The finals are upon us and the Ressies are first up as the Division 2 and below are brought into finals a week earlier than the Premier Division. We also had the pleasure of the Under 19s having a bye delivering them a well-earned rest before they start their finals campaign.
(Blake Brendan secures another disposal as part of a hard running midfield)
Reserve Grade – Elimination Final
Razzle spoke long and hard to the group about avoiding the anticipated niggle from the Camden. Camden are a strong team who have some older and skilled players who can create a lot of physical pressure during a game. During the season the results were one victory each so a hard tight game was expected.
The GIANTS burst out of the blocks and looked good, with what would have been an excellent lead at ¼ time eroded by two quick goals in the final 2 minutes of the period. Pilat, was all run and bravery in the first quarter and that set the tone for the team. As the game progress the skill of the midfield started to create a vast superiority in forward 50 entries, but these were not being converted. Blakey, Byron and Butterfly were very strong for the entire game making loads of contests and for some period it appeared that Butterfly was patrolling the far wing by himself. The third quarter saw an unfortunate incident were Razzle was given the opportunity for a 15 minute break and a possible mid-week tribunal appearance after retaliating following an attempt by his opponent to restrict his opportunity to create an heir. This moment of madness meant we played 15 minutes with only 17 men, a huge penalty. The team however carried the load and smart goals to Mick Atkinson and a couple of high speed transitions saw Nick ‘Big dog’ Adams score.
A tense final 10 minutes had the crowd screaming as Manly refused to let the big ground and additional work load defeat them. Continued pressure caused stoppage after stoppage and the clock wound inexorably down leaving Camden with little option but pressing for wild forays forward. BJ and Paul Fabbro denied these time after time and the game was ours. The talls were very strong all game with Jackson Pola-Smith taking several great grabs and Danny ‘Spider’ Pearson carrying a huge load against some big opponents.
Overall, a strong win. Next game is another match this boys need to win as we face Wests on Sunday. Again the results during the home and away are split. The Reserves are still standing and Wests should be nervous.
(Razzle post game review)
Premiers – Last home and Away
Sydney University needed to win to control their fate and ensure a finals spot. They had an intense pre-game huddle and looked determined. Henson was the changed venue after a wet week on the beaches and it was very slippery under foot. The umpires bounced the ball and the GIANTS clicked into gear. That was it, hard work, fierce pressure a polished back line and dominant forwards, result more or less certain by quarter time. Score at end of first period 6:4:40 to 0:1:1.
The rhyming forwards controlled the ball in the air, the mid-field took control and Jack Lynch made a smooth return. University made some hard hits early, some which appeared a trifle late and attracted a few calls in favour of our ball players. Strangely, Sydney University started the second quarter two and sometimes three men behind the ball. While that tactic would make sense if they were trying to preserve percentage, that is not what they needed. The only thing they could control that would secure a position in the finals was victory. The additional numbers and slippery surface had some impact on the GIANTS accuracy but not pressure or desire. The game played out reflecting the tactical changes of Sydney University with the boys from the beaches running out winners by 92 points.
Interesting features of the game were:
- One end had 12 goals kicked but on a largely windless night … possibly the tide flowed to that end
- Brayden took several great pack marks even with the wet conditions; and a spectacular goal from the boundary outside 50
- It was approaching the most complete 4 quarter effort by the team and tackle pressure was fantastic
- Back line run on a wet night was very good with the ball use and long kicking of David Stroud very effective.
- Biggest hit of the evening being Ryan Wearne on Angus Buncle … both with eyes only for the ball.
Next Weekend
The Seniors now have a week off, but it is very clear that Pennant Hills and St George are also hitting form both recording big wins on the weekend. Next week beckons and with the reserves relentless push and a well rested under 19s it looks like another great week of footy. It is important we show our players that we support them so let’s get to these games and bring our teams home.
Last Modified on 25/08/2014 13:01