RESSIES CLIMB INTO 2ND SPOT
Few things were needed if City was to finish the home and away rounds in 2nd spot. First a win over Nelson Bay and the second a loss by Terrigal to Cardiff. Both happened with City battling to get a hard fought win over the Bay 4-12 36 to 3-7 28. See more.....
A large score was not on the cards at Nelson Bay as both sides not only contended with each other but also the windy, wet weather. City went into the game with a fairly strong side but a total of 10 changes from the previous game unsettling things a bit. The only concern was the size of the City pack, especially with the forecasted wet weather predicted.
Nelson Bay’s winning of the toss saw them go with the wind - both sides defences forced into action quickly. The City backline was the stronger, allowing the Bay only 1 behind. Morrell rock solid with Kelly imposing his presence. At the other end, City managed 4 behinds as the wind strengthened.
The second quarter saw both sides settle down with the scoreboard finally moving along. The wind aided City as they surged through good linkage play booting 3-1 to the Bay’s 1-3 for the term. City goals to McMahon (2) and Cornwall. Morrell came off with a knee injury reducing the bench to 3. Scores at half time City 3-5 23 to 1-4 10.
The rain swept in and the wind increased early in the 3rd term making playing conditions very difficult. Payne, O’Bryan, Niland, Sullivan and Konetschnik seemed to revel in the wet forcing the ball forward against the weather, frustrating the Bay who failed to take full advantage of the conditions. Whilst City was kept goal-less in the term, they did manage to get 4 behinds through and limiting the Bay to 1-3. Scores tightened up with City 3-9 to the Bay 2-7 at the final change.
The weather continued to deteriorate into the last term, at least City had the wind and made sure they kept the lead. A goal to the Bay against the play early in the term tightened the difference to just 2 points. The City boys rallied with desperate play all over the ground led by Barry and Payne. The ball was then kept in City’s half of the ground, with 3 points scrambled finished off by a late goal to Dinneen. Final scores saw City take out the game 4-12 to 3-7.
City goal kickers McMahon 2, Cornwall 1 and Dinneen 1. City was best served by Kelly, Payne, Lonnon, Niland, Sullivan, Walls and Konetschnik.
Next week will see both City 1sts and Ressies in the major semi at No.1. 1st grade taking on Terrigal at 2pm preceded by the Ressies taking on Cardiff at 12 noon. Winners of both games to go straight into the Grand Final on September 10. The losers to play in the Preliminary Final at No.1 on September 3.
True Blue.
Last Modified on 27/08/2012 21:02