SO NEAR YET SO FAR...
Newcastle City Reserve Grade went down by 2 points to Terrigal in fine conditions at Terrigal on Saturday (9/4/11). City played catch up all day, getting the lead in the final quarter with 2 minutes to go, only to loose it again in the last minute.
City went into the game with a full squad, but a total of 8 changes to the previous team that played Gosford, being;-
Outs: were Mitch Niland (1st grade), Tim Sullivan (1st grade), Riley Clement (injured), Darryl Annesbury (injured), Anthony Price (1st grade), Ben Konetschnik (rotated), Dillon Calman (1st grade) and Jordan Stead (rotated).
Ins: Kyle Hamilton, Matthew Bear, Ben Thompson, Heath Robertson, Neill Munroe, Mick Deed, Ryan James and Josh O’Bryan.
Emergencies were Jordan Stead, Mitch Evans and Richard Antney (all 3 did water for both Ressies and Snrs), and Justin Smith. Great to see the guys helping out – much appreciated!
A sluggish start to the game by City, with several players finding the heavy ground a bit of a challenge, many loosing their feet chasing the Saints. Sam Payne led by example laying several tackles with 1st gamer Neill Munroe exciting all with in and under play. City clawed their way back into the quarter, going into a 3-2 level score at the first break. Goals to Deed, Munroe and Ross.
A fresh breeze was supposed to aid City in the second quarter but the Blues failed to take advantage with several forward attacks ending up in the forward pockets, making scoring difficult. The Saints quickly switched the ball from their defence, taking advantage of City’s increased missed opportunities. With a 15 minute send off half way through the term, City lost their way going into half time 5-3 to the Saints 7-3. 2nd quarter goals to Deed and Geniola.
The half time break in the sheds didn’t work as City came out playing soft, stand-off footy in the third term despite solid play from Sam Payne, Neill Munroe and leaping Travis Walls. The score gap widened with the last break seeing City down 13 points, 6-13 49 to 9-6 62.
Please to revert to the game seemed to have worked in the final term, City snapping into action, laying on several long range assaults into the forward line. Sam Payne continued to hustle and bustle his way though the packs, Neill Munro showing he’s got plenty to offer this year, Travis Walls realising he can jump, Ryan James getting plenty of touches, with Mick Deed and John Parker providing good targets up front. City hit the lead for the first time with 2 minutes to go and seemed to have the momentum. But a momentary lapse saw the Saints sneak a late goal in the last minute with the siren sounding as City was moving the ball into their forward line. Last quarter inaccurate kicking didn’t help, City kicking 4-6 in the last term (goals to McCosker, McMahon, Parker and Payne) to the Saints 2-3. Terrigal escaped with a win with final scores being 11-9 75 to 10-13 73. City was well served by Sam Payne, Neill Munro, Travis Walls, Ryan James, Mick Deed and Josh O’Bryan. No injuries!
Plenty of learnings from the game which will need a focussed effort during this week’s training in readiness for next week’s away game against Warners Bay.
Last Modified on 11/08/2012 12:50