Another tough game for the seniors this week, Upwey sitting in second position and seeking some retribution from the loss at home earlier in the year.
We got off to a bad start, our ball use out of the backline was hurting us with Upwey pouncing on any mistake we made. The game was tough in the packs and Upwey showed great discipline and
gave us more respect this time around.
At the first break, they led by 18 points. The second quarter was Upwey’s again as they extended the lead to 34 points. We had some opportunities but missed a couple of easy ones.
The young Bloods regrouped at half time and came out hard after the break. Although we were outscored in the third quarter by four points we sensed that Upwey was slowing down as we applied pressure right around the ground.
Facing a 38-point deficit in the last quarter the boys never backed off. Tom Millwood and Andy Greenall were right on top in defence and the forwards were looking dangerous.
We got within 18 points only for Upwey to get a goal from a costly turnover and the chances of another upset win evaporated. Upwey was home by 25 points
Blakey Walter kicked another 3, Shaun Grogan, Glen Stevens and Patrick Rosier each kicked two goals.
Best Players – Paddy, Tom, Scott Tregoning and Garratt McDonald.
While the Firsts went in as underdogs the Twos were expected to beat Upwey even though the visitors trailed us by “percentage only” on the ladder.
For the second week in a row the Reserves ran over the top of their opponents. We were 22 points up at half time and then peppered the goals in the third quarter. The backline and midfield played some amazing football and restricted Upwey to just two shots at goal in the second half.
Olinda went on to win by 46 points. Skipper Adam Borg had his best game of the season and kicked six of our 11 goals.
19 year olds Symon Hill, Tom Lazdins and Tom Dawson were among our best, along with Borgey, Dan Stevens and Stevie Gannell.
Our U/18s were also expected to inflict another loss on Upwey but with two players missing because of Eastern Ranges commitments and Blake Walter now firmly entrenched in the Seniors they were predicting a tough match.
However the Bloods grabbed a three-goal lead at quarter time, despite being down one player who was sent off.
Skipper Callum Eade was in sensational form in the wet conditions and speed machines Harry Cole and Alex Policha were in everything. Up forward Matty Michalos made a welcome return to the team after finishing his school commitments.
U/16 player Lachlan Meadows shone out yet again and was among our best.
Olinda eased to a comfortable 31-point lead.
Goal Kickers-Matt Michalos 5, Lachie Meadows 2, Alex Policha 2, Callum Eade, Jack Dakis
Best Players-Butters, Lachie, Harry, Matty, Alex and James Doyle
NETBALL
Our C graders were playing one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season, coming up against the unbeaten Upwey, which thrashed us by 20 goals earlier in the season. Sam’s gals welcomed the cold and wet weather because Upwey normally plays indoors.
This time our defenders Bernie Fitzgerald and Caz Fuerst were ready for the Upwey onslaught and spoilt numerous early attacks. Becky Scott and Emily Dunn worked well in centre court despite a couple of turnovers, but we couldn’t make the most of our opportunities and were down by 6 goals at three quarter time.
The girls decided they had nothing to lose in the last quarter and really took it up the visitors losing by just two goals. All of a sudden the girls realised that Upwey is not unbeatable. Bring on the finals !
Our B grade and A grade teams were missing some key players and came up against a formidable opponent. However the girls never faltered in their endeavour with the “As” going down by 40, Mel Thomas shooting 19 out of our 24 goals, and the “Bs” losing by 27 with Stacey Riddiford the standout.
Last Modified on 03/08/2010 09:06