| Fitzroy v St Mary’s 29th July 2007
By Neil Shallue
1st quarter
Seven minutes into the first quarter St Mary's threw down a challenge
to the Roys by scoring the first goal for the day. St Mary's seemed
to dominate the play but there was a lot of determination from the
Roys.
At times the bounce of the ball caught the Roys off guard but all
was not lost. Both sides were still finding their feet and the competition
was fierce. The ball didn't seem to leave the ground, and copped the
rough treatment.
The last three minutes of the quarter saw the Roys take the bull
ball by the horns. Sam scored a point at 10:13 am, Tom a goal a minute
later, and then Josh followed up with a point. The Roys were on fire,
two points up on board.
2nd quarter
Fitzroy had the elements against then in the second quarter kicking
against the wind to the Ramsden Street end. The chill factor must
have been down to zero but the Roys soldiered on. The tactical changes
were put into play to curb the dominance of St Mary's, and a loose
man was placed in the back line.
The ball went from end to end not settling in any particular half.
St Mary's scored the first point four minutes in, but this was matched
by Oli kicking a point soon after. The play was equally matched, but
the Roys let their guard down in the last stages of the quarter enabling
St Mary's to score two points in succession. A strong quarter by the
Roys maintained a solid position one point down on the board.
3rd quarter
The Roys entered the game with the wind at their backs, and words
still echoing from Gary and Brendan. The pressure was truly on for
the Roys, this being the last home game for the season, and the opportunity
for a win within their grasp.
For the first 10 minutes after the first bounce the Roys kept the
ball in their half. Attempts in the goal square were foiled by St
Mary's, but the Roys persisted putting three points on the board,
two of which were contributed by Scott.
The Roys turned their backs for a second and the unthinkable occurred.
St Mary's took the kick out from goal marched straight down the centre
uncontested and added a goal to their tally. Fortunately the shell
shocked Roys refocused and got the ball back in their half. Tom kicked
a left footer into the goals and saved the Roys bacon. Oli followed
soon after and kick a point to close the Roys three points up on board.
A very impressive quarter by the Roys produced 10 points towards
the score. The cost was high with a few injuries and unfortunately
Scott was unable to continue the game as a result of injury.
4th quarter
St Mary's entered the game with the wind to their advantage. They
were desperate, and rightly so as the Roys were not going to be a
walk over. Sam stepped up to take over the ruck, and the Roys were
on a roll after playing three quarters of fantastic football, which
made the coach and parents proud.
The first point of the quarter came from St Mary's, and they seem
to have the legs and stamina to match. The ball remained in St Mary's
half of the best part of the quarter. What was to follow was more
of the same, and St Mary's put 21 points on the board for the quarter.
The Roys lost momentum and St Mary's capitalised by using well placed
kicking and marks to open up opportunities. I must admit it may have
appeared to be a walk over on the board, but the determination of
the Roys was evident some very smart tackling, handball and shepharding.
St Mary's ruled the air in the last quarter, and ended the day eighteen
points up on the Roys.
Once again the Roys demonstrated great sportsmanship and team spirit
despite the outcome. Well done!!!
Team captains for the day were Peter and Caelum.
Chocolates were awarded to Hayden, Brendan, and Chris.
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