CROWS ATTACK
Once again on our home turf we were looking for our first home win of the year. This game saw us host Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Lions Gold, the team on top of the table with 3 good wins so far.
Both teams had a few players absent with injury and unavailability. The Lions had 3 players missing and arrive with only 10 players so under the league’s even up policy we agreed to loan them 3 players each quarter.
The 12 players who helped out the Lions displayed exceptional sportsmanship and did themselves, their families and the Crows proud with a display that saw them commit 100% to the Lions and take on their regular team mates with great resolve. The coaches thank you for the way you conducted yourselves.
The Lions like Camden the week before had a very experienced and well drilled team. A tall and quick midfield saw them clear the ball from the centre and into their forwards without us providing much resistance. In the first quarter we were constantly under the pump and some great pressure in defence kept the score to 2 goals 6 behinds.
The talk at the first break was about getting to the ball first and doing the basics right. The boys took this on board and their efforts started to show benefits as we got the ball into our forwards. Unfortunately we could not kick a goal but we had a sniff and that was a pleasing change. Our defence still worked hard and restricted the Lions to 3 shots on goal. At half time the score was Lions 4 goals 7 behinds to 2 behinds.
The third quarter was our best. We had made a few positional changes and these had showed dividends. We started to contest better in the centre and around the field and probably gave the Lions one of their toughest quarters this year. We had the ball up in our forwards but still could not crack it for a goal. Both teams had 4 scoring shots, the Lions kicking the only goal in a quarter they won 9 to 4.
The last quarter arrived and we kept our setup the same. A couple of injuries reduced the effectiveness of a couple of our players and we also gave the Lions 3 of our better midfield players so we could allow some others the chance to stand up. We haven’t had the best of last quarters over the last 2 games so we hoped the boys could hold it together for 15mins more. The boys battled on strongly again our defence leading the way. Blake Price moving to the half back line was exceptional in only his 4th game. He charged onto the ball 3-4 times to gain possession, best players and clear the ball with good kicks. Daniel and Brock also repelled the Lions attack and Kyle playing down back showed his tackling ability with 11 great hits. Lio was getting back towards his best with some good kicks and Corey as usual was a non-stop running machine in the centres and was supported well by Matty. Tyler played a fantastic game, especially the tackle on his brother in the 4th quarter. The final score was 7 goals 13 behinds 55 to 7 behinds 7. Not a close loss but probably one of the hardest games the Lions have faced.
John, Geoff and Graham
Last Modified on 15/05/2012 15:25