Round 12 Match Report - U9 Black
Saturday, 24th July 10
Round 12 Match Report - U9 Black
Under 9s Black 9 - 10 (64) v Newtown Red 5 - 4 (34)
On a cool but sunny morning at Five Dock Park, the Drummoyne Under 9 Black team took on the cross town rivals from the Newtown Red team. This would shape up as one of the toughest games of the season for the team as the Reds hit the field focussed and ready for the game whereas the Blacks were not their usual focussed selves.
The first term saw the Reds race away with a few quick scoring kicks and the Blacks needing to call on all their teamwork to turn things around. Luke’s tough tackling and clearances from the ruck helped turn the term around, with Ethan and Fraser getting good clearing kicks down to the Blacks forward line. After a rough start, the Black team managed to get on the board through a great mark from Ben, followed by a strong kick at goal. This term saw one of the Blacks best passages of play with Brendan pouncing on a loose ball on the sideline, finding Fraser with a well-timed handpass, who then shot it back to Brendan for a clearing kick to the goal-square, leading to a point after a late unlucky bounce.
After a late first-term surge, the team started the second term on level pegging with the Reds, with the backline showing real strength, particularly Billy who took a couple of marks and managed to return the ball back in to the centres where they then sent it down field to the forwards. Harvey out-muscled the tough Newtown team, with many of their biggest players giving Harvey some ‘special attention’ off the ball. In what was a very physical term, Samuel showed his bravery after copping an accidental knock to the face by staying on the field and getting amongst the action with two marks. Xavier also got his hands to the ball in the centre with Alex, Ben and Luke taking marks in this term.
The final term saw the Black team back at their best with six scoring kicks at the goal square to the Reds three. This turnaround came after the team finally found their voice and started calling for each other and diving on the loose ball. Luke’s continued clearances from the ball-up helped the team forge forward with Brendan finding the goal from the corner pocket twice in this term. Our guest players from the Under 8’s – Christian, Joel, Nick and Meera – all got amongst it during the game with Christian taking a specky mark in the final stanza.
The Black team finished the game with a win despite their slow start. Best team player for the game was Fraser who continually looked for other players in good positions as well as throwing himself on any loose ball that came his way. Player of the game was Brendan who also took out the honours for goal of the game for his great efforts during the last term in the forward line. His fast work around the base of the ruck and continual encouragement of other less-experienced players was exemplary. Congratulations also go to these two players for their success in moving to the next round of the Swans Academy program.
Most improved player on the day was Ethan who was reading the play well and hence was in the thick of action all over the ground.
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