Round 1 of the highly anticipated match between North and South arrived on Saturday!
After some pregame bicep curls at The Local on Friday night, some making it through better than others, the stage was set for both teams to show some flex for the big opener on Saturday. The conclusion of the pregame session saw the status of Gus, Rooster and Shamac immediately updated to “Doubtful”.
The Heavens Open
The heavens opened up 45mins prior to the first bounce with both teams having to adjust to the conditions. Rooster and Shamac managed to get through pregame warm-ups however Gus was a late scratch with what appeared to be a “heart”-string issue.
It was clear that those who opted not to participate in the pregame session had more jump in their step. Having accepted 2 young Northern defectors, bringing the average age of the South to a respectable 45, it appeared the South would be entering the game as underdogs.
North Leaps Out, South Claws Back
It was the North who best managed the wet conditions in the first quarter: basic skills errors from the South cost them dearly and they were clearly on the back foot. The North also had some nervous moments, with Jason and JW looking injured in early clashes. The North reshuffled while these boys recovered and managed to score a couple before the quarter was over. North up by 3 (ish) goals at the end of the first.
The message at the South huddle was “you have to believe you are better than your opponent”, a reminder of what was discussed prior to the first bounce. The message was heard loud and clear, with the South dominating the second term finishing several goals in front at the end of the half.
The Floodgates Open, and Another Fightback!
Both teams regrouped and came out strong to start the second half, with neither team was willing to give up without a fight. The third term proved to be a bruising affair, but Jason and Jimmy put the North on their shoulders and dismantled the Southern defence, both on their way to a 5 goal haul for the day.
The North again came out strong to start the fourth but the South dug deep. You can’t teach heart, and the South showed plenty of it to draw level/infront/behind towards the end of the end, who knows!!
Best on for the northerners went to Ben Robinson, Jason and JW for their pressure on the scoreboard, and Ryan for his determination and tackling output.
The Big-O kept the South in the game bagging 5 goals with Will the Thrill selling candy on the field bagging 3 of his own. Bill “I only wear underpants” rucked solidly, providing 2nd and 3rd efforts all day. The midfield was also exceptional all day and was the real engine for the South led by first time skipper Sean.
Plays of the Game
- Two big early tackles from the South Africans Ryan and Francois got the North fired up and they ran with that momentum.
- Chase down tackles from Matt the Machine. His defence put fear into the Northerners with some having to second guess themselves: do they really want to take on Robocop??
- Roosters goal to keep the South in the game showed the young-bloods that the magic is still there.
Eager Anticipation for Round 2
Round 2 is going to be a ripper with the South hosting towards the end of August. Bring it on!!!
