Round 5 Over 35s Mens Match Report by Grunta

Despite it being a home game, a growing injury list including our captain Junior unable to get up from a quad injury meant the Warriors were thin on numbers but high on ambition coming into Round 5. The opposition was Beaconsfield, undefeated and well on top of the ladder as the benchmark of the South-Eastern Conference 35s. However, the Warriors were only sitting seven positions below, though with a lot of outs we’d need multiple miracles to secure a win.

The first miracle came in the form of Clappers actually turning up, and the second miracle came when he kicked the opening goal inside the first minute of play. I was timekeeper – I was immediately yelling at the umpires to tell them there was an electrical storm overhead and we needed to blow the siren and end the game but they were friggin’ deaf and play went on. Bastards.
The first half was a genuinely good battle, and when L’il Pete hustled forward for a brilliant chaos goal the Warriors were still in it. Jules was everywhere keeping the pressure on and winning his own ball, the Smart brothers were repelling attacks and providing outlets, while Matty A and Bubbles did their best to keep Beaconsfield’s big forwards under control. Clappers turned on a few tricks, Jamie contested hard, and Obie was doing well in the ruck. AJ was chasing constantly while Harley roamed the forward line looking for opportunities.
But by half time the injuries hit – Obie and Clappers both out meant no bench and some of the 50s who played earlier were dragged off the tinnies and onto the field.
After half time, it was a different game and Beaconsfield put the foot down, with repeat precision entries into leading forwards notching up goal after goal.
Junior goal-umpired (legend) and from my position in the stands you could see the fatigue setting in. The game started with vigorous double flag waves, devolved to single arm gestures at about the 15 goal mark, and at about the 25 goal mark Junior just leant against the post and gave a nod as the ball sailed through the goals too many times.
Right to the end the Warriors never gave in – TT was everywhere in defence, the midfielders and wingers dropped back to support and the backline worked hard until the final siren. Thanks to the 50s who played cameos in Steve K, Matty D and Gezza, and thanks to JJ for running. Hope to see you out there (not in pink) soon!

There were many positives to take away from that first half against the benchmark team, and with a full side there’s no doubt the Warriors can be more competitive, so as we move into the second half of the season, commit to training, commit to playing and have a real crack.


Score

Eastern Warriors 2.2.14, Beaconsfield a lot more
Goals: Clappers, L’il Pete


Round 5 Over 55s Mens Match Report by Magoo
Well we travelled to Frankston to take on Carrum for Round 5 on a cold day, luckily it was not windy or raining for the game which was to be my 50th for the Warriors, plus a new inclusion to the Warrior Clan Rodd running out for his first game.

The first quarter got underway and Carrum kicked the first goal in agame that was going to be all about contested footy and maintaining control when you had the footy. We answered very quickly thanks to some strong forward entries that presented us with an opportunity for us to run into an open goal for our first (Magoo), then a contest in the goal square that led to our second (Magoo). The battle in the middle was going our way early with Damo, Sammy, Killer and Thommo getting good hands on the ball early. At quarter time we led 2.1 to 1.1 with strong commitment from our defensive efforts across the park.

Well the second quarter unfolded with some really strong defence with Matty D, Dave, Kenny, Pas, Gezza and the boys holding strong, putting Carrum under immense pressure every time they got the ball which led to them missing opportunities and only kicking 4 behinds. With our limited opportunities we managed to snag our third (Magoo) and go into half time leading 3.1 to 1.5. Yes, you read correctly that Gezza was sent to defence where he played an outstanding role for his team mates for the whole 4 quarters, a master stroke coaching move made by the super switched-on trusty sidekick Kaine.

We came out after half time looking to put some pressure on Carrum and kick away but they kicked the first goal of the quarter. It was time to respond and respond we did. Bruisa and Mitch were getting control on our wings and the forward line was functioning with strong movement and contests. Frankie, a bloke helping out, took a courageous mark and converted our fourth. Colonel and Bruce and other blokes helping were enjoying their footy getting into contests and pressuring Carrum players. New bloke Rodd was getting around the ground to assist his team mates wherever he could. Then our Prez takes the second courageous mark for the quarter, leading by example with this effort he went back, popped it into the goal square when we took a contested grab and slotted our fifth (Magoo). Undermanned and tired we went into the 3 quarter time break leading 5.2 to 2.7 but we knew Carrum were going to respond.

Well Carrum did respond and put us under pressure with a very quick goal in the last quarter, they then peppered the goals for most of the quarter reducing our lead to just 5 points. The entire team lifted and continued to block the game with stoppage after stoppage with the Hulk and Damo going to ruck contest after ruck contest. Some great defensive marks halted Carrum’s progress with two notable backing-back courageous efforts from Matty D and Killer who had an outstanding game with his grit and determination at stoppages. We pushed the ball forward late in the game from a contest and the ball travelled out to our half forward flank where Damo executed a stylish 30 metre dribble kick towards the goal which Thommo shepherded across the line. This iced the game and the siren duly went with us winning 6.3.39 to 3.10.28, our ability to convert with accuracy being the difference in the end.

A truly great performance from the Warriors, we worked really hard to keep our lead and despite immense pressure we managed to maintain the lead until the siren. Our focus on good possession is paying off in tight games and we need to keep working on our discipline with some silly free kicks given away towards the end, but we hung on. A big thanks to everyone who played, a memorable moment for the Warriors to sing loudly at the end of the game. Very tough to pick our best 6 without mentioning that I believe that many players stepped up today with Marko and Gezza really playing their roles well.

Best: Thommo, Damo, Killer, Matty D, Magoo, Mitch

Goals: Magoo 4, Damo 1, Frankie 1