.JPG)
Reservoir: 7.13-55Panton Hill: 11.5-71
Goal Kickers: B. Gill 6, N. Smith 3, J. Whitcher, T. Power
Best Players: W. Box, N. Smith, B. Gill, D. Strickland, G. Mc Auliffe, T. Coleman
Senior Coach Gary Ramsay jumped so high when the final siren sounded at Reservoir that he head butted a low-flying jet, which removed some hair from the top of his head. After a long ride his troops had finally posted a win, and it was evident that a huge weight had lifted from Rambo’s shoulders. The feeling was reflected throughout the whole Redback camp, with everyone, supporters included, cramming into the rooms for the post match speech and team song.
The match was a great team effort, and was typified by effective use of the ball, and accurate finishing from the team that has sometimes slaughtered past opportunities with unfortunate finishing. The boys were also this time able to maintain the good work right up to the final siren, which is a massive improvement on past efforts.
Will Box led the way, working like crazy all over the ground to quell any attacking plays that Reservoir made, and was highly effective in the type of best on ground performance that he has become known for at Panton Hill. Boxy was well assisted by a committed Nathan Smith who also found the time to slot three cheeky goals, while full forward Benny Gill was a dead-eye dick around the sticks, kicking half of the Redback score with six of his own. Stricko was another who took the match by the scruff of the neck, pushing the boys into attack with every half chance he had.
Stringer, like most weeks, was very effective in defence, and played a typically solid role, while the elevated Trenta Coleman played one of his best senior games for Panton Hill, running around like a nut and displaying great disposal by foot.
The win lifts The Hills above Reservoir, also with one win into 12th position, and allows them to enter the mid season break with some confidence and time to rest before they take on bottom of the table Heidelberg West on 13 June.
RESERVES WASTE THEIR BEST OPPORTUNITY YET
Reservoir: 10.15-75
Panton Hill: 2.14-26
Goal Kickers: J. Ballock, R. Woods
Best Players: D. Walton, A. Boyle, S. Walker, D. Belcher, M. Cameron, J. Poyser
The seconds entered Saturday’s match with plenty of confidence that they could break onto the winner’s list for the first time against a team that has experienced a very similar run in the first half of the season. In the absence of leaders such as Ty Dummett, Paul Strongman, and the elevated Trent Coleman, the Hills needed a lift from other seasoned players in the side. Kiwi was the one person in particular to lift the team, in what was probably his best performance on a football field since switching from rugby in 2008.
Kiwi was everywhere, working from contest to contest to get the ball forward, however did not have enough support in close, with most efforts counter-acted by Reservoir who managed to find their way forward much more effectively than Panton Hill. Kiwi was clearly the thorn in the home team’s side, and went down heavily in a head-high collision in the final term, which resulted in him making an early exit on the stretcher and an ambulance. Thankfully he was OK and was released from hospital later that evening.
The backline was under siege all game, and the last line in Boyley, Snappy and Belcher worked very hard to keep things from getting too ugly, and supporting their team mates at all costs. In Belcher’s case he took things a step further in a heated moment and tried to spear-tackle an opponent that was at least 50kg bigger than him. It was admirable, but he probably wishes he didn’t.
Matty Cameron and Justin Poyser also gave their all around the ground, but ultimately the clean possessions and disposals went to the opposition, and that was the story of the day. The twos will regroup and look forward to the upcoming clash with Heidelberg West after the Queen's Birthday break.
