Newcastle City headed to Hylton Moore Oval expecting a tough test in all 3 grades, and that is exactly how things panned out. The U18's started off the day with a fantastic 15 per side tussle against the Terrigal boys. The match was evenly contested and a see-saw battle up until three quarter time. City had created quite a few more scoring chances but failed to convert enough to seal the game before the final term, leading by 10 points. Terrigal had the breeze in the last stanza and a couple of quick goals took the life out of the City boys who ran out of legs on the heavy ground and were soundly beaten in the final term. A great fight though, with plenty of promising signs for the season ahead.
The Reserve Grade match was a very close affair, with the Blues just missing out on the victory in the final minute of the game. The boys had a sluggish start and were trailing by a couple of goals for most of the game, trying to play catch-up footy on a heavy track. Hitting their straps in the final quarter, they took the lead with only 2 mins remaining but the Panthers managed one last score on the siren to sneak home. Mentions to Sam Payne, Neill Munro, Travis Walls and the returning Mick Deed for strong performances. The boys will be looking to regroup on the training track this week in preparation for a big showdown with Warners Bay this Saturday.
In First Grade, City again made a slow start and were out-enthused by their younger opponents in the early going. However the Blues battled hard and only trailed by a goal at the first break. City came out with increased intensity in the second term, but were let down by skill errors as well as being hampered by the outstanding Angus Darling. Despite that, the boys fought their way to within 3 points of the Panthers at the main break. Some time to think and discuss with coach Knight resulted in a vastly improved third term, the Blues breaking the game open with a 5-5 to 1-1 premiership quarter. A strong final term ensured there would be no comeback by the Panthers, with City running out 20 point victors at the final siren. Superb work all day from Stewart, Hunt, Enright and Knight got City rolling forward with great supporting run from Hondow, Woodhams and Bailey. Another stern test awaits at Seaman Oval this Saturday against a Warners Bay side that narrowly lost to Cardiff last weekend. The Blues will be sure to give it their all to take a 3-0 record into the Easter Break.
Last Modified on 11/08/2012 12:51