Fitzroy – Under 12 Gold

 

Match Report – Round 14 – 27 th July 2008

 

Glen Iris - Away

 

What a great team effort!

An outstanding win in extremely tough conditions against a team that had completely dominated us in our first meeting.  

The game started like a tense AFL final with both teams desperate not to give away any early advantage. Three or four ball-ups in a row before the first clear possession demonstrated just how uncompromising this game was going to be. With Oskar, Fraser W and Thomas battling hard in the middle and Charlie providing terrific run from defense, we had the ball in our forward area for large parts of the first quarter. Riley marked strongly (the first of many on a day when many others struggle with overhead marking) and passed off to Ben Mc who, as usual, was running hard into space. A goal resulted however Glen Iris maintained the pressure and replied soon after.

Glen Iris used a spare player in defense throughout the game and credit should go to our boys who worked hard to find their way through that situation. Our resultant spare man, Henry, had a wonderful game across half back, reading the play particularly well and courageously attacking the ball despite often having several opponents charging at him.

The second and third quarters followed the same tense pattern as the first with neither side releasing the pressure. Lewis made the most of limited opportunities up forward by passing off twice for Ben C and Anthony to convert nicely. Aidan came into the game with some strong contests and great run, as did Digby, Harry DT and Riley. At three quarter time scores were level.

The last quarter started with our boys throwing everything at Glen Iris but initially being unable to convert their opportunities. Oskar (with two outstanding efforts, one rugby-like charge down smother and a great shepherd), Aidan, Riley, Thomas, Daniel and Adam all battled their hearts out to try to put the score on the board. With the quarter half gone Glen Iris forced the ball forward and were awarded a free kick right in front. The resulting goal put them four points up and our boys could have dropped their heads and said, oh well, almost but not quite.

But our boys were playing with a genuine belief in themselves, individually and as a team. The last five minutes saw us dominate all over the ground with Lucas, Charlie and Henry holding firm down the back the ball found it's way to Ben C who calmly slotted two goals to seal a fantastic win.

The most pleasing aspect of the game was the way that every player contributed and filled the role that was asked of them. Every Fitzroy player should be proud of their efforts in a wonderful team win which, if we can maintain that form, gives us a chance to finish in the top two.

Terrific win Roys.

 

Thanks to all our parent helpers: Joe D., Andy L., Lachlan Mc., Dean C., Bob P. & Deb W.

 

 

Fitzroy      1.1-7     2.2-14     3.3-21      5.5-35   

Glen Iris     1.2-8     2.3-15     3.3-21       4.3-27

WHILE DICK INSPIRES THE BOY'S FOR THE FINAL QUARTER

IN THE BUSHES IT'S THE CLARKE KENT CHANGE TO SUPER BOUNDARY UMPIRE

THE FINAL QUATER OSKAR CRAWLS AFTER THE BALL

DIGBY WRAPS UP THE OPPOSITION

AND TOM DRIVES THE TEAM FORWARD