There’s something about the first game of the season: there’s still some warmth in the sun, the ground is hard (sadly, a regular occurrence throughout the season these days), and lo and behold, there’s even a whiff of liniment in the change rooms. Of course, when we cast our eye over the magnificent AK Line Reserve shortly before 9am on the first Sunday of the season, there was plenty to feel nervous about. The ground was adult size and St Marys, well, arch-enemy, always tall, always fast, always ready for a contest.
But maybe the Roy Boys were ready too and they burst out of the blocks with vigour and purpose. And although St Marys kicked the first goal, a clever snap from Muhammed deep in the forward pocket put Fitzroy on the board.
It was a feverish opening quarter: St Marys slipped in to their run-on game like a hand fits a glove, while the Roys kicked long, searching for position. William’s tackling was fierce and Josh was chasing hard, something he did all day in a tireless performance. Then Max H found the ball at his feet near the goal, and like a cool soccer striker, slotted Fitzroy’s second with a kick off the ground.
Fitzroy had a seven point lead starting the second quarter but St Marys upped their speed and intensity. It was a testing time and Digby and Hugh were forced in to some desperate defence. Ned stood tall in the ruck and worked hard across the ground. But slowly, St Marys gained some momentum and when the half-time break came, the home side had grabbed back the lead after kicking three goals for the term.
Coach Richard was calm and reminded the Roys how well they had contested the first quarter and urged them to repeat the effort. “These guys,’’ he said, gesturing to the St Marys’ huddle, “are the Manchester United of the Yarra Junior Footy league. We’re doing really well.’’
And although St Marys’ drew first blood at the start of the third quarter, the Roys kept driving the ball forward where Connor B turned and snapped a great goal over his shoulder. Moments later Connor H-B won a free to set up another forward thrust that Max H turned in to his second major. Jesse was in everything at ground level and soon after he managed to win the ball, Max was able to kick his third.
Only thirteen points separated the two teams heading in to the final quarter. St Marys surged early in the quarter and appeared to put the game out of the Roys’ reach with two quick goals. Yet the Roys refused to yield and Andre’s fierce tackling stopped a few St Mary’s players in their tracks. Connor soon dobbed his second goal to revive some hopes before St Marys kicked away again with another two goals. Jaquan managed to work in to space and punted long to the goal square where Connor B was on the receiving end to kick the Roys’ seventh. Soon after St Marys’ 12th goal, the siren sounded to wrap up a tremendous first-up Fitzroy performance. The boys had played well and showed some great signs for the season. So off to Rammo for game two this week.
ENDS
Under 13 - 2 Match Report
