The weather conditions for Saturday’s Ressies game at Warners Bay matched the 90’s Scottish band Wet Wet Wet. Torrential rain slowed the game down to a scrappy crawl but City did enough to take out a gutsy win 4-5 29 to Warners Bay 3-5 23.
In a sloshy encounter at Warners Bay last Saturday, the Newcastle City Reserve Grade’s depth was again tested, with more of it’s players selected to play 1sts, all helping Courtney’s men overcome a dogged Warners Bay. Ressies still managed to put together a full squad of 22 with an additional 5 emergencies. Of the 22 selected, 9 played their first game for 2011, including 1 in his first AFL game ever, Mitchell Evans and 2 playing with City for the first time, Jack ‘Randy’ Miller and Charlie Gordon, both cleared from interstate clubs.
Following a disappointing close loss last week to Terrigal/Avoca, the Ressies did not want to see a repeat. With that memory still fresh, 9 new players plus a clean dry footy to play with, the lads clicked into gear from the get go, basically putting the game away by the first break, kicking 3-2 to the Bay’s 1 goal. First quarter goal kickers being Mick Deed, Josh O’Bryan and Jack Miller. Randy’s efforts were ‘special’ given he tried to soccer the ball out of the water twice, then deciding to pick it up and boot a great goal! Smart play earlier in the quarter by Josh O’Bryan with a quick switch of play helped lift the lads confidence as the conditions deteriorated. Jon Crace created opportunities and co-coach, Mick Deed leading by example, presenting himself as a reliable target in the forward line.
Torrential rain bucketed down the the second quarter, with the game reduced to a scrappy dour affair, testing the resolve of all, especially the volunteer Club Umpires, Simon Denham from Warners Bay and Matthew ‘Dutchy’ Holland’ from City. Both these guys did a fantastic job and deserve a medal! City scrambled another goal in the second term through Heath ’Babe’ Robertson, which ended up being City’s last goal for the day. Half time scores 4-3 to 2-0 City’s way. Strong play from Ryan ‘Teagie’ James was a highlight in the quarter.
City’s weakness is it’s 3rd quarters, again allowing the opposition soft advantage, with the Bay booting 1-3 to 3 behinds. Strong defence by Owen Dawes, Riley Clement and Matt Bear held off further erosion of City’s lead, scores at the last break 4-5 to 3-3.
The final term was not one for the ages. The football was like cement, rain belted down, the ground was literally covered with sheet water and even the wind picked up! The Bay somehow managed to skid 2 points with the final scores 4-5 to 3-5. Charlie Gordon rolled his ankle – all others came through the game OK.
Awards went to Jon Crace, Josh O’Bryan, Ryan James and Ben ‘BK’ Konetschnik.
Next game against Singleton after Easter should see a selection headache with several players returning from the 1st grade squad. Training attendance and performance will be key to selections.
Deedy and Stumpy.
Last Modified on 27/08/2012 20:51