Same old story at the start of the game with 15 players available right before start and then one more turned up to give us 16. Cougars had the numbers so we had 2 extra players to try and cover. This proved difficult in the first quarter as the loose men in the forward line were often open and the Cougars piled on 6 goals to none while we had the wind and it looked like it would be another tough day. We were getting some contested ball from Ross who was splitting the ruck wins and our ever running centermen of the Fisher boys and Jared. Unfurtunately Richard Bradley was away and Sam Dickson as seriously injured a leg so with no key targets up forward.
Q2 saw some inaccurate kicking from the Cougars and we managed to sneak one in oursleves. The backline was still under seige and back for his first game of season Chins was standing tall in defense picking up a lot of marks on the goal line. We went into the main break 9 goals down as we still had the issue of winning a lot of contested ball but giving it away from half forward as we still didnt have the options in the forward line.
Q3 saw coach Davies make a few changes and Harvey moved to CHF and we had some new players turn up to have 19 and our first interchange of the season!! Ashley vale was one of these new finds and he had a great game picking up possessions and taking strong marks. Hayden Obrien also jopined us and though never having played before may be able to hold down a key position with some proming defence.
The quarter started like a different Blues team was out there. We won the ruck and got good clearence out of the middle and Johhny Fisher had a goal in the first minute. He had another shortly after from an snap and then kicked one to Harvey for his first. Nick fisher chimed in with a great run collecting a handball at full speed to nail another one and Harvey goaled from a mark right before the siren to give the Blues six for the quarter and our first quarter win of the season. Back in defence Chins was still standing tall and getting able help from Dan young who has contributed tirelssly in all our matches so far this year. The Cougars still got 3 goals but it gave the guys some insperation that we can compete if we have the numbers.
Q4 against the wind saw us go back to a defensive mode and our new Aussie recruit Carson took the CHF role. It was his first game in nz and he will slot nicely into our side as he can play in multile positions. We didnt manage anyu more goals but restricted the Cougars to 4 with the wind and even though the final score says we lost by 71 points it was a strong second half by the blues.
This was very promisng and goes to show if we have the numbers on the field we will competer.
Other notable mentions were to Angry first game back this year,
Sam Marsh also first game back and strong in defence all game, guido very solid and some great tackles!!
With plenty of guys coming back this week we should go into this weeks match the strongest we have been all year!!
Get on Down to training this Wednesday 6pm at South Hagley park.
Last Modified on 12/09/2011 13:44