Under 13 - 2 Match Report

 

FJFC U-13 Blue 2 3.7 (25) lt Bulleen-Templestowe 4.4 (28) at Ramsden St.

The chilly downpour of the previous week was just a distant memory when autumn sun washed over Rammo. Perhaps it got the boys' blood pumping but whatever the reason the Roys had an inspired opening few minutes.

They were running the ball off the back line, kicking to position and tackling hard. It was real footy and full of confidence. So when Ned scooped a loose ball up on the forward line and kicked the first goal, it looked like it was going to be a good day for the Roys. All around the ground, the Roys had winners, from Digby in the back half, Patrick on the centreline and plenty of willing forwards.

But somehow, somewhere, the intensity started to drop and Bulleen worked their way back in to the game. They quickly took advantage of their one-point quarter time lead to increase the pressure in the second quarter. Sam Mac was put under the pump in defence and Charlie had to pull out some crunching tackles to slow down the Bulleen assault. It was tough work, but Bulleen was only seven points in front at the main break.

There was a feeling that the game was in the balance. Who was going to stand up in the second half? Well, as the Roys showed in the previous two matches, they have their share of aggression.

Sebastian lead the way with some terrific tackles, and while Digby kept thumping the ball forward, Ned rucked tirelessly to keep the Roys in it. Will managed to conjure a goal that brought the growing Fitzroy crowd to life. And at three quarter time, there was only four points between the teams. The Roys started the final quarter with a string of points but it wasn't until Josh laid a fearsome tackle in the backline and sent the ball forward for Muhammed got on to the end of one in the goal square that they managed a major. It was a great effort that put the Roys back in front for the first time since the first quarter, and for a while it looked like it would be enough. There was plenty of run in the midfield where Jesse Jones was constantly pushing the ball forward and Sam H was courageous, but the scoring started to dry up.

And then Bulleen swept the ball forward to kick a point, and moments later, snatch back the lead with a goal. It was too close to the siren for the Roys to get the ball forward again, and the match ended with only a wafer-thin margin between the teams. But what a finish!

ENDS

Go to the teams flickr to see more of round 3 photos