ROUND
SEVEN- FITZROY v. IVANHOE
Sunday
17 June (Ivanhoe Park)
Fitzroy
returned from another week off- this time to celebrate the Queen's
81 st birthday, to line up for a neighbourhood clash with traditional
rivals, Ivanhoe. Normally we play Ivanhoe in faraway Bulleen, but
this time we got to play them at their proper home ground on the
Boulevard- famous for its large houses and extravagant Christmas
decorations. The Roys were hoping there would be no festivities
for the home team today and that we would not be subjected to the
sounds of their team song- appropriately sung to the tune of Jingle
Bells.
There
were ominous signs early when it became obvious that we might not
be able to field a full side. Jon & Oscar had phoned in sick,
Lachlan & Alex L sent messages that they weren't fit and Hamish
was nowhere to be seen. That left us with 16 and we had to rely
on our generous opponents to help us field a full side.
Ivanhoe
began the game well and were unlucky not to lead by more than 11
points at quarter time. Harry kicked our only goal, but we were
clearly struggling.
We
showed a bit more in the second quarter, but could still only manage
one more goal, this time from a set shot by Will L from a very tricky
angle. Alex M provided the highlights with a great solo run to set
up Will's goal and then later on when he delivered a very hard bump
that dispossessed and grounded an unsuspecting opponent. At half
time we trailed by 21 points and we were definitely in trouble.
Our opponents were first to the ball and running much harder and
faster than us.
After
another slow start in the third quarter when Ivanhoe kicked the
first three goals, Fitzroy started to claw their way back. A lucky
bouncing goal from Declan and a running goal from Alex M gave us
a slight chance at the final break. Jesse was winning in the ruck,
while Raph and Zeb were solid in defence. Raph's marking and strong
tackling saved Fitzroy from being much further behind. Our co-captains,
Sam W & Will L were both playing well and enjoying their extra
responsibility.
Sadly,
the shortage of players took its toll late in the game and Ivanhoe
went right on with the job in the last quarter. A nice long kick
from Harry and a clever mid-air snap from Will L added two more
goals at the end, but it was all too late. It was ‘Jingle All The
Way' as the triumphant Ivanhoe Hoe Hoe marched off the ground in
full song.
So
that means two bad losses in a row, both after a week off. After
sitting on top two rounds ago, we have now slipped down the ladder.
Some
harder running, better marking of opponents, more accurate passing
and a full list of players are essential if we are to get back on
track.
Scores:
Fitzroy
6.8.44
Ivanhoe
13.7.85
Goals:
Harry
Borland 2, Will Lovett 2, Declan Canavan 1, Alex Maloney 1.
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