MATCH REPORT ROUND 10

It was wonderful to have Fraser Wells back on the paddock for our clash against St Marys. Welcome back Fraser! And great to have Max Hodder and Martin Deasey in the side and Aiden's younger brothers, Declan and Ryan, on the bench. Thanks guys.

Well, it has almost become tradition that our games against St Marys are close and exciting. Today's match turned out to be no exception. It was played on a very soggy ground with a slippery ball and was a tough encounter.

St Marys were on the scoreboard early and scored two goals in the first quarter. Lewis worked hard across the centre while Anthony and Ben C adjusted to our new look forward line, kicking a couple of points before Daniel snapped a clever goal with a soccer off the ground (have you been watching the World Cup Daniel?). At the other end of the ground, Micah, Harry P and Fraser worked as a team and kept the St Marys forwards in check so at the first break the margin was just three points in St Marys favour, 2.1 (13) to 1.4 (10)

St Marys dominated possession early in the second quarter and scored a third goal, then Ben Mac and Harry D-T started a Fitzroy attack which fed the ball to David who marked and scored a beautiful goal, much to the delight of his mother and sister who were cheering on the sidelines. The rest of the quarter was tight. Tom, Charlie, Max, Aiden, Hugh and Ned battled to keep the ball forward of centre and the teams looked evenly matched. A free kick awarded to St Marys in their goal square after the siren gave them an eight point advantage at half time 4.2 (26) to 2.6 (18).

In an impressive third term, Martin kicked truly after taking a spectacular mark and reduced the margin to a point, and then Micah kicked a freaky goal to snatch the lead for Fitzroy. The lead was protected by Harrison who was solid deep in defence. When St Marys hit the post late in the quarter, we all hoped that luck would keep going our way. Fitzroy led at three quarter time, 4.10 (34) to 4.6 (30).

The final quarter was mostly played in the St Marys forward line with all players under enormous pressure. Fitzroy just couldn't get the ball forward of centre. By now the ground was a huge pool of sludge, the ball was heavy and it was difficult to tell which team had possession with all the boys completely covered in mud. St Marys managed two goals and won the game 6.12 (48) to 4.10 (34). It was hard fought, low scoring match played in tough conditions.