Giants v St George (Premier Division)
While the rain had come in torrents during the week the surface of Kelso Oval was good and got better during the day. St George were tipped to be a force in the competition again in 2014 and it looked like a tough road trip for the Premier Division Group.
The big St George ruck men and forwards fought to impose themselves on the game and forced Wills and Jack Hunter to face a long tough day. They however continued to try to jump over the opposition and probably split the tap outs, but won out around the ground. The team overall imposed themselves on the opposition with pressure football and creative run and handball when we had the ball. The mid field of the Giants were clear winners and again the back six were fantastic. The Wearnster was full of voice and the half back line full of courage.
While the forwards may have some basis for concern about the quality of the ball going in, the volume was clearly in favour of the visitors. St George appear to have approached the game with the intention of trying to stop the perceived threats of Armitage and Pettersson. That assumption completely failed to recognise Robertson, Brain, Kilpatrick, Thurgaland, Johnson and the like who carved up. Similarly, the St George defence could not handle the multi pronged attack of Washington and Fowler. Michael Atkinson was the frequent link and was another who had much of the game on his own terms.
In the end seven goal kickers and despite some wasted opportunities in the front half a win by 33 points would have pleased the coaches. Especially pleasing for the spectators was the appearance of controlling the entire game. This is the first of a tough three game start to the season so the first is achieved and the next two await. Let’s enjoy the unfurling of the Premiership flag at our first home game.
Goal Kickers: B. Fowler 5, A. Robertson 3, T. Armitage 2, C. Pettersson 2, H. Washington , L. Kilpatrick , T. Thurgarland
Giants v St George (under 19s)
The Under 19s find themselves in unfamiliar territory this year having been promoted to Division One following last year’s lower division premiership. A first up match against the 2013 preliminary finalists was always going to test their mettle in the top division. The first quarter was a baptism of fire as our boys quickly had to adapt to the pace and skills of Division One as the St George team used their local knowledge and experience to their advantage. Three opposition goals in the first 10 minutes could have been ominous for our boys, but co-captains Jack Parker and Patrick O’Hara rallied the troops and steadied the ship to quell the initial onslaught. The St George pressure continued into the second quarter, but the Manly boys were starting to find their feet in the top grade and forward forays looked much more promising, assisted no end by a stoic backline led by Matt Tarlinton. A few basic errors let in some easy goals for St George late in the quarter and the half time score belied the evenness of the game.
The second half saw a more confident Manly take the field and a preparedness to move the ball around the midfield with David Cantwell and Eli Burton prime movers. Mitch Bell was industrious in the forward line as the team started to settle into Division One football. Manly actually outscored St George in the second half but it is clear that at this level, mistakes and turnovers are far more costly and will need to be minimised if we are to make our mark on this competition. Nonetheless, the Under 19s demonstrated that they can be competitive and we will work on our consistency to ensure that we snare our share of victories in 2014.
Goal Kickers: L. Behagg , J. Pola-Smith , M. Bell , B. Pierce
Swans v Brisbane
It is also good to note the Swans defeated Brisbane and while they do not usually take top-up players away with them they did on this occasion and our own Jordan Weir and Tom McCaffrey travelled North and were integral to that victory. Well done and we look forward to having you back in the fold.
Goal Kickers: I. Heeney 2, T. Membrey 2, H. Marsh 2, J. Lloyd , J. Hiscox , D. Towers , J. Weir , T. McCaffrey , A. Aliir
Giants v Blacktown
In Div 2 we fielded a very strong year against the 2013 Division 3 Premiers. Blacktown discovered the magic truly rests on the Northern Beaches with a very strong playing group controlling the game. Again it was the midfield with Cal carving up and with his fleet footed friends feeding the Coach deep in the forward line. Razzle who carefully excluded himself from the best kicked a lazy 6. Clearly a team going places and planning on one step further in season 2014. This is a strong group and many are fighting for promotion to the Senior team and must be considered every week.
Goal Kickers: M. Rawle 6, D. Pearson 2, T. Beckett 2, D. Byrne , B. Collins
Last Modified on 08/04/2014 10:38