What a week! What a game! Firstly I’d like to publicly congratulate the boys on their finals win against West Juniors last week and the match reports from Jai and Joshua throughout the year highlighting how we all see the games differently.
The second round of the finals saw the Pumas travel north to take on the physical Kedron/Grange to fight for that grand final chance against minor premiers Coorparoo next week. In a game that was physical, frustrating, entertaining, heart-stopping and character building it was the Pumas who went the extra distance to win by the closest of margins.
The game began with that finals intensity we all love with 21 pumas contributing from the start. Going against the breeze was always going to be difficult but the persistent pressure from the Pumas early sent a strong message of commitment and unity. Vice-Captain Joshua Hampson was inspirational from the start along that half back line as he constantly rebounded attack after attack. Simmo stood above the rest by generating turnover after turnover and driving it along the wing. Tom Sullivan was a welcome addition to the team to bravely play with a sore nose and TPS who was hard at the contest and impressive coming in at quarter time to receive praise from his harshest critic (his older brother). Freckles was our first casualty after putting his body on the line time and time again and we wish him a speedy recovery.
The second quarter was much the same but with our tails up and the wind our way we were able to apply scoreboard pressure as Nick and Cross pushed forward to convert precious opportunities. Scotty in his best game for the season stamped his authority by doubling as a wrecking ball around the contests which combined with his experience and natural ability saw him get into many of the right spots. Jayden was the quiet achiever and didn’t go unnoticed as the one always on the bottom of the packs in a performance we were all in awe of. Rob showed encouraging signs by providing a target up the ground. The second quarter eventually resulted in a stalemate between the teams with the Pumas still trailing. The third quarter saw the game slip from our grasp as we were outclassed and outcoached as Kedron/Grange kicked away to a handy 19 point lead. Our workrate dropped and Kedron capitalized on their opportunities to kick away to the biggest margin of the game.
With everything to play for, what happened next must be seen to be believed. It’s amazing what momentum and confidence does. The backline led by Hammy succeeded to nullify the impact of the opposition’s forceful attacks as we kicked into gear. Nick who was brilliant all day then lifted to a new level and forced the ball towards our goals. Fitzy finally had the ball bounce his way and became that outlet and brilliant finisher we all know he is. Kman, Connor and James lifted their defensive intensity in the forward line forcing turnovers and creating opportunities. Wazza the little warrior relished in the back pocket whilst Pyke and Jai started to really click into gear. Sammy unfortunately became our second casualty as he willingly sacrificed his himself to win the ball and earn a scoring opportunity. Before we could comprehend the situation, the scores were level, the siren had gone and no one knew what to do.
With both coaches restricted from communicating with their teams, we had to trust the team knew what had to be done and how it needed to be done. By the start of extra time everyone’s hearts were all beating unhealthily fast as we hoped the team had more to give. And lift they did. Declan displayed ball winning ability and composure that belies his age as he drove the ball again and again out of our backline. Fitzy and Hammy were remarkable and just simply outworked and outran their direct opponents but I’d be lying if what Britny was about to contribute was coached. Her composure and concentration to take overhead contested marks through the centre not once but three times was dreamlike and incredible. The Puma song was sung loud and proud for all to here as we progress to the next week. A massive thanks to the Puma supporters who created the electric atmosphere that inspired the team to the next level. We will need it again next week.
To the team, a performance that won’t be forgotten and a grand final appearance that was well earned, but we still have work to do. Get on the Puma Train.
Happy Father’s Day
Matt Preston-Smith
Last Modified on 03/09/2012 16:00