Sunday morning saw the Supers head out to Sandgate for their first hit out of the year in what turned out to be pretty bloody hot conditions. With the Masters romping home in the first game, our boys took the field with something to prove. Whilst a bit undermanned and with an average age closer to 44 than 35, our boys took the field with confidence knowing that we had recruited well in the pre-season and we were ready to execute Nugget's game plan.
We got off to a strong start and with our midfield controlling the middle, we managed to clear it out to Barney and Muzz who provided strong leads up forward and kicked truly. Carbs also made his mark in his first game for us and at one stage managed to beat 3 opponents and clear the ball from a stoppage. Sandgate wasted a few chances mainly due to the pressure of our backline led by Deano and we went to the first break with a handy lead after kicking 3 straight to the Hawks 1 goal 4.
The second quarter also started well with Longy kicking his first goal for the siders and Muzz crumbing from a kickout turnover for a goal. There were 2 play of the days, the first being a brilliant team goal started by Goofey, who gave great drive from CHF,
splitting a pack, running the ball out from centre half back and finding Carbs with an accurate kick. Carbs then found Chippa on a strong lead who rammed it home. The second was from a Coombsy kick out that went end to end in 3 kicks to result in a great goal. Sandgate seemed to get the message that we were here to play and really started to run the ball into their forward line but our backline again repelled most attacks with great 2nd and 3rd efforts from Jase and Craig. Unfortunately we put our backline under extreme pressure as our lack of focus being one down on the field and in the middle led to 3 quick goals and all the hard work we had done to maintain our lead was whittled away Although Sandgate bounced back with 4 goals for the quarter we went into the long break with the scores level with the Hawks ruing some inaccurate kicking.
The 3rd quarter was a real arm wrestle with Hatchie and Dunc toiling away in the ruck and new guys, Scotty (off half back) and Mic (through the middle) showing what they could do. Rikki and Firmsy kept working hard with both dropping back to help out whilst Chippa, Paddy, Muzz and half time inclusion Hokey staying strong up forward with Barney (Mr fix it) promoted to the wing. The hawks inaccuracy in front of goal continued with them kicking 2 goals 5 for the quarter to the siders 1 goal 3. We were lucky as our playing roster started to drop away with Goofey, Coombsy and Carbs all coming off due to different injuries. This left us with about 14 fit players
The last quarter was tough and with injuries playing a major role it is fair to say we ran out of legs. We kept going and showed courage to see it out and with Kel moved back to defence , Gadso on the wing and Langers maning up well
we managed to keep the hawks to only 2 goals for the quarter. With 5 minutes to go we were only 4 points down and if we kicked a goal from a shot in front, it could have changed the game. So although we just fell short on the day it was a solid hitout and a great effort given our lack of bench strength and the number of guys playing their first game. In the end we lost by 18 points.
On the books boys it was a loss, but hold your heads high, the effort was 100%, we were right on the limit with numbers before the first bounce and injury certainly played a role in the final outcome despite everyone’s efforts. It was great to see all the newbies have a great impact in their first game and there is no doubt we will continue to improve from our weekend game.
To those supporting injuries, rest up, look after them properly and we will see you back on the paddock once you’re right. Training will be Wednesday and Sunday going forward
It’s the first time we’ve played as a team and we showed in patches just how well we can work together, the year ahead looks bright………now onwards to Palm Beach at home on April 6. Thanks also to our injured trio of Tunners, Damo and captain Tommy for helping with scoring and running the bench.
Best: Kel, Goofey, Paddy, Barney, Deano, Mick
Goals: Barney 2, Longey, Nugget, Chippa, Muzz, Scotty & not sure (1)
Last Modified on 02/05/2014 16:17