Under 14's - The 14's travelled to Congupna to be convincingly beaten by a side eager to boost their percentages. We fell a bit short with a few regular footy jumpers missing on the paddock. Come on guys, we need everyone to put an effort in to be available on the day.
The "Young Bloods" had good play in the latter stages of the game, and in the cold conditions some kicking and marking were strong. Jesse Bunnett rucked well and covered good ground around the oval, in the centre Stephen Patten and Jess Koopman found more of the ball in the third and fourth quarters. Corey Howell was in everything all day. Billy Andrew played his usual game in the thick of things, and with a spring in his step that Steve Hooker would be envious of. Will McDonald was busy down in the back line with support from Hugh Haynes and Harrison Close.
Umpiring was once again solid all day, and quick action was taken on those foolish enough to dispute any decisions.
I can see light at the end of the tunnel guys, so let's stick together, play hard together and get together for training. Go "Young Bloods".
Under 17's - With only 14 regulars playing we again asked some U14's to help us out. Thanks again boys, what would we do without you all.
Great team effort by all our back line players trying very hard from the first bounce by doing great tackles, hand passes and marks. Great all round effort by Chris Patten.
Overall the score board didn't show how hard you all put in and continued playing great team football. Congratulations to Matt Soule who finally got around to playing his 50th with a busy day on the field. Thanks also to all the senior footballers that turned up to show their support.
Reserves -The "Ressies" started with the bare minimum 18 including several thirds backing up, thanks again to Jack, Jordan, Keiran, Dean and Robbie.
Boydy back from N.T. started well supported by Jacob, Keiran and Jordan. The game was played in our back line and there was plenty of work for Rod and Charles with Congupna kicking 7 goals in the 1st quarter.
Jordan moved into the ruck with Jacob and Abbo continuing to battle hard on the ball. A rare flurry forward saw good body work from Robbie resulting in a goal from Brendan Shannon.
Congupna stayed on top for the remainder of the game. Dean gave Jordan a break in the ruck and battled hard pushing down back. Hayden was very competitive under extreme pressure with support from Matt Harper.
Best players after a tough day was Jacob, Abbo, Hayden and all the Under 17 players that backed up.
Seniors - Big Red lined up against his second Murray League Rep in consecutive weeks. We got off with early goals to Leeroy and Young Mel followed by a long bomb from Robbo. The next ten minutes the backs had plenty of work but Congupna could only manage two goals before Shielsy got his first to give the Bloods a ten point lead at quarter time. Congupna had plenty of the ball around the ground and hit the front with two early goals to start the second quarter. A goal to Dundas gave the Bloods a narrow lead with general play very tight. Congupna kept coming with some missed opportunities before a goal gave Congupna back the lead followed by another to give them their best lead of the game 5 minutes out from half time. A late goal to Loges from the pocket kept the difference to a point at half time.
At the long break Coach Roe asked for an extra effort. The first bounce saw Jazza have a clearance before Robbo kicked his second. Chappy was lively at CHF and kicked his first 10 minutes in followed by his second 1 minute later. Congupna came again and kicked two goals to square up the score. Dundas with good body work and strength kicked his second and third on the siren to give the Bloods a one goal lead at three quarter time. A tight tussle for ascendancy in the game was to start the last quarter with Congupna scoring first blood and then Toc getting one back. Congupna had the upper hand and kept their nose in front each time. Toc challenged to finish a couple of goals behind at the last siren.
Everyone should be firing to go today after our week's break. We have a few milestones to celebrate this week with Peter Absolom playing his 150th Reserves game. Peter has been an absolute trooper for the Toc Football Club and Liam Dakin and Jack Shannon playing their 50th 3rds game. Let's get behind these boys and make it a memorable day for them. Congratulations to you all.
