Division 2 - Manly Warringah 15.12 (102) def UNSW 4.9 (33)
The Div 2 team was bolstered by the return of Razzle Rawle from a three week absence. The twos are playing like a group who all want to be in the firsts and the results and skills shown must be causing headaches at selection time. Dom Humphries seems to have the group playing the same clean confident style that has the Firsts at the top of the heap. Clearly, the team did not suffer from a want of talent and having Hayden Washington in the front half for a good portion of the game created a nice long target when required. The game however was won for the wolves in the midfield as Andrew (senior) Pilat, Jasper Lambe, Byron Horrel, Jimmi Mcdonald prowled creating possession with pressure and clean hands as they spread. While the Bulldogs, worked hard, it was the work rate of the Wolves that won the day. At every contest and across the ground the team looked fast, clean and full of purpose. Clearly the twos do not lack a desire for a physical contest with Behagg belying his clean cut looks as he threw players out of his way to secure possession and tackled with desire.
The back half was resolute and displayed confidence in running the ball out with handball and spread on a number of occasions. Ben Joseph’s calm influence in the back half and the linking play from the midfield created these opportunities and Senior Coach brain could be seen smiling in the grandstand as he watched the flow of the game.
It goes without saying that Razzle, was able to show that a lack of height, speed and modesty did not restrict him from playing the gaol kicking second forward with a bag of four that included some even he did not expect to kick. Overall, a great team effort.
Division 4 - Manly Warringah 10.6 (66) def by UNSW 15.11 (101)
First up was the Div 4 boys lead by their coach Phil ‘Wombat’ Horrel. The team burst out of the blocks having a good lead by quarter time and looking like they were a level above the opposition. Clearly a few things changed in the next three quarters as the UNSW Bulldogs piled on the pressure and limited the home team to just four more goals. What was impressive was the continued effort of the Wolves, who have set themselves in season 2013 to use a running open style of play with lots of rebound out of the back half. That style will create the opportunity for skill errors and these killed the team in the latter part of the game. However, it was also the key to the early lead and is much more attractive for spectators. Coach Horrel, was pleased with the effort but highlighted the following issues for the team:
- Make errors to the advantage side – that is if handballing to a player going past it is better to be too far in front of him than any measure behind him.
- When bringing the ball into the attacking 50 either:
- o Find the uncontested opportunity even if short, or
- o Kick long to the advantage side of a contest.
The team suffers from a very high level of player rotation due to excellent numbers and the demands of movement into higher teams. However the match was notable for a really good commitment to the contest and determination to keep running in support. Special commendations should go to Wallage for his five goal haul, Junior Pilat for running all day and the big men in Mike and Bourkey for getting to the contests. It is clear that the style of footy is good, the effort is right and with practice the group will soon taste success. While they lost, the team was doing much that was right and the score did not represent the measure of the contest or flow of the game.
Under 18's - Manly Warringah 18.7 (115) def Penrith 5.5 (35)
The Under 18s ran out convincing winners in a physical encounter against Penrith. The Wolves stamped their mark on the game early kicking 6.4 in the first quarter to nil. The opposition, however, came out with far more intent in the second quarter. Some of our young Wolves lost focus and discipline, resulting in cheap goals for their opponents. Nonetheless, Wolves forwards Deano and Burkey continued to dominate and the Wolves were able to extend their lead to 44 points by half time. The calming voice of Coach Cannatelli at half time put the boys back on track in the third quarter. With James Reid orchestrating centre clearances, the Wolves once again took charge with focus and determination. The cool head of Pat O’Hara across half back repelled many Penrith forward forays and his teammates soon followed his example especially Matt Tarlington whose attack on the ball all night was ferocious and inspiring. The long loping Lachi Beehag played his best match of the season with a stellar display of straight midfield running to help set up a 76 point lead at the final change. The preparedness of team members to back each other up during some of the more torrid exchanges typifies the strong links that bind this team together. Penrith rallied again in an even last quarter but the result was never in doubt with the Wolves posting a solid 80 point victory and outright third on the ladder.
This week sees all teams out on the road with Premier Division travel out to Campbelltown, Division 2 and Under 18's travel out to Moorebank whilst Division 4 travel out to Sydney Hills.
Thanks to all of our sponsors particularly the Steyne for their continued support at the game and after match. Cheers to our other Sponsors Ann Wilson Funerals, ICMS, Choclate Box, Bendigo Bank, Dental Design, Bartercard and The Builders Club for their continued support in Season 2013
Last Modified on 14/05/2013 14:08