With three unexpected withdrawals from the side, playing away and having a very (very) small City supporter contingent, it could have been said the writing was on the wall for City. Knowing that Singleton were undefeated (the nearest side to them flogged a few weeks ago), a full bench being fielded and having a home ground advantage were even more reasons to think ‘why bother’? The bench for City started small (1) and got worse.
BUT the City boys, albeit quiet before the game, came out blasting. A record breaking quick time for the first City Goal was a massive surprise for those cocky Roosters. It took all of 12 seconds for a quick centre clearance allowing Josh Young to slam home a long range goal. Singleton stabilised kicking their next three goals at the 4, 10 and 16 minute mark of the first quarter. Solid defensive work led by City fullback Brett Saint held the Roosters to only 3 goals for the term. Justin Kelly and Travis Walls worked in well with Jayson Cleaver around the mid field. The falcon of the day to Danny Hamilton got a giggle! The last few minutes of the term however saw City’s defensive skills fall away, allowing the Roosters a couple of cheap goals. Score at the first break 3-6 to 1-0 Rooster’s way.
The second term started badly with Singleton’s first goal within the first minute. City were quick to respond with a goal to John Parker after good lead up work out of the centre with Kelly, Cleaver, Young and Heath Robertson linking up well to get it to the big fella up front. Saint, Nathan Grabham and young Jackson Tisdell fought hard in defence with several good clearances effected as the Roosters turned up the heat. They whacked on more goals at the 8, 13, 16 and 19 minute mark – City seemed to allow panic to set in and the Roosters were given too much room. The longer the quarter went, the more the City allowed the Roosters clear passage. Poor work in presenting options around the midfield meant City’s defenders often were swamped with quick returning kicks. All looked bleak at the long break, City down 8-14 to 2-0.
Half time allowed the City boys to regroup and refocus on the task needed – that is to simply shut the Roosters play-makers down and create frustration for them. And that’s what happened. Despite a goal to the Roosters in the first minute, a spirited display by City took it right up to the them. Ryan James paid closer attention to their best with quick results. City boys just looked better across the ground – Owen Dawes consistently cutting off Singleton’s forward moves – Michael Deed creating options up front and Cleaver getting plenty were leading well. Kelly and Dawes scored for City. It was only inaccurate kicking by City that prevented a matched 3rd term score. City kicking 2-4 to their 4-2 for the term. A rolled ankle to Owen James late in the quarter reduced the bench to zero. Scores 12-16 to 4-4 at the final break.
The final quarter was a real grind. Ben Konetschnik rolled his ankle and was put up in the forward line (the only thing he could do was to hold up the goal post!). The 17 remaining fit players battled hard to hold back to Roosters. Dawes continued to cut off Singletons forward attacks with Cleaver and R James working hard through the midfield. City booted 3 for the term (Parker, Chris Webster and Tisdell) to their 6-4. The game ended with the scoreboard 18-20 128 to 7-4-46.
The Roosters coach gave really positive feedback after the game, complimenting on the improvement after the first encounter of the year plus the hardness of the game. It was clear to all that Singleton had a number of quality players that could mix it in the Premier Division – going on their progress so far this year, they may have the chance next year! So the City boys – whilst defeated – showed plenty of character.
City goals to Parker (2), singles to Young, Dawes, Kelly, Webster and Tisdell.
City’s best being Dawes, R James, Young, Cleaver, Saint & Kelly.
Last Modified on 30/09/2012 17:40