This week we took on the Marlins on our home turf.
The 18's, although up on numbers, came up against a physically bigger and classier side. The visitors turned it on in the second quarter and were able to post a formidable half time lead. We weren't strong enough around the rucks and Nelson Bay continually pushed the ball up into their forward line, often converting their chances. They were just too big and strong for us. Pissani, Barrie, Logan, Radford and Dunne all tried hard.
The First Division match was a much closer affair. Unfortunately a slow first quarter made it difficult to peg back the visitors five goal quarter time lead. Better second and third quarter efforts had us back in the match and our defence was much improved holding Nelson Bay to just three goals in two quarters of footy. We just weren't able to run over them and Nelson Bay took the spoils by four goals. Browning had a strong game for us at full forward and kicked four goals. Others to stand out were Gray, Boylan, Wolffe, MacMillan and South.
The boys were pumped for their Black Diamond Cup clash and were keen to post our first victory of the season. The first quarter saw some great passages of footy played with the boys high on confidence kicking five goals to lead by three goals at the break. Our clearances from the bounces were improved and Tim Hillman was relishing the opportunity in the centre. Clint Becker was strong at full forward capitalising on the hard work and good disposals further up the ground. The second quarter spoils went to the Marlins while the third quarter was won by us with neither side able to assert any ascendancy on the match. We held a slim two point lead going in to the final quarter setting up a thrilling finish to the match. Nelson Bay came out and put a couple of goals on us early on in the quarter. The game went down to the wire. We battled hard but Nelson Bay finished the stronger and that elusive first win just eluded us. It was a disappointing result but the positive is we are improving week to week and a win is not far away. Tim Hillman, Cappie, Greeny, Penny and Rabs all had strong games. But it was Ryan Berry who led from the front marking strongly around the ground and kicking some long range goals including a banana kick from the forward pocket boundary and was the worthy recipient of the mug.
Don't forget to get your membership keyring, pop into the Grand Hotel, say g'day to Pete, Gary and staff and enjoy one of their titanic meals at the special membership price any night of the week.
Sean Horswell
Vice President
Wyong-Lakes AFC
0417 776655
Last Modified on 30/10/2005 13:30