Coach Sheeo in the driver’s seat again this week as Coach Gonzo was still out of breath from his efforts in Finley. None of the brat-pack this week. This presented an opportunity for Joel ‘Son of Rocky’ Costa to debut. Congratulations Joel (he thinks he’s Richo!).
Moo won the toss and chose to kick to the Barham end of the velodrome. Big Jack easily won the initial hit out which was a great sign for the rest of the game. Bowlsie was lively early and delivered to Becky on the half forward line. Becky found the lose DC who opened our account for the day. The game was free flowing with the Rams keen to use the corridor at every opportunity. Congo and Dizzy were again solid. ReeShe was rewarded for his fearless attack on the ball with a free kick 35m out which he drilled. SOR went into the ruck with immediate effect. Qtr time scores 2.2 to 3.1.
Our pressure around the footy had been first class, but we needed to deliver the ball with more purpose. JC had begun well as our lead-up forward and his second effort to retain the ball in our forward line was terrific. He scouted a loose ball at half back. He drove it into our forward line to the running DC who faded right, before baulking on to his left and put one through from 40. We had lots of cohesive passages of play without the scoreboard reward. KeeShe and the Magician joined with the other back four to be very solid. The Echo was providing the grunt needed through the middle, while Hicksie provided the run. Half time scores 3.5 to 7.3.
More problems with umpire security, but afternoon tea was very moreish. DC into the pivot. The Echo forward and SOR to the goal square. Immediate results with Echo goaling from the right forward flank. Minutes later he copped a huge hit after the kick which must have made him tired. The resulting downfield free put JC in the square and he claimed his second. As expected, the Echo was not out of the game for long. Tough! There were many ball ups, a few balls ups and lots of fierce tackling. Ferg and Dizzy combined well off the half back line, sharing and running the ball forward, with JC being the ultimate recipient. He duly brought up his second for the quarter. Three quarter time scores 6.5 to 8.4. We had a sniff.
Moo showed judgement to mark at the back of the pack some 45m out. With the breeze across his right shoulder and heading to Moulamein, he kicked truly to put us a goal down. The endeavour from the boys was unquestionable and the pressure on the Rams was immense. Our pressure was causing their panic and many turnovers resulted. Ferg and Dizzy again combined with Bowlsie deep in the back half. Quick hands to the running DC, who kicked long and accurately to Lambo who was working backwards. Lambo spun on a six-pence and hit the leading SOR lace out with a bullet. Nothing like a bit of pressure for the young man. SOR lined up from 35 on a 40degree angle and home she went! Richo, you beauty! We’d hit the front by a point! The wrestle continued. We nearly got there …. again. Final scores 8.6 to 9.7. It had become the year of the ‘nearlys’.
Last Modified on 29/09/2014 12:33