Under 13-1 2010

In contrast to the previous week it was very warm and sunny as the U13 Brown's journeyed to the sticks to take on the 3rd side from last year, Park Orchards. On the way to the match one player remarked "Its so hilly, I can't believe there can be a football ground around here". The team welcomed Liam for his first game. Captain for the day Robbie won the toss and elected to kick to the breeze favoured southern end.

Harris was in ruck in the first quarter. Forward pressure from Fitzroy forced a rushed behind. However despite defensive efforts from Eddie, and a good spoil from Dan, Park Orchards registered the first goal. A free kick to Robbie lead to another rushed behind. A further goal to Park Orchards exposed the lack of structure in the Fitzroy defense. After giving away a free kick Lucien laid a good tackle as his opponent attempted to run around the mark and play on. Robbie scored a further behind before the imposing figure of Park Orchard's no 12 marked in the goal square and goaled.

At quarter time coach Andy asked the boys to be accountable in defense. Eddie was moved onto no 12 in the second quarter. George who has spent a lot of time in defense clearly enjoyed slotting a goal, on the end of feeds from Max M and Noah. Noah effected an excellent pick up on the run, and Mike a great tackle, but scoring for the remainder of the quarter consisted of behinds to Aidan and rushed, and three to Park Orchards. Still with the number of loose players in the Park Orchard's forward line one wondered whether Fitzroy should ask for a player count.

Chas was in ruck in the third quarter, winning the taps, but Fitzroy were not consistently winning the clearances. Three successive rebounds by Gus in the back line failed to stymie a Park Orchard's goal. A shot from the pocket by Harry H was touched, but then Eddie received from Max B, bounced and goaled. The lack of manning up in defense was again exposed by 2 goals to Park Orchards. Aidan received a free kick in the forward pocked and drilled a goal. Ben, who was a belated arrival, laid a great tackle at half back. In the dying moments Eddie marked in the goal square from a pass from Aiden, but in the time between deciding to play on and kicking between the sticks, the siren sounded. Despite not yet having signaled time the central umpire disallowed the goal.

With the game still for the taking at three quarter time Andy urged the boys to "go for broke, and kick down the guts!"

Hopes were raised early in the last quarter when Aiden won the ball, evaded 2 opponents and kicked to Robbie, who handballed to Gus, who goaled. Park Orchards responded with a goal on a quick centre break from a tap won by Chas. A further goal to Park Orchard's could not be denied as it skittled the goal umpire Rob R. Although seemingly out of it the 'Roy boys continued to press. Despite the previous poor outcomes from bouncing Charles went for a run and 2 bounces before Gus threaded a goal from an acute angle after being awarded a free kick. Chas roved his own tap to get the ball to Aidan who evaded defenders and delivered to Eddie who goaled. With 2 kicks in it there was now a sense of urgency, but the final play, a pass from Ben to Eddie, yielded only a behind.

As they trudged off one player was still putting a positive spin on it "At least we won't be going up to Gold now".

Next we face an unknown quantity in Parkside, at Ramsden, in a game that may be decided on which team can get a full complement onto the park.Go 'Roys!

"Chicken Smallhorn" (the ghost of Fitzroy past)