A note for all readers Bendigo’s regular scribe is away on leave with family, so I’ll try to keep the high standard set by John Webb.
The Bendigo Warhawks gathered at Maiden Gully Rec Res awaiting Malvern to arrive. It was reported to be minus 3o C this morning, but turned out to be a pleasant calm sunny afternoon. The Warhawks had 13 players, a far cry from 15 and 16 players in the last few games. Malvern had 13 with three on the bench as well. The ground was as good as it gets for the middle of winter.
The warm up was not looking good as players were dropping balls, throwing over heads and or at fee. It was just plain ugly to watch. However, when the whistle went Bendigo was alive and on fire. James Dawson playing his 47 game, had a great head of stream and took on the Malvern defencemen to round the cage and score the first goal of the match. Warhawks scored a further two more goals, one from Ian Lock who wore a brutal body check which floored him as he throw the ball into the back of the net. The other from Angus Anglioletta which escapes me, sorry mate!
This wasn’t the same Malvern team that played in the first round of the season. Their attack made simple errors which Warhawks’ backman caused due to fierce pressure. Tyrone Griffin manned Finnigan, a very good play maker, Timmy was assigned the dangerous Laidlaw and Jarrod played hard all day, taken over Wookie’s runs down the field. Actually all the Bendigo defenders had turns dashing in their particular ways to the forward line. Some, more successful than others. The score line was 3 zip to Bendigo.
The second quarter was even better from Bendigo, the middies were helping their defence and the attackers were moving themselves and the ball around the Malvern cage. Gino was saving almost everything that Malvern had thrown at him.
The Warhawks scored four more goals. The goals from Lockie and Angus were due to great moves/plays by middies and attackers, who were in tune with each other. Nick Goddard brought his training cannon shot to the game, to get his first goal for the day. It was a pretty shot to see. The last goal of the quarter came from James with only 2 seconds on the clock. It wasn’t the hardest shot but it did the job.
Malvern were shut out in that quarter with Bendigo going to the major break leading Malvern 7 goals to NIL.
At the main break all Bendigo players were thinking they could win the match. A few words from Angus, Alex and Tyrone encouraging everyone to maintain the good plays and scoreboard pressure. Everyone knows that Malvern are a proud club and they hate losing.
The third quarter was Bendigo’s worst quarter for the day with silly penalties and selfish plays that let Malvern into the match. The Malvern Middies and forwards ensured they had 80% of play in their forward half of the field. Bendigo were sending Hail Marys’ to their forwards to relieve pressure on the backs and keeper. However, the ball was snapped up and returned within seconds. A hospital pass left James winded on the bench for a few minutes. Fortunately, Bendigo’s defence and middies minimised the damage. Malvern scored 2 goals to Bendigo’s big fat zero. The Warhawks seemed to be tyring and a few players were running on empty.
The Bendigo lads knew what to do and played with patience and brains. The first play of the quarter saw Bendigo winning the centre and with Angus scooping the ball, running and dodging a defenceman then letting it rip to score. Another goal came from some slick passing which found Lockie in front of goal who slotted his third for the day. Malvern had their opportunities but great defence work from the backman and middies ensured they were not rewarded. However, they did manage to get one over Gino’s head with 6 minutes to go, but that was it. Bendigo won their first game against Malvern. The final score was Bendigo 9 to Malvern’s 3.
Rusty and Brett won virtually every centre which gave Bendigo first possession. Will and Steve ran all day switching from forward and midfield. The forwards did their job by scoring and pressuring Malvern’s defence when not in possession.
Votes went to Tim Davies (3 Club votes and 3 Association) who did a fabulous job on Malvern’s Laidlaw. Alex Orr (2 Club votes and 1 Association) for his tireless work on the midfield and forward lines, Angus Angiolella was awarded 1 Club votes for a great game all round and his leadership and upbeat attitude again! A special mention should go to James for his 2 goals and 2 assists, one of his best games to date.
Thanks to Pat Kenny for his scoring and bench work, the team and committee really appreciates the contribution made by the Kenny’s on and off the field.
Next week is a competition bye but we take on another top team in Eltham for the Webb Family Cup on Saturday 15 July 2017, at Maiden Gully. Let’s do it for Webby and give him a surprise.
Gino Iuliano,
Senior player
Last Modified on 02/07/2017 21:36