Under 12-1 2009

Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 Game 8 Game 9 Game 10 Game 11 Game 12 Game 13 Game 14 Game 15

Game 2

Fitzroy 0.0 1.0 2.0 2.1 13

Camberwell 4.0 8.4 9.4 10.4 64

After their first up win over Ashburton the U12 Gold's expectantly hosted their preliminary final nemeses Camberwell at the wind blown expanses of "Ramsberia". At short notice Andrej was nominated captain for the day, won the toss, and elected to kick to the favoured southern end.

From the start Camberwell made a mockery of the preferred end by camping the ball in their half for most of the quarter. Camberwell wanted the ball more, had unmarked players everywhere, and could seemingly run faster. Nevertheless there were notable efforts in the quarter from Harry J., Sapphire, Andrej, and Harry H. who demonstrated that even if you can't catch your opponent, you can still scream very loudly at them!

If Fitzroy thought the elements had favoured them in the first quarter as soon as the second quarter started the wind to the southern end became gale force. Early on a promising chain of passes from Andrej to Noah, and then to Chas delivered the ball to the pocket but was repelled. Thenceforth, with the forwards starved of opportunities it was once again the defense notably Harry J. who were most prominent.

A minute into the third quarter Camberwell removed a player from field through the interchange gate, without bringing anyone on! Even without this Fitzroy were already playing with more commitment. Through the agency of Chas, Aidan, Ben, and Angus the ball was moved to the hot spot without immediate result, but then George was taken high in a tackle and goaled from the free kick. Camberwell hit back with a goal. However from the bounce the ball was swept back into the attacking zone where Noah goaled on the end of a chain of passes from George and Angus.

At the last break the coach praised the boys for a much better quarter, and asked them to be more desperate in their tackling. Aidan was prominent in this quarter with passes to Harry J., and then with a tackle and retrieval of the cough-up. Chas also did well to shark a through in, and drop it on the boot for a behind.

Fitzroy were able to match it with Camberwell in the second half, but following on from the previous week it had been a reality check for the boys. Chas received the medal traditionally awarded by Camberwell to the best player on the opposing side. Special mention also to Andrej for a great captain's game.

Next we face the highly credentialed Kew at their home. Go 'Roys!

"Chicken Smallhorn" (the ghost of Fitzroy past)