Match Report
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For the fourth week in a row the U/12 Hangers were on the road, this time venturing out to Box Hill, to play Surrey Park for the second time this season. On a pleasant winter’s day the boys were keen to bounce back from last week’s disappointing loss. Well done to Joe Clausen on reaching his 50th game, he was duly appointed joint captain with Callum for the afternoon.
The first quarter was a tight affair, with both sides moving the ball into their forward halves regularly. For the first time this season Piers came up against a couple of similar sized boys, providing plenty of competitive ruck contests. Callum and Luca were both busy in the midfield, picking up plenty of possessions. Charlie Smith, Charlie Fry and Louis were also providing plenty of support across the centre line. Jack McNair, Ben Romeo and Barret, all started well across half back taking some timely marks and kicking the ball long at every opportunity. Barret unfortunately damaged his knee in an early contest, which sidelined him for the rest of the game. Jonty was taking some good marks and Ollie was making the most of his opportunities with a great snap to bring up the first goal of the game, after some good work from Callum and Luca in the midfield. Surrey Park soon replied with a goal of their own, with Joe B having a late snap, which narrowly missed, leaving the scores tied at quarter time 1.1.7 a piece.
The second quarter saw Surrey Park come out hard, kicking an early goal. Our back line was under plenty of pressure, with Jack McNair and Jack Nolan leading the way, tackling hard and taking some good defensive marks. Lachie Hughes continued on with his good form taking some timely defensive marks. Charles Perry, Boothy and Ben Romeo were also combing well in defence. Callum and Luca were again winning plenty of the ball, whilst Charlie Fry, Charlie Smith and Louis were again applying plenty of pressure at each contest. Another goal to Surrey Park extended their lead. Oscar and Goughy were applying plenty of forward pressure, eventually resulting in Luca getting the ball forward to Ollie who kicked his second goal for the day. A late goal to Surrey Park saw them lead 4.3.27 to 2.2.14 at the main break.
The third quarter was again tight with plenty of endeavour shown from both sides. Luca and Callum were again right in amongst it, picking up plenty of possessions. The back line was holding up well, with Jack McNair, Jack Nolan, Lachie Hughes and Boothy all playing their roles well. Charles Perry was also standing tall at full back, taking some strong marks. No surprises that Luca and Callum again combined well in getting the ball forward to Ollie who snapped his third goal, reducing the deficit. A lapse in concentration allowed Surrey Park to kick a late goal extending their lead at the last change 5.4.34 to 3.2.20.
A couple of goals to Surrey Park early in the last quarter, pretty much gave them a match winning lead. The boys persisted and fought the game out well, with Luca continuing to work hard all over the ground. The back line stemmed the flow after the early goals with credit to Jack Nolan, Charles Perry and Ben Romeo who battled on to the end. Boothy saved a couple of certain goals with some great defensive play.
Overall a tough game against bigger boys, who ran hard, broke tackles and linked up well in moving the ball forward. Whilst the loss was disappointing we are still sitting on 8 wins and 4 losses, a win/loss ratio plenty of AFL coaches would be proud of!!
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