Manly Warringah 5.4 (34) def Pennant Hills 3.8 (26)
With Weldon closed, the game was moved to Mike Kenny Oval; which remained open despite being extremely slippery conditions. The lack of home advantage was no barrier to the Wolves, who continued their dream run as they upset the highly-fancied Demons.
In the slushy conditions, the Wolves established their mudlark credentials as they kicked the only goal of the opening quarter into the wind. After repelling a number of Pennant Hills attachs the Wolves went forward late and Tommy thurgaland was awarded a mark late in the quarter and slotted the first goal of the game late in the opening quarter.
Scores were hard to get, and goals were worth their weight in gold. Still in driving rain the Wolves had the wind and Ty kicked the opening goal of the quarter. Pennant Hills responded at the midday point of the quarter but Lynchy replied with his first goal for the Wolves playing up forawrd this week. To give the Wolves a handy 9 point half time lead.
The 3rd quarter would be the Wolves most important quarter, with the sun had emerging and the slow drying process the game became slightly less scrappy (Although very much remained a Wet Weather game). Despite Pennat Hills kicking with the wind and approximately 75% of the ball spent in the forward half the Wolves hung on for dear life and kept the lead going into the final break, leading by a solitary point.
In desperate conditions, clean possessions as hard to find as clean jumpers. With the wind, the Wolves did the majority of the attacking. After missing a few chances, Jasper slotted a telling major with about 10 minutes to go to give the Wolves an 8 point advantage. Pennant Hills replied with 6 minutes on the clock to set a grandstand finish. With the ball in the middle and a 2 point lead the Wolves knew it could be a case of next goal wins. As you would have it, the Wolves got the centre clearance and the ball opened up for Ecka on the boundary who snapped a miracle goal (In dry weather let alone on a lake). Delerium on the sideline was followed by nerves which would be replaced by joy after 5 minutes of scrapping and fighting. The Wolves dug in for a memorable win by eight points. A stunning boilover against one of the competition’s top contenders and a result that erases any doubt that the Wolves shouldnt be taken sriously on a week to week basis in Premier Division.
Kochy (Stevie K) was a star across the half back line and was named BOG. With Wills rucking all day relentlessly and Webby and Cal in the engine room the middle of the park was an even battle against the bigger Pennant Hills bodies. On the outside the Wolves looked stronger with Ecka, Ty and Beckett named the best outside players. So there it is, the Wolves remain undefeated after three rounds; certainly nobody could have pictured a better start to Season 2013.
Last Modified on 24/04/2013 01:13