Reserves vs Powerhouse
Swinburne 13.5.83 defeated by Powerhouse 12.12.84
Goal Kickers: R. Hurst 4, M. Dunn , C. Barton , J. Bradley , J. Dwyer , N. Iskra , J. Lynn , B. Quinn , N. Blyth , K. Finn
Best Players: , M. Vogelpoel , J. Trinne , B. Quinn , J. Carson , N. Blyth , S. McGrath
The early match on the weekend saw the Reserves compete in almost pre-season like conditions. The sun was shining, and those players who had elected to wear the long sleeves immediately regretted the decision (you idiots KB, Steve McGrath and Hursty!). The Piglets sat in 2nd going into the match, with the Powerhouse boys even on points but behind on percentage sitting in 4th place. This match saw a major opportunity for the Razors to consolidate 2nd position, and an easier run through the finals campaign.
The story didn’t start as hoped, as the Powerhouse boys started strongly with cleaner ball movement and better use of the ball going forward. Quarter time saw the Razors trail by 7 points, 2.3.15 to Powerhouse 3.4.22. Coach Kelly giving stern words at quarter time, but evidently fell on deaf ears as the 2nd quarter effort was no match for Powerhouse’s intensity, resulting in the game opening up to allow them to kick 5 majors for the term, while the Piglets could only muster 2. The half time break saw the Razors with a lot of work to do, trailing 4.3.27 to 8.6.54.
The half time rev-up saw the Piglets come out breathing fire, attacking the ball with severe ferocity and providing plenty of run around the ground, as they stormed back into the match to close the margin to 13 points at 3-quarter time. Roydon Hurst was instrumental in the comeback as he provided a forward target as well as a physical presence in the face of the Powerhouse boys trying to throw their weight around and intimidate the Piglets. There would be no intimidation though, as first year player Brody Quinn demonstrated why he is a favourite among the Razorback faithful providing strength over the ball, and combining well with Michael Vogelpoel out of the backline to repel Powerhouses forward entries.
The final quarter saw the Razors do what they do best, running and carrying the ball and overlapping to create forward pressure and scoring opportunities. The Razors closed the margin on Powerhouse and put themselves into the lead mid-way through the quarter, though from there the game tightened up and was a see-sawing affair. Powerhouse went man-on-man, which slowed the run and stemmed the flow of scoring shots. The lead swapped and changed multiple times throughout the last quarter, with the final siren blowing to Powerhouse’s advantage snaring a 1 point win over our boys.
Best players for the day; Justin “JT” Trinne continued his aggressive run at the ball and efficient disposal to team-mates, KB was the sergeant across the half back line directing traffic and team-mates into best positions, Steve McGrath using his lethal left foot to deliver the ball forward while Hursty continued to out-muscle his opponent and bring the Razors back into the game. Michael Dunn also excelled in the summer-like conditions, as he brushed off would-be tacklers again and again and used his speed to break lines and create opportunities for Joel Dwyer up forward.
Coach Kelly, while disappointed not taking away the 4 points, described the last 3 weeks as perfect lead in to the finals campaign for the Piglets. 3 tough games in a row has the men “battle hardened” and ready for the finals campaign they have waited 10 weeks for. The loss soured by an ankle injury to utility Tim Richardson, and a dislocated shoulder to crowd favourite Brody Quinn (though from his own admission after indulging in the green whistle “it’s only jarred. I reckon I can come back on”).
We can now put Powerhouse behind us and focus on the first final to be held this weekend at Casey Fields on Saturday at 11:40am, against Powerhouse… Should be a good hit-out!
Go Pigs!!!
