19th May 2007
First big test shows the steep learning curve
by Paul Whitney
The day started with a test none of us were expecting – could we get across London without Dad? We put in a good team performance and with the help of the step-by-step instructions we arrived on time without losing anyone. This is more that we could have hoped for…
One look at the pitch and weather conditions, with the wind and the slope of the pitch in the same direction we new we would need to take our chances when the wind was with us. We had lost players to injuries, illness and the FA Cup and an injury picked up to promising rookie David in the warm up following a spectacular grab meant we had limited numbers on the pitch.
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We had the wind and the slope in the first quarter but we did not create many clear goal scoring chances, and the ball spent the majority of the quarter in the middle of the park. The second quarter followed much the same but the lions created some space with some good runs from midfield and took a slim lead into the half time break. The Roo’s were putting good pressure on the opposition and competing for every ball. Grubber went on a one man mission to chase a ball down deep in our half tackling / bumping 4 players and putting great pressure on the Lions which paid off. The was even a moment of showboating from Whits. Following a good grab he took two steps back and decided to kick the ball at the player on the mark catch the rebound and play on – it was a moment of magic.
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I'm sure his eyes aren't really closed....
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The second half started much the same, there was some good running from the Roo’s but we sometimes over ran the ball and got ourselves into trouble. The lions took advantage of the Roo’s tired legs and started to run in packs making gains up the pitch with short marks into space. The back line was well marshalled by Ash who took some good marks throughout the game - Dad is lucky that no-one but him seems to want to play at fullback - we could all tell that the back line is where Ash enjoys playing the most! Andy had a sit down for ten minutes to recover from all the running and bumping he sacrifices his body (and vocal chords) to each week.
We started the forth quarter with tired legs all over the park but we competed till the end, putting pressure on the Lions at every opportunity. The fitness, experience and the Lions' good running from midfield told in the end, giving them a well-earned victory. Andy had another rest in the last quarter for 10 minutes, but the game stayed competitive till the end and the Roo’s players left the field knowing they all put in a good performance. It's a tough ask putting new recruits, still gelling with the team and inexperienced rookies up against the London teams' seasoned Aussies, but the boys are performing well and will improve fast with the steep learning curve we're all on.
The Squad
Ash, Mike, Sam, Jon, Mick, Andy, Dan, Patto, Grubber, Phil, Whits, Oli, Tim Birchall, Jules, Tim A, David, Ross
Outstanding Performances
Ash
Fines
| Regents Park Lions |
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74 |
| Reading Kangaroos |
2: |
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2:3
15 |
