in it up to three quarter time, with Toc in front by 2 goals. In the last, Rumba showed a lot of talent to nudge out Toc and win by a couple.
The Toc boys got it together and played well as a team with everyone contributing. Every player should get the three votes this week, although one player needs a mention, he lead well all day and was rewarded with a great goal - Harley Lucas - you legend. Good effort guys and Josie, keep your heads up, if we play as well this week we're in for a chance against Nathalia. Go "Young Bloods".
UNDER 17's - The Under 17's went down in a close game which could have gone either way. Choco, Ash, Jack Shannon and Buttsy were all putting in with Robbie Pyle up front kicking an inspirational 50m. Toddy ran hard all day and was in the thick of most of it. Souley played well in the back line, Jordy tried hard and won most of the ruck around the ground. Jake showed sparks of brilliance, with Liam Dakin once again showing great leadership in his play, I don't think I've seen a more consistent player all year.
Thanks to the Under 14's for once again helping out and although the boys did a great job stepping up, I'm sure Pica would have liked a few more regulars on the paddock; a bit more size may have been the difference.
This week against Nathalia let's step it up a gear and put the points on the board.
RESERVES - The Midday Crew got underway with a couple of young additions from our thirds. Welcome again to Michael Tinkler and Charles McKenna.
"Big Red" - Travis Haynes winning in the ruck and our on ball brigade getting amongst it we felt we were in with a show of causing an upset. Excellent first halves of footy from Joel Hore, Jacob Hore, Mick Tinkler and Jono Andrew had us four goals in arrears at the long break.
With a continued committed effort in the 3rd quarter from the whole group we bridged the gap to only ten points at orange time. The two Hores were really going well up to now!
Unfortunately the final quarter would show "Rumba" ran away with it in the last. However - the scoreboard doesn't really reflect the efforts of the team.
Keep persevering and getting to training - the results will turn around soon. Excellent efforts over four quarters: Joel Hore B.O.G., Michael Tinkler, "Big Red" Travis Haynes, Jacob Hore and Peter Absolom. Very encouraging performance from Jono Andrew and encouragement to "Cannons" Robert Bray.
This weeks special: Mick Tinkler - could be a dark horse for senior company when he "wags" school!
SENIORS - On arrival at Rumbalara they asked to check our boot for packaged beer. Must have wanted to make sure we had enough to last four games, eh?
The seniors hit the ground on a wet and cold winters day. We were aware that this was to be a danger game for us today. With "Loges", "Jazza" and "The Smiling Assassin" in Dave Farrell holding us together we went in at half time with a handy five goal lead.
The second half turned into a real body fight with sound performances from Tim Garlick, Dennis Pedemont, Lee Warnett, Matt Robertson and Sean Logie also shining.
Considering we lost two more of our established back men thru injury during the course of the game - our fellas responded very well as a unit to finish just off seven goals in front.
Very good games over four quarters in trying conditions would read: Sean Logie B.O.G., Jarrod Kelly, Lucas White, Lee Warnett, Dave Farrell and a special mention to "Big Kenny Chellew".
Query: Can anyone guess how many pies "Big Kenny" consumes at a truck stop?
Let's celebrate the ball tonight with a few wins.
