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By Neil Shallue
1st quarter
The first quarter started with Fitzroy having to
kick into the wind. Despite desperate attempts the Roys could not
seem to move the ball from St Damien's half. The Roys backline was
placed under considerable pressure. Several attempts at goal by St
Damien's were pressured into points.
Looking at the statistics, the main playing technique
used by Fitzroy were kicks, marks, and tackles. Handballs were few
and far between, along with shepherding. I must admit there was a
lot of pressure play and this made St Damien's earn every possession.
2nd quarter
The coaches’ box was on fire and the board
changes were made. In this quarter there was definite evidence that
the Roys wanted to score a win. With a change in direction of play
and the wind at our backs there were some great attempts at “gutsy”
play.
While the results didn't show on the board, the statistics
indicated a definite drive. All three key areas used in the first
quarter, that is kicking, marks, and tackles, were a definite improvement.
The play still lacked the use of handballs and shepherding.
3rd quarter
Despite the attempts of Gary and Michael to rally
the troops, on paper it proved to be another damaging quarter for
the Roys. The number of kicks, marks and tackles definitely slipped,
especially tackling. Performance dropped by 50% in comparison to the
previous quarters.
The wind at their backs St Damien's had command of
the ball, and the Roys backline was placed under siege once again.
It appeared from the boundary line that a tall centre man from St
Damien's seemed to dictate the play and successfully out marked and
position the Roys to send ball continually back towards a goal.
4th quarter
The last and final quarter of the day started to
be more of the same. Coaches and parents wanted to see the Roys score.
The Roys definitely made St Damien's accountable. The ball spent equal
time in both halves of the oval. Statistically what was the change??
For the first quarter the Roys started to use the
handball and shepherding. The Roys even sustained a couple of injuries
as testament to the determination. Just ask Scott and Jack. There
was not a player on the field who was not wearing evidence of Ramsden
Street soil.
It may have taken the last five minutes of play to
score but it did happen. First a point, at 11:25 a.m. and then soon
after, another point, at 11:29 a.m. But the best was yet to come.
The team effort by all concerned resulted in Simon kicking the first
goal at 11:31 a.m.
Despite the final result the Roys held their heads
up high and showed great team spirit and sportsmanship.
Team captains for the day were Tom and Jack.
Chocolates were awarded to James, Caelum, and Lily.
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