Panton Hill: 19.8-122
Parkside: 21.17-143
Parkside: 21.17-143
Goal Kickers: J. Whitcher 6, B. Gill 5, J. Ballock 2, J. Braunton 2, T. Power, D. Pratt, R. Parkinson, D. Strickland.
Best Players: S. Gunn, J. Whitcher, R. Parkinson, B. Strongman, B. Gill, D. Strickland.
An eight goal to four final quarter saw the Hills miss out on their first win of the season on Saturday. A barmy Panton Hill Saturday afternoon set the scene for a fast-paced goal fest, but unfortunately the hosts fell short at the final hurdle.
This wasn’t the case earlier in the match, when the Redbacks stacked on nine goals to two in the second term to take the lead after a lean first term. It was an old-fashioned see-sawing shootout that was well led on the scoreboard by goal sneak Justin Whitcher (6 goals) and Benny Gill (5 goals).
Around the ground it was the young combination of Simon Gunn (BOG) and Robbie Parkinson who both played possibly their best games for the club, linking up well, marking strongly, and moving the ball quickly and accurately. Parko may have been in line for best-on before he was controversially put down in the club room pocket by an allegedly late heavy knock in defence during the third quarter.
Typically reliable in the middle, Captain Ben Strongman also fared in the best and early in the season will be confident of being capable of achieving back-to-back best and fairest awards, while Danny Strickland looked comfortable after crossing from Eltham at the end of 2008.
The end result was again disappointing for the Panton Hill team, who have been working hard on the training track during the week. The boys were ropable with themselves after the match, and no doubt they’ll want to play like a team possessed against the old rival Hurstbridge this Saturday, which presents a massive opportunity to turn fortunes around on home turf. The Redbacks currently sit at 11th on the league ladder after three matches.
RESERVES FADE AWAY IN THE LAST
Panton Hill: 8.11-59
Parkside: 14.11-95
Parkside: 14.11-95
Goal Kickers: D. Collins 3, R. Fry, M. Layt, T. Coleman, T. Gilmore
Best Players: L. Walsh, S. Northrop, R. Fry, R. Agnew, D. Collins, J. Poyser
The signs were promising early in this match as well, with the Redbacks keeping in touch with the Parkside team for the first three quarters of the match. Unfortunately the Hills seconds just don’t seem to be able to close the deal, and will want to reverse this trend quickly if they want to get onto the winners’ list.
There were a few positives to be taken out of the game, as a number of players impressed the coaching staff. In particular, it was Walshy, who is seemingly back to his best, putting in a BOG performance. The blonde spider did it all on Saturday, starting off at the usual position of full-back, taking goal saving marks and dashing out of defence, he was later moved up the ground and was used as a rebound half-back, driving the ball deep into attack on several occasions later in the game. Unfortunately the Hills were unable to keep the ball in attack when it counted.
Steve Northrop, Russell Fry and Ryan Agnew also added some skill and toughness to the contest, and linked up well through the half back and middle of the ground. Ryan was playing only his second match for the Redbacks, and will be looking to build on an encouraging start to the season.
Dylan Collins provided a good focal point in attack, taking a few pack marks for a return of three goals. First gamer Justin Poyser was also impressive and picked up a lot of possessions playing the true centre position on the ground.
Daniel Belcher didn’t kick any goals in round 3, although he did kick one the week earlier against Diamond Creek. It was pretty good.
