U9

At home this week for a game against Rowville who we played in round one with only 10 players and a lot of determination - this week we had Nick Beaton from the U9's decide to play up which should have given us 15 players and no need to borrow from the opposition, unfortunately two players were a no show so we had thirteen and as Rowville had 21 they loaned us 4 to even up the numbers and get all players onto the ground for a tight competitive game of football.

Once again we started extremely well with Chris J in the centre contesting the ruck against the taller Rowville players and all players committing themselves to the contest. We managed to be even with Rowville going into the first break.

The rest of the game was much the same as the start - we never gave up and managed to work for each other in the contest and get the ball into our forward line to score on a few occasions.

Even though we came up against a much more experienced team we never gave up and played extremely well - well done to all players today.

MOOROOLBARK V BAYSWATER

The U11s travelled to Mooroolbark to play in pretty muddy and cold conditions, where we had our second loss of the season. Tom was playing his 50^th game and the players had to put on the alternate tops after lining up for him to run through the banner. It’s hard to tell if the different jumpers have an effect on the players, when they are so used to looking for the bright green with gold. It was a low scoring game, and in the end we were probably lucky to get so close (due to Mooroolbark’s inaccuracy). It was a tight first quarter, with each team scoring 1 goal. The boys looked a bit worried about getting dirty, because we were not getting in and under, which we really needed to be doing in the conditions.

After a good first quarter getting plenty of the ball, Ben was being ‘tagged’ from the second quarter. This didn’t stop him, and he continued to rack up possessions. The ball spent plenty of time in our backline, and with our boys constantly under pressure Mooroolbark scored 1 goal and 7 behinds. Players were getting frustrated with some of the umpiring decisions, as they were now putting their heads over the ball and getting in first.

We started to press in the third quarter, scoring 2 goals to Mooroolbark’s 1 goal, leaving us 8 points behind at three quarter time. Josh and Max got the goals, with Tom having a great quarter in the Centre and giving us some drive from the stoppages. A few of the boys had not been feeling great during the week, but there were fantastic efforts from Brad and Zac, and Corey did a great job in the Ruck and around the ground. We felt like we had some momentum going into the last quarter, but to Mooroolbark’s credit they ran out the game.

Maybe the tough conditions had an impact on our players, and with only 2 on the bench there was not many opportunities to rest players. Each team kicked a goal in the last quarter, with Riley playing Half Forward scoring for us. Jake and Ryan both played well in the backline under difficult conditions, and it was good to see several players using their opposite foot when under pressure. Our tackles and shepherds are getting better, but we can lift our talk and commitment to putting our head over the ball to win possession or a free kick.

Bayswater 4.1 – 25 def by Mooroolbark 4.11 – 35

Goals: Sean, Max, Josh, Riley

Best Players: Ben, Corey, Tom, Kyle, Riley, Zac

The boys took on 2^nd placed Mooroolbark today and we started with some fire in the belly. The first quarter saw both sides attack the footy hard and neither team could manage a score. The defence of both teams dictated the game and the way the ball was repelled time after time. Both sides seemed to break down across the half forward line but midfields seemed to be well matched and our boys took to the challenge and ran all day. Another debatable mark in front of goal put the contest just out of reach and only 9 points denied us.

I must say this boys, your character is tremendous, with only 15 on the field today plus J.J who helped out from the Under 10’s you certainly play with the spirit that is Bayswater. If only we had 20 or so players the ladder would definitely look a lot different. Keep training and working hard as a team and the win will come!

Bayswater 3.1.19 def by Mooroolbark 4.4.28

Goals: Adam, Sanden, and Bailey

Best Players: Kane, Anthony, Andrew, Luke, Sanden

Coach: Greg

Round 8 v The Basin

Q1: With the Basin coming off two wins in succession we knew they would come out fighting with confidence to take us on. It was a tight battle in the first quarter going goal for goal with us just having an edge at the first break.

Bayswater 3.3.21 - The Basin 2.0.12

Q2: We started the second quarter well and with the over umpiring of the game we had to be first in for the ball. We started to get on top with our run and carry of the ball and the work rate lifted. The team work we showed and help for each other to block was great to see. We got on top and kicked 4 goals and kept the Basin scoreless.

Bayswater 7.5.47 - The Basin 2.0.12

Q3: It was a matter of being a much disciplined team in the second half and just concentrate on the things we could control and not worry about the way the game was adjudicated. To the guys credit we stuck to our game plan and we played some fantastic team football to add another 6 goals.

Bayswater 12.8.80 - The Basin 2.0.12

Q4: We mixed the team up a little in the last quarter and everyone worked hard in positions they are not used to. The Basin ran the game out well, though we did match it with them in our attack and hardness to win the ball. They kicked a little straighter than us but I was very happy with the way we played out the game in a very frustrating game. Could not be happier with the discipline we showed.

Bayswater 14.10.94 - The Basin 6.2.38

U15