Masters Round 5 – vs Springwood
The Masters train continued to gain momentum this week. This game had to be moved from the Springwood home ground to the Taneh Merah facility. Heavy rain in recent days had flooded the Springwood ground but even the Taneh Merah location had its share of problems. It was decidedly heavy under foot and unseasonably cold. A low pressure system moving in from East had mixed with a trough generating out of the gulf of Carpentaria resulting in some higher than average rainfall. The week ahead could expect scattered showers up until Wednesday with tops in the high 20’s expected around Thursday.
The confusion over the change of ground and the inclement weather may have led to smaller numbers for this game, with Springwood only fielding 17 men. We sent them an enthusiastic Dooley to compensate. The generosity of such a gift, usually reserved for 50th Wedding Anniversaries or Royal visits only. Bic & Yeronga Pete were naturally forced to make a few adjustments in his absence but did so with aplomb.
The new ground provided other benefits though when we were excited to find the change rooms had two rub down tables, next to each other. One for each of Haema’s legs but twice as much work for the prematurely arthritic Frances.
Game on and we were quick to pick up where we left off last game. Big Fish controlled the ruck with the casual wave of his enormous hands. I know I’ve already discussed the enormity of said hands but fair dinkum these things are enormous. He waved to somebody in the crowd at one point and there was a solar eclipse. A late arriving Burger was rewarded by being sent to the wing where he racked up possessions at will. He seemed to be everywhere yet nobody wanted to go near him. A bit like the end of year road trips! Another senior player had an excellent day at the office. Louie displayed all the guile and cunning that a man with a theatrical, handle bar moustache should be expected to display.
Ado, who had burned so many players running past that we had to call for extra sunscreen at half time, provided a memorable quote at the half time huddle. Not quite having his usual influence, he proudly announced that he was “being double teamed” by the cunning Springwood outfit. Pricey, back for only his 2nd game of the year did rightly point out though that a team playing one short probably couldn’t afford to double team anyone.
Speaking of Pricey, this was his first full, unimpeded game of the year and it was pleasing to get the run and carry we’ve come to expect from the reigning Best and Fairest. Joycey shamelessly bullied a much bigger opponent for much of the game, twice flattening the same player despite giving away height and weight. The terrified player, clearly having heard about the hatchet job Joycey did on Davo’s hand earlier in the season, was apparently so traumatised he now checks his closet every night for of Joycey before going to sleep.
The vice like grip or given that he is a cop, perhaps it should be the “Miami Vice like Grip” of Jenko was without peer in the heavy conditions and he bagged 4 goals for the game. One more than Springwood could manage for the whole game. And it could have been less than 3. One of those came from Gaz who graciously filled in after half time and another probably should have been rushed. To set the scene, Rocket and myself stood on the goal line whilst their full forward lined up from 20 metres out. The mongrel kick wheezed and spluttered its way between us at head height. A Shark defender asked if I could have touched it and I was forced to admit that, in hindsight, I probably could have licked it!
Other solid performers were a visibly limping Mary and Cam during the 65 point demolition.
Last Modified on 01/03/2011 12:38