A Hard Slog from ‘The Outer Eye’
Saturdays bitterly cold weather and at times sideways rain made for tough conditions for players and spectators alike at Quambee Reserve on Saturday for Rd 14 action, where Nth Ringwood hosted us. After a big win by the Colts and a monster one by the Development Squad, it was left to the Seniors to bring home the much sought after “Wooders Day”. After what could at best be described as a slog, we came away with a convincing, if unappealing 22 point win in a very low scoring affair, 6.13.49 – 3.9.27.
On a day when goals were going to be as valuable as gold nuggets, Nth Ringwood struck first with a goal inside the first minute. In fact, they dominated general play for the first 10 minutes, though unable to make any substantial impact on the scoreboard. This was to be a theme for most of the day, With Nth Ringwood enjoying at least their fair share of play and field position, but, either by the excellent work of our defensive unit, or the appalling weather, or the combination of both, Nth would be unable to ever really put any scoreboard pressure on us. After absorbing plenty of pressure in the first 12 minutes, we took the ball coast to coast via Hilly and Kreuzzer, his spot up marked strongly by Leroy. His kick from a tight angle in the dead pocket was a beauty, the only kick from that area that even got close to going through all day. Nth continued to hold sway, and were rewarded with a 2nd goal midway through the quarter. We had chances to hit back after some good ball movement, but Leroy hit the post from distance and Hudson missed running into goal from 35m. At 1/4T we trailled 2.3 – 1.5.
Whether coach Denis Knight imparted a rocket at the 1/4T huddle is unknown, the inclement weather swept back across the ground, forcing sensible supporters to retreat for cover. In any case, it worked, as we started to take control in the 2nd quarter. In fact, we would keep Nth Ringwood scoreless during this term. 6 minutes in Gouldy roved front and centre in copybook fashion, dished to Kreuzzer who somehow squeezed a grubber along the ground and past a Nth Ringwood defender for our 2nd goal. A clearance from the centre by Matt Bate was deftly tapped by Leroy into the path of Alex Calder, but his shot was stiff to hit the inside of the post. Ace had another chance shortly after, but his off the ground attempt with his wrong foot (the right) skewed wide. Nth Ringwood forays forward were rare and easily turned back by Hilly, Ryan Pendlebury (playing his 2nd game for us), and Bater. Up the ground Kreuzzer and in particular Gouldy were having ripping games, doing all the hard stuff at the bottom of the many packs. 18 minutes in our defenders (Fordy, Pendlebury, Newmo and Ceppi) combined to get the ball to the wing where Jordon Clarke won the aerial dual and fired out the handball to Fingers. His kick was marked 40m out by Leroy, and a 2nd excellent set shot saw us out to an 11 point lead. We added 2 more points before half time to take a fairly healthy 13 point lead to the main break: 3.10 – 2.3.
We opened the 3rd quarter well, Kreuzzer finding Matt Jessop who spotted up Leroy tight on the boundary 35m out. His round the corner kick was perfection. Moments later we intercepted at true Centre half forward, a clever handball from Leroy setting Kreuzzer free on goal. Tellingly he ran his full measure before slotting home from the goalsquare. We were starting to pull away from Nth Ringwood as the conditions turned arctic. They responded with a goal, but when Jammy(Jessop) centred from a stoppage Gouldy marked strongly 35m out and replied at the 16 minute mark to restore our 3goal+ lead. Amazingly, this would be the last goal of the game.... At 3/4T we led by 23points 6.11 – 3.6.
The less said about the last quarter the better as players spectator and umpires all looked like they’d rather be somewhere else. The result had been decided and the players played accordingly. In the end we ran out solid 22 points winners, 6.13.49 – 3.9.27.
This was not a game for the archives, but the boys knuckled down and got the job done. Gouldy was superb all day, at times resembling a bulldozer with his in and under efforts. Kreuzzer played a brilliant small man’s game in the conditions, adding spark and polish around the packs, rewarded with two invaluable goals. Leroy was the only viable forward on the ground, marking the ball as if it was a dry day and kicking very well for goal, his 3 goals all excellent shots in the conditions. Hilly was impassable at half-back (isn’t he always??) while Pendlebury and Bate won plenty of the ball across half-back. Fingers rounded out a good day for our on-ball contingent.
We move to 7-7 and remain stuck in 6th spot, a finals berth seemingly beyond us unless one of our rivals slips up badly. With the Wooders day in the bag, both the development squad and the Colts look headed for finals, both have realistic opportunities to secure a ‘double-chance’ Next week there is still plenty to play for, we travel to Balwyn, a ground where we have had some memorable wins. (Other than in the Colts of course.... they can have a bye..). After our poor showing at home earlier in the year, it would be very nice to turn up at Balwyn Park and introduce them to the ‘real’ Norwood.
Go Wooders.
Last Modified on 26/07/2016 11:00