Rd 9 Baldivis V‘s Kalamunda 03:05 PM, Sat, 10 Jun 23 Baldivis District Sporting Complex
The Cougars got off to a quick start in this game with Kyle Murray booting the first goal. This looked very encouraging as the Cougars last week had a slow start and had to play ‘catch-up’ football against North Fremantle leading to a six-point loss.
Our hopes were soon shattered as the ‘Brumbies’ took complete control of the quarter and Kicked 4.5 with the Cougars only adding a single point for the term.
In the second quarter our hopes were revived as the Cougars came out and booted 4.2 to the Brumbies 1.3 Kyle Murray added another to his tally and Leo Lambert, Jackson Bowen and new recruit Justin Simpson one each.
In the third term Baldivis took complete control and kept the Cougars to 2 solitary points, while they cruised on to kick 3.4 This quarter was a repeat of the first, with the Cougars forgetting the fundamentals of the game by allowing the opposition to run all over the ground unattended.
Fortunately for the Cougars, our backline who were under siege for the whole game, managed to keep the Brumbies at bay, forcing them to kick 15 points for the match and many other scoring opportunities out of bounds.
A slight revival by the Cougars in the last quarter saw the Cougars score through Mitch Massam until the heavens opened and the downpour resulted in a slippery scramble for both sides, before the final siren to leave the Cougars 20 points in areas.
This encounter and the quality of football played in recent matches, has indicated that the club may be in a mid-season ‘slump’ and we may need to review our Strategic Intent for the rest of the 2023 season.
The term ‘Strategic Intent’ itself refers to more than just a plan, it’s a way of perceiving and considering the future with our aims and goals. It’s also way of dealing with a constantly changing sporting environment and compels us to think about the future: club premierships, financial security, increased membership and sponsorship etc.
During the club’s awards presentation, which was very poorly attended by B grade members, coach Trenberth said the B grade had made 10 changes in personnel since round 1, with 3 new faces for the game against Baldivis. It may now be time to consolidate the side for the remainder of the season to allow player partnerships to develop with a settled side.
The Cougars have now slipped to 5th position on the PFL ‘B’ grade ladder by virtue of lower percentage. This unfortunately after working very hard to achieve wins at this stage of the season.
However, despite fulfilling the expectations of our match committee and directorate, I feel our players have the ability can improve the standard of football they are playing and not lapse into the position where ‘In the middle’ is good enough!
Final scores: Kalamunda 6.7 – 43, Baldivis 8.15 – 63
Best players: Tiger Morris, Jack Jago, Trent Pottinger.
Goals: Kyle Murray 2, Leo Lambert 1, Jackson Bowen 1, Mitch Massam 1, Justin Simpson 1.
Injuries: Lachlan Harty – elbow
Plays of the day …
In the second quarter which was our best, Tiger neatly gathered the ball at full speed and passed it with great accuracy to Trent who drove the ball to our forwards.
Brockie then featured with a powerful “body on the line” spoil, great stuff!
Goal of the Day: Again, in our best quarter starting with Jarrod’s accurate clearing kick to Jackson, who passed the ball to Leo who maintained the accuracy with a great goal.
Mark of the Day: This was taken in the third by Ethan under considerable pressure, once again turning back one of Baldivis’s many attacks!
Other results from round 9
B Reserves – Kalamunda 7.6 – 48, Baldivis 7.12 – 54
E1 All Stars – Kalamunda 6.3 – 39, Curtin Uni. 5.12 – 42
Cougar C2 Ladies – Kalamunda 1.7 – 13, Secret Harbour 5.6 – 36
BJC Colts – Kalamunda 2.7 – 19, Curtin Uni. 6.5 – 41
DBC Colts – Kalamunda 19.18 – 132, Baldivis .05 – 5
Next game: B grade, Round 10, Kalamunda V’s Ocean Ridge 03:05 PM, Sat, 17 Jun 23 Ray Owen Reserve
This post is dedicated to, MACA Mining & Orica Mining Services, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ Football Club.
