Round 11 saw us taken on second place Beaumaris at home. After a disappointing result last week, we were looking to redeem ourselves with a strong four quarter effort. Three changes to the team, saw us welcome back Nicholson, Wood and Ritson into the team.
The first quarter we were kicking with a slight wind advantage. Our contest work was strong, and we were winning the territory battle out of the sloppy conditions in the middle of the ground. We had the game on our terms and our forward pressure was excellent, however we failed to take our chances kicking 3.5 to the oppo 1.1. Second quarter was competitive early. Both teams had momentum at different stages throughout the quarter, however Beauy were more effective going forward. Our shallow entries to 50/50 contests proved costly, and made it tough to defend on the rebound. We conceded 3 goals for the quarter whilst failing to register a major, resulting in a one point deficit at half time. What didn’t help our cause was losing Fraser Cameron to a fractured wrist midway through the second quarter.
At half time, we felt we had the game where we wanted it. We had nullified the fire power of the opposition and we were winning enough ball, but failing to get reward for effort on the scoreboard. The third quarter was again a tight tussle. The breezy conditions had dropped off, and it really was a territory battle. We still felt we had control around clearance, and led the inside 50 count. Our 2.1 to oppo 3 straight meant we were a goal behind leading into the last break.
The final quarter was extremely frustrating. We again won majority of the ball, but poor ball use going inside 50 and poor execution in front of goal meant we couldn’t put any scoreboard pressure on the opposition. Both teams squandered gettable opportunities which made for a close finish. In the end Beauy took their chances and were more clinical going forward to take out a 16 point win.
We had 18 scoring shots to oppo 19. We generated enough ball, but again shot ourselves in the foot in front of goal. Our effort, application and willingness to stick to the task was admirable, but in the end we have nothing to show for that. Another great learning day for our young group. We’ve shown we can take it up to one of the best teams in the comp.
We will regroup over the double bye weeks, and set ourselves for a huge contest against St Bedes away.
