Macleod: 24.16-160
Panton Hill: 4.0-24
Goal Kickers: J. Whitcher 2, B. Gill, J. Braunton
Panton Hill: 4.0-24
Goal Kickers: J. Whitcher 2, B. Gill, J. Braunton
Best Players: B. Gill, D. Strickland, J. Braunton, W. Box, B. Brown, S. Gunn
It had to be the windiest Saturday arvo in ages. It was the grand opening of the ‘new’ Macleod ground and Mother Nature was on hand to make things interesting, with a gale blowing almost directly towards the big sticks at the Heidelberg end. Noodles had to wear three head-bands just to keep balance.
Conditions aside, it was always going to be a mammoth task to see the undermanned hillers really take it up to the ladder leaders, who would be favoured to take the field in yet another grand final this season. The difference in class certainly showed on the field and the scoreboard, although the efforts of Benny Gill, Stricko and Josh Braunton were very encouraging as they brought a lot of enthusiasm to the contest.
Will Box was solid, whilst Browny built on his recent great form to get another mention in the best for the day, while Gunny battled hard to try and get things happening for the Redbacks.
One thing that was definitely a positive on such a windy day was the straight kicking of the Panton Hill side – four goals straight. Of course the visitors would have loved to have had plenty more shots, but the dominance of the Kangaroos simply did not allow for many forward 50 entries.
Next week the Hillers return home for a crack at Lower Plenty, who have just come off a stirring win against Mernda. This will be the final match before the division splits in two, with Panton Hill playing the remainder of the season in Division 3 with 5 other sides – Hurstbridge, South Morang, Reservoir, Parkside and Heidelberg West.
Keep your eyes on the latest news blog for the release of the remainder of the 2009 fixture later this week.
TWOS WIN BACK SOME RESPECT
Macleod: 10.18-78
Panton Hill: 2.10-22
Goal Kickers: J. Gilliland, J. Callaghan
It had to be the windiest Saturday arvo in ages. It was the grand opening of the ‘new’ Macleod ground and Mother Nature was on hand to make things interesting, with a gale blowing almost directly towards the big sticks at the Heidelberg end. Noodles had to wear three head-bands just to keep balance.
Conditions aside, it was always going to be a mammoth task to see the undermanned hillers really take it up to the ladder leaders, who would be favoured to take the field in yet another grand final this season. The difference in class certainly showed on the field and the scoreboard, although the efforts of Benny Gill, Stricko and Josh Braunton were very encouraging as they brought a lot of enthusiasm to the contest.
Will Box was solid, whilst Browny built on his recent great form to get another mention in the best for the day, while Gunny battled hard to try and get things happening for the Redbacks.
One thing that was definitely a positive on such a windy day was the straight kicking of the Panton Hill side – four goals straight. Of course the visitors would have loved to have had plenty more shots, but the dominance of the Kangaroos simply did not allow for many forward 50 entries.
Next week the Hillers return home for a crack at Lower Plenty, who have just come off a stirring win against Mernda. This will be the final match before the division splits in two, with Panton Hill playing the remainder of the season in Division 3 with 5 other sides – Hurstbridge, South Morang, Reservoir, Parkside and Heidelberg West.
Keep your eyes on the latest news blog for the release of the remainder of the 2009 fixture later this week.
TWOS WIN BACK SOME RESPECT
Macleod: 10.18-78
Panton Hill: 2.10-22
Goal Kickers: J. Gilliland, J. Callaghan
Best Players: P. Strongman, B. Dummett, A. Boyle, M. Cameron, A. Miller, J. Gilliland
In all honesty this is a match that the visitors thought they would absolutely dominate. Following the previous week’s debacle against Mernda, and the fact that Macleod are a top team, maybe this optimism was some-what valid.
However, full credit to the boys as they rallied to keep the scoreboard honest for three and a bit quarters – again undermanned. The endeavour showed by the side was greatly appreciated by the coach, who was proud of their efforts.
Certainly, Twelve scoring shots and an excellent last line of defence was not what the Kangaroos were expecting, and they were visibly frustrated throughout the game. Paul Strongman led the way well for the Redbacks, and was aided well by the first-match hero in Big Brendan Dummett, who brushed opponents aside like a wrestler fending off snot-nosed kids in the line for ice creams.
Andy Boyle was under a lot of pressure during the match, playing a key defensive role, and certainly rose to the challenge, well aided at ground level by Milsey. Matty Cameron did a great solo job in the ruck, while Gilligan had a solid game after having a few weeks off mid-season.
Get up to the Hill this weekend by noon to rev the boys up as they aim to get back at the Lower Plenty side that punished them last year.
In all honesty this is a match that the visitors thought they would absolutely dominate. Following the previous week’s debacle against Mernda, and the fact that Macleod are a top team, maybe this optimism was some-what valid.
However, full credit to the boys as they rallied to keep the scoreboard honest for three and a bit quarters – again undermanned. The endeavour showed by the side was greatly appreciated by the coach, who was proud of their efforts.
Certainly, Twelve scoring shots and an excellent last line of defence was not what the Kangaroos were expecting, and they were visibly frustrated throughout the game. Paul Strongman led the way well for the Redbacks, and was aided well by the first-match hero in Big Brendan Dummett, who brushed opponents aside like a wrestler fending off snot-nosed kids in the line for ice creams.
Andy Boyle was under a lot of pressure during the match, playing a key defensive role, and certainly rose to the challenge, well aided at ground level by Milsey. Matty Cameron did a great solo job in the ruck, while Gilligan had a solid game after having a few weeks off mid-season.
Get up to the Hill this weekend by noon to rev the boys up as they aim to get back at the Lower Plenty side that punished them last year.
