SO NEAR YET SO FAR
City’s First Division side went down by the narrowist of margins to last year’s Premiers at No.1 in their Round 4 clash 15-7-97 to 15-6-96. See more for match report.
City’s First Division side allowed last years Premiers to win in a tight battle marred by blustery conditions at no.1 Sportsground. Despite the narrow loss, signs were not good before the game – the City Boys seemed flat in their preparation when all would of thought they should have been like cats on a hot tin roof after last week’s strong win at Wyong.
The first quarter had City going with what was considered a 5 goal breeze, starting OK but allowing the other mob some cheap goals – a result of lack on accountability. First term goals to Konetschnik, Parker, Price and Walls. City in front 4-4 to 3-2 at the first break.
Swinging into the breeze in the second term was a tough slog – the far flank getting far too much attention despite instructions to the contrary – the other mob took advantage with what seemed far better desperation to the ball and hard running. City’s defence was always under pressure trying to account for not only their man but also the mid fielders flooding in. Scores flattered City at half time behind 5-6 to the other mob’s 7-5. City’s sole goal for the term kicked by Morton.
Really weird half time break with players pretty quick to provide all sorts of reasons why the accountability was so weak in the first half – fortunately coach Michael Deed rallied the guys and got them focussed back on individual accountability. That seemed to work early in the third term but it just wasn’t City’s day – they failed to drive out the ‘premiership quarter’ being outscored 4-0 to the other mob’s 4-2 to trail at the last break 9-6 to 11-7, with the last quarter looming going against the wind. Third quarter goals to Dawes, Deed, Drury and Morton.
Again a really weird feeling at the long break – the City boys seemed to be defeated in their own minds as they faced the last quarter.
With the wind in their faces, it was always going to be a hard ask – the quarter starting with early goals to the other mob but then the City boys decided to fight – at last! Things went from flat to frenetic for City as they found legs and confidence, getting back in the hunt and taking the lead late in the game, up by 11 with 3 minutes to go. A flury of City goals were kicked by Parker (3), Hamilton (2) and Drury (1). The other mob got out of jail with 2 quick goals very late in the game to get back in the lead by 1 – and then the siren sounded! So near year so far!
Final scores saw City go down by 1 point, 15-7-97 to 15-6-96.
The bottom line – a lot of City’s players were not on song. The mental application to the clash was not consistent for the 4 quarters. When they decided to click, they clicked! Albeit a bit too late and not consistent for the full 4 quarters........
City Goal kickers – John Parker 4, Jimmy Drury 2, Danny Hamilton 2, Jadan Morton 2 and singles to Owen Dawes, Michael Deed, Ben Konetschnik, Anthony Price and Travis Walls.
Best for City were Ben Konetschnik, David Bowden, Travis Walls, Jayson Cleaver, Danny Hamilton and Chris Webster.
A big thank you goes out to Club Umpire John Janczuk who continued umpiring on his own after the other mob’s umpire went off at half time with a calf strain. John covered the ground very well and epitomised the City spirit!
Last Modified on 30/09/2012 17:39