Under 13's Match Report
Round 1 Blackburn 4 - 1 25 were defeated by Chirnside Park 10 - 18 78
Goalkickers: Nick Edwards 1, Reuben Meade 1, Tom Thorn 1, David Anderson 1
Best Players: Anthony Groves, Marc DeAizpurua, Jordan Lisle, Nick Lovett, David Anderson, Jamie Gagatsis, Troy Marshall, Lewis Hogan, Tom Thorn, Alex Geilings
Awards: Alex Geilings (Brumbies), Anthony Groves, Marc DeAizpurua, David Anderson
Following an excellent pre-season where the boys worked hard on their skills and fitness, we were drawn to play Chirnside Park, last seasons premiers in C Division in our first game. We were fairly confident having picked up a great bunch of new players including Jamie Gagatsis, Matt Nash, Fraser Blythe, Marc DeAizpurua and John Corder. As it turned out, Chirnside were a much bigger and stronger side than us and used their strength to advantage all over the ground. We managed to stay with them for the 1st quarter thanks to a couple of good goals to Nick Edwards and Reuben on the end of some excellent running play involving players further up the ground. Unfortunately our 50 gamer Luke had to leave the field with a hand injury spoiling his day.
Our intensity lifted in the 2nd quarter with many of our smaller players including Marc, Nick Lovett, Alex and Tom winning many contests. Jordan went on the ball and gave us a real target around the ground. Thankfully Chirnside's poor kicking for goal meant we were still a chance at ½ time. However Chirnside were the team to lift in the 3rd quarter kicking 5 unanswered goals. Our backline of Grovesy, Troy, Nashy and Dan were continually under pressure against much bigger opponents, however they tried their hardest turning back many attacks only to see Chirnside's midfield send the ball back again. Our running game disappeared as players were prepared to be spectators and not want to win the hard ball. The last quarter was much the same with Chirnside eventually running out easy winners.
This game was a much needed wake up. Players need to realise that the physical side of their game must be developed if we are going to match it with teams like Chirnside Park. This means lifting our work rate, being harder at the ball, working harder for your team-mates by shepherding and talking and making sure we do the "one percenters".
Last Modified on 10/04/2003 10:35