SCORE	BEST	GOALS
Lost 6-4-40 to 10-3-63	Ace, Sammy, Seal, Geelong, CT, Billy	Rev 3, Seal, Geelong, Dave

 

MATCH REPORT

Sunday saw the Warriors travelling across town to once again face our nemesis, Williamstown.

With memories of that bitter 4 point loss from round 6 last year still fresh in our minds we were looking to atone.

Near perfect conditions saw the game get off to cracking pace right from the start. A terrific tap from Pinga saw Seal burst from the centre and we were away! Great offensive pressure from the likes of Damo and Fitzy allowed Big Dave to soccer one through and we were on the board. Not to be denied, Willie got that one back soon enough. With inside 50's fairly even, it was a battle of the backlines. All tied up at the first break.

Willi 1 1 7 Warriors 1 1 7

This time it was Willie out of the blocks with a major within 30 seconds. We got the ball up forward often enough but had difficulty capitalising on it. Willie didn't seem to have the same trouble and crept ahead. Our boys kept pressing forward, eventually getting reward for effort. A nice tap down from Damo gave Rev the opportunity to snap from the boundary. Several more unrewarded forward entries culminated in a booming shot by Rev from the 50 right on the boundary. Warriors back in front. Solid defensive work by Tony and Gazza allowed Eddy to clear the ball to our running players. Driven deep into the forward pocket Seal swooped on the loose ball and slotted a classy right footer. Again, Willie responded with one of their own.

Willi 3 2 20 Warriors 4 3 27

I'm sure Willie weren't impressed being down at half time and started the second half fired up. Three quick goals and they were out to a mini-break. A free to Ed on the back flank allowed us to quickly transition the ball forward. A deft tap backwards by Big Dave and Geelong ran onto it and scored our first for the quarter. Excellent defensive pressure from Billy and Ange restricted Willie's scoring opportunities. A free to Kieran down back saw a great chain of events, Kieran to Gazza to Rev to Barnsey to Seal and back to Keiran who'd kept running. A quick pass to CT, then on to Rev again. Rev saw the unguarded goal square and let it fly over everyone's heads. The rest of the quarter was basketball style to and fro. Mick W took them on with some nice spoiling and tackling. Luckily for us a Willie set shot 15 metres directly in front was wayward, and we went into 3/4 time equal once again.

Willi 6 3 39 Warriors 6 3 39

The final quarter saw more of the same alternating football, with neither side prepared to let this one slip. Unfortunately for us Willie had a bit more run left in their legs and made the most of their opportunities going forward. We had some openings but in the end they were too fresh and too strong and ran out eventual winners.

Willi 10 3 63 Warriors 6 4 40

The game was played in great spirit by both teams. Although we lost, it was pleasing to see the team sticking to the game plan and structures. We really are not far off the pace boys, heads up and ready for round 3.

Report by Coach Marko.