Under 13's Match Report
First Semi Final
Blackburn 5 - 5 35 lost to Waverley Blues 5 - 6 36
Goalkickers: Jordan Lisle 3, Fraser Blythe 1, Darcy Mangan 1
Best Players: Fraser Blythe, Reuban Meade, Nick Edwards, Daniel DeCesare, Nick Lovett, Tom Neuendorf, Marc DeAizpurua, Jordan Lisle, Alex Geilings, Lewis Hogan, Anthony Groves
Unfortunately we were badly undermanned for the team's first ever final. With Jamie and Troy out injured, Nashy and Luke in bed with the flu and our bench of Ben and Rory both recovering from sickness, this was going to require an almighty effort from our 18 remaining fit players.
With a huge wind howling across the ground, the game was going to be won by the team who was more committed at the ball and prepared to follow team instructions. The 1st quarter was extremely tight with both teams displaying a tremendous desire to win the ball. The conditions were difficult but our running players in Nick Edwards, David Anderson, Nick Lovett, Marc DeAizpurua and Tom Neuendorf used the ball to perfection setting up a number of scoring opportunities. Jordan was under siege however he managed to put us on the scoreboard with a tremendous goal.
The 2nd quarter saw our backline under tremendous pressure however Daniel DeCesare led the way with dashing runs out of defence. Fraser and Reuban were magnificent on the ball, winning numerous hitouts and dominating the stoppages where Nick Edwards continually got the ball away. Only a goal apiece was scored and we went to the break just a point ahead.
The struggle continued in the third quarter as the game developed into a see-saw battle. We managed to score twice with great goals to Jordan and Darcy however Waverley matched us goal for goal. Daniel, Grovesy, John, Ben and Alex battled magnificently in defence constantly driving us into attack where Tom Thorn, Jarrod, Matt Yeo and Johnsy all contributed to the cause. The siren blew at ¾ time with both teams locked together at 4 - 4 each.
The final quarter was the toughest, most exciting and best quarter of football played all year. The boys gave everything and broke the game open with the first goal to Jordan however Waverley countered with a long goal which luckily bounced through. Waverley seized the initiative and kept attacking only to be repelled by a number of fierce tackles from Nick Lovett and desperate defence from Alex, Lewis and Dan. As the clock wound down we had the ball in our half for the last few minutes and only narrowly missed a goal from Fraser's last shot. When the final siren blew, we were a point down in a game neither team deserved to lose.
What a magnificent effort considering the circumstances. Everyone gave 100% and was physically and emotionally spent as we came off the ground, this is what finals football is all about. I'm sure the boys will learn a lot from the experience and put it to good use next season.
Last Modified on 12/08/2003 11:10