Heavy cloud and a dark threat of rain formed the ominous backdrop for the drive to Altona last Saturday. Misty rain fell for much of the day, but the ground was in good order. The Warhawks arrived with eleven players, including an injured Ian Lock, who with a show of pluck, put his hand up for goalie. Altona had 12 to start.
The game began with both teams taking a while to work themselves in. Bendigo had plenty of the ball from a clear dominance all day in the centre by Russell Crofts and Brett Ruiz, and excellent winning of possession, but there were many ball handling errors that caused turnovers in the forward line, and Altona capitalised on some of these and were able to score three times in the first quarter while Bendigo failed to capitalise on great positioning and many chances that went begging for want of a catch or a decent shot. The goalie for Altona was indeed very good, but (and I just have to say this) I (John Webb) made him look good by throwing him catches for most of the game. I reckon I put six into his stick before half time. Anyhow, enough self blame, back to the action.
The second quarter saw Bendigo outscore Altona one to zero with a nice season drought-breaking goal to Mark Reader from a signature clearing run and Bendigo looked dominant around the ground. I should mention that our newer players Matt Muir, Steve Everton and Vince Fitzpatrick are really coming on with skills, and Steve and Vince give us midfield legs on days when the bench is cold for want of subs. I say no more....
With the score at three to one at half time, the game was still poised in the balance and the third quarter was even with Altona able to slot two more and Bendigo the same, with a very nicely executed quick-stick goal to Brett Ruiz from an Alex Orr assist and finally, John Webb took a high pass cleanly from Brett and got the shot cleanly into the goal, though earning himself some bruised ribs in the process from a bar check. We went to the final term down 5 to 3.
The final quarter started with Bendigo looking a real chance to come back, with another great goal from Mark Reader and one amazing goal from a tired Alex Orr (which, by the way, was awarded to the wrong player on the scoresheet) which will remain memorable to me because as he drove to goal, he was hit hard on his left arm and lost the use of it and took the shot one handed......and it went in. Shortly afterwards, our hopes for a comeback were snuffed out when one Altona player scored three goals and another one, which pretty much knocked the wind out of us. The final score was 9 to 5.
Again, the Bendigo side was light-on for experience in the midfield, but did very well despite, and the forward line missed injured Ian Lock, who did a really admirable job in goals (first time in a long career). I should mention that this game was Tyrone Griffin’s 50th for the Bendigo club and congratulations to him and thanks for being a stalwart defender and being there to remind forwards that their job is to @$#&%#$ score goals.
Votes for the day went to Brett Ruiz, who caught the referee’s eye with a great game and earned three club votes and one Association vote. Alex Orr was awarded two club votes and Russell Crofts one for a fantastic show in the centre draw.
On a day when I just could not buy a goal, lost most of the use of my left wrist to a sharp check in the first quarter and copped sore ribs that I can’t lie on without wincing, the last word went to an Altona backman. With seconds to go in the game, I took a pass and wound up to have a shot, but halfway through the backswing the final whistle sounded and that was that. The Altona defender shook my hand, smiled and said, “Don’t worry about that, you were only going the throw it into his stick anyway”. I had to laugh and said, “You’re probably right”.
In two weeks we take on Caulfield at Bendigo. Let’s get everyone to it.
Last Modified on 06/06/2016 16:57