With round 2 being deferred because of wet grounds until Sat 9th June we played round 3 as our second game of the year. This was our first home game and what a game up against our grand final opposition from last year the Penrith Swans.
The day started with the bonus of a new team member Budhi O'Brien who was introduced by Victor. Welcome to the 12 gold team Budhi. We a couple of players away Budhi was a welcome addition and allowed us to have 3 players on the bench on what turned out to be a warm day.
The game started with the team trying a new structure that had not been used before and the coaching staff was very pleased to see it working well. The boys followed instructions really well in what can be a complicated setup and kicked ahead with a 5 goal opening term while holding the Swans to a lone goal.
At the quarter break we didn't change structure or game plan and it appears the players and coaches all got a little bit complacent. We should have known that our determined opponments would strike back. The Swans made a few changes and with increased intensity at the ball out played us at most of the contests around the ground. The Swans managed to kick 4 goals of their own while holding us to a lone goal and one behind. At the end of the 2nd quarter we didn't look like the same team that we did at bthe end of the 1st quarter. We went into the long break with a 10point lead.
In the 3rd term we changed our structure back to a more traditional one. We needed to make sure we got to contests first and didn't waste the ball when we gained possession. The 3rd quarter often called the championship one was a great struggle between 2 very competitive teams. We seemed to gain the upper hand again in winning the loose ball and while our delivery into the forwards wasn't pretty it proved effective as we gathered the ball and kicked 3 goals. Our defense had again tightened up and we only allowed the Swans one goal.
At the last break a big effort for the last 15 mins was asked of the players. They were asked to run out the quarter leave nothing in the tank. We had 22 point lead and if the boys maintained the intensity we were hopeful of a good win. With some of our running players yet to take a break a few positional changes were made when these boys came off. With these players off it exposed us more than what was expected and our run had almost dried up and we did very little chasing when the Swans had the ball. The Swans played a sensational last quarter with their centre players dominating and driving the ball into our defense. They showed they had plenty of run left and were the ones to leave nothing in the tank. The Swans had the best quarter of the game kicking 6 goals 1 behind to our 1 goal. The final; score being Swans 12.1.73 Crows 10.4.64.
While we were all disappointed in the result what a great game of football put on by 34 boys. The game was played with great intensity with hard fair contests all around the ground. Both teams are to be congratulated on the spirit that the game was played in. The is a great rivalry between these 2 teams and also a deep respect for each others ability. We meet twice more in the home and away season so be ready for more epic clashes and results.
Thanks for Shane for waving the flags today. Thanks to the U16 players, Shannon and Cory who stood up as water and message runners when no parent volunteers stepped forward.
Next game sees our first Friday Night football experience for 2012 when we take on the mighty Camden Blues who have been the leading club in division 1 for the last couple of years. Make sure we get to the ground to get a sideline seat, bring all your friends and relatives for a great night of entertainment. The canteen will be fully operational so no need to eat first!!!
Last Modified on 01/05/2012 15:06