Match Report Round 8

 

It was bound to be a tough game, with Ashburton second on the ladder and Fitzroy a few players short of a full team. Fortunately four boys from Andy Robert's U13 Brown team stepped up and played their second game of the day with us, which solved the problem of numbers. We owe a huge thank you to Robbie, Eddy, Gus and Chas who worked hard all afternoon and absolutely starred in our forward line.

The game was played in bleak conditions, grey skies and a swirling wind. Ashburton got off to a flying start, scoring four goals in the first quarter. Eddy kicked Fitzroy's first goal after taking a fantastic mark in the goal square. Despite determined efforts by Daniel, Aiden, Ben C and Ben Mac to move the ball forward, Ashburton dominated play and went into the first break with a handy lead, 4.5 (29) to 1.0 (6).

Ashburton goaled early in the second term but then the Fitzroy players started to apply some real pressure across the half back and back lines and limit scoring opportunities. Oskar, Charlie, Lewis, Harrison and both Harrys worked hard to deliver the ball to Fitzroy's advantage and the result was two goals, one a snap off the ground by Adam and the other a great kick by Ben C. At half time the margin was still four goals 6.6 (36) to 3.0 (18) and it felt like Fitzroy was still in the game.

The third quarter was an even match with the teams scoringing a goal apiece. Gus took a great mark in the goal square and kicked accurately. All the U13 boys were great up forward, providing plenty of options while Ned worked tirelessly in ruck. At three quarter time with scores at 7.9 (51) to 4.3 (27) Andy asked his players to believe in themselves, and work hard till the end of game.   

Unfortunately Ashburton had the same idea. Ben C and Oskar kicked a couple of wonderful goals in the final term but Ashburton piled on five and eventually won the game by 50 points. Final scores were 12.11 (83) to 5.3 (33).