We travel to Nathalia today, hosting their first official game of the 2012 season since the floods impacted their ground and courts earlier this year. We appreciate it's been a tough couple of months for them and are pleased to be part of what should be a happy day for all those in Purple Land.
Should make a quick mention of what a fantastic day and night last Saturday was with both Ladies Day and Miss Tocumwal being enjoyed by all who attended. Some amazing and not so amazing talents were discovered and I don't think anyone will look at Juicy Jacob Hore the same way ever again (and also the President Busty Bobby B will also be looked at in another light now). Great work to Lisa and Brooke and their band of helpers and to Pica and Crawf and the beautiful, but hairy contestants who helped to make it a night to remember.
Under 14's - What an amazing hard fought game by the team last week. The 3rd quarter siren went with no sign of the "M" Rule. The back line were again kept busy but stood up well to the "yoyo" effect of the game.
Well done to Billy Govan scoring 1 goal 1 behind and Tayte Wright for scoring 1 behind. The final score saw Toc going down but they should be very hapy with their efforts. Well done. Welcome to Seth Wilmot last week who played his first game in the red and white.
Under 17's -After a reasonably even first quarter our fellows just didn't have enough man power to go all game with our opponent in Echuca United. It certainly didn't help to have two send offs over the duration of the game. Poor self control helps no side - especially in the position we find ourselves in. However - on a positive note - we received excellent games from Josh Allan, Jarrod Morham, Brad McCallum and Co. With "Gordo" leading from the front - as a good leader does - he endeavoured to bring his team mates into their game. Tremendous efforts by our three Under 14's in doubling up, thanks to all concerned. Another real positive - our group know how to "physically tackle", some solid efforts by our boys in this area. Some opposition may be looking over their shoulders! The weekly helper this week is our Time Keeper - John Wilks. "Wilksy" strolled in off the street and offered his services. Great effort, "Wilksy" loves his risotto when he enjoys a feed. He happens to follow the Cats and "dabbles" in computers. Welcome John.
Nathalia today - Here's hoping we put in a solid four quarter effort. Enjoy your game.
Reserves - The Toc Magoo's added 3 new players into the fold in Jesse Goosey, Chris Russell and Daniel Carson. Welcome aboard fellows and we hope you enjoy your time with the Bloods. Reece summed it up pretty well after the game in that there is no doubt about everyone's endeavours but it is our general lack of fitness that is letting us down, great in most of the contested efforts and for parts of a quarter but getting blown away when we drop the concentration and run out of legs.
Having said that, there were some great efforts on the day in particular Cam Dickins who after a couple of games back is starting to get the feel for it again, after some time out of the game. The Canadian Connection in Trotty (out of the sick bed to play) and Ballsy both worked hard as did the veterans K Train Chellew and Courageous Corey Herezo while youngster Dan "The Man" Phelan is putting his hand up for the 2 o'clock game with another solid game down back.
Seniors - The injuries are starting to mount with Simo, Oussa & Trav Haynes already on the side lines it wasn't the Plumbers Crack we had to worry about it was the Plumbers Curse with an in form Shan Coffey going down with a broken ankle in the first 15 minutes followed by Big Jord Haynes nearly doing the same before half time. Shannon has had a plate inserted and will miss the remainder of the season while Jord with ligament damage will miss up to six. It's a bugger as new to the club, Espresso has fitted in beautifully and we all know Jord's passion for the TFNC but it unfortunately goes with the territory of this great game we play. We wish both the boys all the best, hoping to see them (when ready) up and about and around the club during their recuperation.
Congratulations to Patch Garnaut who after some good form in the 2's made his senior debut and more than held his own in tough conditions. Patch threw himself into everything from the start and against the tide kept his opponent very quiet in the 2nd half.
While in Jordy's absence Lukey Fuller was thrown into the ruck and gave it his absolute all, winning tap outs and hitting bodies of blokes twice his size, was a fantastic effort and most appreciated by his team mates and supporters alike.
Some familiar names in our best - we'll just call them the Big 4 (not to be confused with the caravan park), Farrell - as hard at the ball and passionate as we've seen in years (always a big performer on Ladies Day), Poynton - his leaps, leg speed and tackling were terrific, never gives up, Andrew - just continues to get the ball through hard running and Phelan - combine natural skill and scary hardness, hates being beaten. Bradley "Filthy Francis" Perkins had his best game since his return, taking several strong grabs on his wing, whilst after being in the best in the U/17's Aaron Morham played another great game down back winning many one on ones and showing great maturity in some pretty hectic traffic.
