Well, the ‘budgies’ morphed back into Eagles and poor old Roadkill was the main course. Bugger!
Our debutante for this week was young Anthony Andronaco. Well done Anthony and all the best for the rest of the year. I knew we were in for an entertaining game when the Roaders lined up at the wrong end of the ground; our Backs on their Backs; our Forwards on their Forwards. Once realised, men in red & white jumpers scurried like ants on a dung-heap until sensibility was restored. You need to have a long, hard look at yourself, Moo.
Off to a strong start, we really let them know we were there to play. Our fierce tackling was a highlight. The Eagles looked to rough-up a couple of our boys early on, with DC and Bowlsie coming under close attention. Ke-She, in a smothering attempt, affected a ‘header’ that could see him as a late inclusion in Brazil. If it had missed his head he could have really hurt himself! At the other end Re-She was giving plenty of yap as usual and received a 50 off half back. Using it to advantage he passed off to Ferg, who chipped it to Diesel and on to Moo for our first. A hard fought free to young ‘Trenna’ Greening saw us go forward again. It was a scramble for several minutes in which time JC twinged his hammy, but followed up by hopping into the goal square to slip one through. Qtr time scores 2.2 to 1.2.
The Three Wise Men (Gonzo, Sheeo & Pierco – henceforth the TWM) could see that Moo had a huge height advantage in the forward 50 and their instructions were to make the most of it. And we did. Harry E continued his strong start with a great intercept deep in defence, found Joey at halfback, who moved it on quickly through Wacko, and then Shanno on to Moo. Goal! Big Jack copped a bit of attention, but all that did was push him to the next level as he continued to give our boys first use of the ball. DC, Ferg and Hicksie worked hard and the backline was solid. Harry E again rebounded from the back half through Tater and on to Ferg for a running goal from 30. While all this was going on, young ‘Ronnie Biggs’ was apprehended in the change rooms, shaken down for a wallet and phone, but suspected of returning later and making off with a red hoodie as payback. Plenty of the ball, but the number of missed shots on goal was killing us. Half time scores 4.6 to 3.3.
The third quarter was a non-event. Three quarter time scores 4.6 to 8.8.
The TWM were angry and they meant business. “Show some bloody spirit” was the message being delivered. As this point was emphasised over and over, faces became redder, neck veins protruded, and saliva was being sprayed (on the poor buggers at the front). We responded with the first goal of the quarter which came from Becky’s commitment to the hard nut. This ended up with Moo in the goal square for his third, but we could not buy a goal from set shots! Our backline was very good again with Congo, Harry E and Bowlsie leading the way. Big Jack, DC, Wacko and Hicksie put in good games. A very sombre change room indeed.
Reserves
The reserves had their third win for the season this week and if we can keep our strongest team out on the field each week we are going to continue to improve and be very competitive against the stronger clubs. With 18 available we once again had to rely on the thirds boys to help us out with all 3 playing really good games. Joel Costa continued his strong form taking plenty of marks around the ground and our midfield of Tim Zak, Jai Scott and Paul Simpson work had all day to provide our forward with plenty of opportunities. Brayden Lambert, Braden Thomas and Jaiden McCann also played well.
Under 14
Awards last week went to Broph (Family Club Meal Voucher) who did very well when he went into the ruck, Jaco (Trelly’s) who was dominate all match, tackling hard and being first to the ball, Timmy Trewin (Sportsfirst) who was under siege at full-back but kept his composure and played a very prominent role for us. Ringy (Congupna Shop Award) was on-song showing dash and run, Darcy Leys, the flying face-washer showed his pace and never-say-die attitude, while Luke Bartels continued to improve his game and put his body on the line so many times (Bottles & Beanies).
The positives from our Echuca United game were our workrate as the game went on. The last quarter being our best with a new record 20 tackles. After the game Coach Ed was full of encouragement pin-pointing each player and what they did well, adding also some areas where they could improve on. But we are getting there. Good luck this week against top team Moama.
Netball
A Grade - Congupna went into the match against Echuca United knowing that they would be a strong opponents but Congupna were keen to build on the prior week’s good performance. The game saw the return of Izzy Gribben from university for her first game of 2014. Echuca flew out of the blocks and immediately put immense pressure on Congupna, forcing many turnovers and 24-7 1/4 time break reflected Echuca's dominance. The 2nd and 3rd quarters, while slightly better for Congupna, were still dominated by Echuca. The final 1/4 saw a reshuffle in Congupna's line up and a stronger performance from them. However, Echuca were the much stronger team on the day and ran away winners 73-32. Best on court for Congupna was Kelly Connor followed by Bridget Cole.
B Grade - What an exciting & talented display of netball at Echuca from both sides, particularly both team's goaling efforts. Ash proved that a long absence from this position didn't detract from her ability to shoot accurately & combine with Abbi & Kel. Jakara & Mickaylah were outstanding in defence, both working hard to convert turnovers & build their partnership weekly. Well done to all midcourters who were changed every quarter to keep fresh legs & try different combinations - all proving successful. Great to see Carly work herself back into the game after injury. Congratulations to Abby Pedretti (17s) who played her first B grade game,showing us what she can do at WA. An exciting game, an exciting win by a couple of goals and a very excited team (& coach). Well deserved after all that we have had to endure girls. Keep it up!! Awards - Ash Sidey (GV), Abby Pedretti (Ann's Waxing).
C res - Was a mixed game we stayed with the top team up until half time where we had a slip in third quarter that did the damage , a lot of changes this week with Helen Jackson , Hannah Sidebottom and Reagan Martin coming in and helping us out , thank you to those girls again! With yet another injury to Tessa this week , our team is for ever changing stick with it girls it will hopefully settle down soon Awards. Helen Jackson and Sarah Ryan
Under 17's - Well done girls on another great win Echuca came out strong and didn't make it easy for us early on in goals but once we got our rhythm it all started to fall into place , in the last quarter we tried a different combination with Sophie in goals and Eliza in c and we continued strong , fantastic to see we can mix it up and keep moving forward Awards. Gabby Sullivan, abbey Pedretti and Aimee Bolton
15 & Unders - Congratulations to all the girls on their much improved efforts against a top side in Echuca. The team were able to stay very close to Echuca all game and played consistent 4 quarters to do this. Our work rate and desire for the ball was much better than other weeks and proved how close it can get to winning. Our team play and attitudes were positive and showed what we are capable of achieving. All girls are to be congratulated on responding to specific coaching instructions and lifting our efforts as individuals and as a team. Keep up the same intensity and pressure for this week girls. Awards - Ella Sidey (Nandos), Emma McColl and Lilly Fairley (Video Ezy)
12 & Unders - Good effort by all the girls, we came up against the top team very tall and strong. Girls fought hard all game but Echuca were just to experienced! Girls are doing everything they are asked can't ask for much more than that! This week against Moama will be a better week! Go girls! Awards went to Micheala Morley and Bailey McNab
Last Modified on 16/06/2014 10:15