Netball
Well done to the girls last Friday for getting back on the winner’s side of the ledger with a good victory over Mernda Blue. Scores were 33 to 11. This week the Burra Beauties take on Lalor at 7.00pm on RMIT Court 2. See you all there.
Last Week
All three sides travelled out to Mill Park Lakes Reserve last week to the Lions Den and take on our great adversary in South Morang. When last we met in Round 1 we managed 3 out of 3 wins for the day but were not going to get ahead of ourselves given the closeness of the ladder positions for all 3 Sections. South Morang Seniors in fact had not tasted defeat since that Round 1 clash and had eased themselves into early Premiership favoritism. A win today would give us a good indication of where we sat in the scheme of things.
The 19’s started the day in sunshine, with just a minor breeze coming over the hills and with a 2 goal lead at quarter time. From here on in though the day took a nose dive. The wind picked up and with it went the sunshine. The chilling wind was proving to be just as horrible as the scoreboard was with the younger Lions edging ahead by a couple of points at half time.
In the third we only kicked 5 behinds allowing them to kick 1.2 which meant our defense had to work overtime if we were to win. They held a 5 point lead going into the last which in the end we could not reel in and they eventually went away with a 16 point victory. If our boys are to ever get off to a good start and play 4 full quarters they need to arrive at the ground prepared and not look like they just got out of bed. Lost opportunities can never be recovered boys and hopefully you will snap out of it before it is too late.
The Rezzies also were up against a side that was on even points - with them holding down 4th spot and us 5th. They opened up fairly strongly with the wind kicking a respectful 5.4 to our miserly 2 behinds against it. In the second we performed pretty good holding them scoreless but only managed 3.3 with the Morang taking an 11 point lead into the half time break.
The next quarter they made the most of the gale and kicked 9.2 to our 2.3 making a win now an outside chance at best. Going into the last we started 52 points down but not impossible given the strength of the wind. We managed to kick 7 goals straight but wasn’t enough as they kicked 1.2 with the Burra going down by just 3 goals in the end. Again a game we might have won had we taken our opportunities.
The wind was still blowing pretty strong by the time the ones took the field and with the Lions kicking with it in the first we needed to hold them defensively to give us a chance of coming out in front at half time after we had our turn at it. It didn’t quite work out that way with us trailing by just 2 points at the main break.
In the third quarter we held them to a manageable 4.7 to our 2.1 and a lead of only 20 points at three quarter time. With a strong wind in our favor, and some good old fashion determination, the game would be well within our grasp.
They opened up with 2 quick goals against the wind and caught us napping, and with credit to the Lions, their defensive play was panning out well for them. Our boys then got their game going but unfortunately not their accuracy as we managed to kick 2.6 for the quarter.
Arguably had we kicked straight it might have been a different story but they could ague the same case. In the end we went down by a creditable 14 points with an amazing and genuine respect for each other shown after the game between all players. What a great example of sportsmanship and a great game of football was seen by everyone there. Congratulations to both clubs on a fantastic day - even if the results didn’t go our way.
Our 19’s, Rezzies and Seniors went down on the day by 16, 18 and 14 points respectively. All 3 sides can lament on what might have been – and so we should for short while. But if we learn from the day, as I know you will, each side can take an enormous amount from each game. We find ourselves in a wonderful position of playing them again in our last game of the year. And, with every opportunity to learn and improve during that time, they WILL know we are coming after them.
In many ways I can’t wait for Round 19. This is an unbelievable opportunity for everyone – make the most of it boys and take up the challenge. Set your sights on this game and make every thing you do about this game from here on in and good luck.
This Week
Well what seems like playing this team almost every other week we find ourselves down at Warringal Park playing against West Heidelberg for the second time in 3 rounds and for the third time since Round 4.
The 19’s are up against North Heidelberg at Shelley Park who will be determined to notch up a win against our boys. Let’s not be lackadaisical fellas and be sure we take to the ground with our minds focused. Make sure everyone gets down to the early game and supports our boys before moving onto the Rezzies and Ones just down the road.
Until next time…….
GO THE MIGHTY BURRA!
Last Modified on 30/06/2011 09:39