Christchurch Bulldogs 18.11.119 defeated Eastern Blues 2.3.15
The match was touted as a David Vs Goliath affair with the fledgling Bulldogs up against the might of the reigning back-to-back premiers the Eastern Blues. However the Blues have been hit hard by players being selected for the national team and a few players still to return from their winter sports codes.
The game started with the Blues having the aid of a 1-2 goal breeze and a one player advantage due to a couple of Bulldogs having work commitments; however the tenacious Bulldogs came out barking and kicked 3 goals to 1 into the breeze to lead by 17 points at the first break. 52yr old Harry Peterson was providing a target up forward and the 'nothing-to-lose' rookies were giving it all they had. Blues stalwarts Harvey, Hopkins and McWhinnie were doing all they could to lift the Blues.
The 2nd quarter saw the Bulldogs cavalry arrive and this gave them the advantage and helped the boys slam on 5 majors to one behind to go into the main break with a 50 point advantage. New Bulldogs players Dan, Tim and Jacky were showing that a 'no fear' mindset can overcome any lack of experience. Fullback Gerry Clark was battling away for the Blues and putting fear into the opposition.
The Bulldogs obviously had a bit too much tucker at half time and came out of the blocks a little slowly allowing the Blues to sneak in a goal while the 'Dogs were napping. Youngster Sam Blackler was in the thick of every contest and was leading the way for the Blues while 38yr old recruit Jason Beck was storming out of the back pocket for the Bulldogs.
The last quarter was all red and black as the Bulldogs ran rampant and kicked 7 majors to a solitary behind to run out winners by 104 points. Peterson ended up with 7 goals while ruckman Jared Kilday chimed in with 3 goals drifting forward.
To their credit the Blues battled until the final siren and will be a much improved outfit next time the two sides meet with the return of their 'Super Seven' from the NZ Falcons currently doing battle with the world's best at the International Cup in Melbourne.
University Cougars 16.13.109 defeated Mid-Canterbury Eagles
Looking flash in their new strip, the Cougars hit the paddock full of steam booting 3 goals to one in the first quarter with old hands Rae, Henry & 2nd year player Neil de Joux controlling play. Without their red-headed behemoth Sam Whitehead the Eagles lacked a bit of direction early on, especially when their midfield general Adrian Young went off with a case of blisters (or was it leather poisoning, having backed up from umpiring the first game and getting plenty of the ball early in the game?)
The 2nd quarter saw no let-up from the Cougars slotting through 4 goals to 2 with Jamie Day proving lethal near the big sticks. Stan Chung and James Whitehead were doing their best to stem the tide but didn't have a lot of friends and it was looking ominous for a Cougars onslaught in the 3rd quarter.
Well, whatever the Cougars support staff put in the water at 1/2 time certainly worked with the boys kicking 6 goals 9 behinds to put the result beyond doubt. Veteran Cougar Jimmy Aitken almost got hypothermia at fullback, such was the lack of action down forward for the Eagles. Ruckman Sonny Bill was finding his feet for the Varsity boys and giving his team first use of the ball while the mosquito fleet of Eagle small men were battling hard but failing to convert on the scoreboard.
The last quarter was a victory for the Eagles, outscoring their opponents 3 goals 2 behinds to 3 goals straight. The Cougars gave all their bench players a run and rested their danger men for later in the season. The Eagles will look to re-group for next week against the Bulldogs while the Cougars will look to take things up a notch against a star-depleted Blues in what is always an entertaining and spirited affair.
Last Modified on 01/09/2008 04:56