Yes, John Webb is still away and you’re stuck with me again!
Today Bendigo Warhawks were playing for the Webb Family Cup against Eltham at Maiden Gully Rec Res, who were last year’s premiers. Furthermore, win this game and Bendigo could secure a top four position.
Again the weather was prefect, it was a beautiful balmy sunny but coolish afternoon. The Warhawks had 14 players as wells as Eltham. The ground was very good and the recent rains had made the grass grow. It could have had a mow. Council will be called to see when they undertake this task.
The Eltham’s team had greatly changed from earlier this year when the Warhawks played them in the third round.
The first quarter was a shocker, Eltham had crisp passing in the forward line and scored 6 goals to Bendigo’s nil. Gino couldn’t get a stick or body to prevent the carnage. Bendigo centres, Rusty and Brett won the majority of the face-offs and the middies were scoping them up. However, Bendigo’s forwards only got a couple of shots on goal which Eltham’s Keeper easily swallowed up.
Bendigo was down to 3 on the bench due to Mason’s injury and wasn’t available for the next 3 quarters.
The second term wasn’t as bad as the first, Eltham only scored 4 goals due to Bendigo’s minor changes in defence. Bendigo did get its first goal of the game from Angus Anglioletta. The centres and middies, such as Angus, Alex, Tim, Vincent, Nick and Will started to rotate throw the forward line which seemed to improve Bendigo’s opportunity. Eltham lead 10 goals to 1 at the main break.
At the break, some fine words from Wookie and Angus encouraged the Warhawks to just have fun and let it rip as there was no point moping. In summary, have a crack and if you have an opportunity take shots on goal as mistakes were forgiven!
The third quarter, saw Eltham scored 4 goals to Bendigo’s two. One to Angus, from a great pass from Ian, and the other goal from Alex driving to goal using his left hand to shoot and deceive the Eltham goalie. Middies, Will and Nick, were running players down and creating turn overs. It was great to see the forwards putting pressure on their counter parts as well.
The last quarter was the best quarter for Bendigo as they outscored Eltham 3 goals to 2. Better defence, man on man, saw Eltham less effective in front of goals. Angus scored from the centre face-off, Ian scored from his usual tight angle and then Angus slotted the last for Bendigo. With a minute to go Eltham scored their last goal from a deflection of Gino’s glove which looped over his head and dropped into goal. A heart breaker that no words could explain Gino’s frustration!!!!
Bendigo defence: Wookie, Tyrone, Jarrod and Tim, slowly but surely got on top of Eltham’s attackers after half time, and at the same time our middies and attackers got more confidence and scored regularly.
Votes went to Angus Anglioletta (3 Club votes and 2 Association) who played in every position except for goals. Will Kenny (2 Club votes) for his tireless work on the midfield and forward lines, and Mark Reader for his gut running and hard defensive work.
Thanks to Lester Young for his refereeing and Pat Kenny for his scoring.
Next week is an early game at our home ground the Maiden Gully Rec Res, against Chadstone, starting at 1pm. Alex Orr will be playing his 100th game, while Nick Goddard will be playing his 50th game.
Gino Iuliano,
Senior player
Last Modified on 16/07/2017 14:11