Round 14, 16 July, 2022 High Wycombe V’s Kalamunda
In my last post for the Cougars, I pointed out the problem of injuries upsetting team balance and the need to play smart clean football to avoid constant stoppages and physical encounters that ultimately lead to time on the sidelines.
Unfortunately, I may have posted the ‘Caution’ too late for our players to take any notice of, as our top of the ladder Cougars were beaten by the second bottom side High Wycombe!
The Bulldogs were a very determined side and led for the whole match being up by 27 points at three quarter time. It took a desperate effort by the Cougars to try and bridge that gap falling just 8 points short on the final siren.
The loss of 6 tall and 4 running players to serious injuries and other commitments has impacted our team, compared to round 5 at Ray Owen where skill and fitness led the Cougars to victory by 103 points!
In this match, the Cougars poor skills were the determining factor, allowing the Bulldogs to take advantage of the errors made by inaccurate kicking and errant handball.
The poor disposal to the forwards became a major problem, allowing the Bulldog backs to take advantage of our inefficiency by clearing their defensive zone easily to mount another attack.
Once again, the Cougars became one dimensional in defense by using the clubroom flank, only to see the Bulldogs taller players taking advantage of this tactic resulting in ‘turn arounds’ thus keeping our backs under pressure all match.
The Cougars can thank Ethan Faulds for his outstanding efforts throughout this game, in marking and repulsing many of these attacks!
At three quarter time stand in coach Dean Mann must have provided plenty of ‘encouragement’ as the cougars trailed by 27 points and looked a beaten side.
To their credit led by the ‘usual suspects’ the Cougars staged a revival and kicked 4.2 to the Bulldogs 1.1, only to fall short by 8 points.
The Cougars now have a task in front of them, to find the Commitment to improve their skills and physical presence and play four quarters of consistent football leading up to the finals in this season.
Final scores: Kalamunda 11.6-72, High Wycombe 12.8 – 80
Best players: Ethan Faulds and the ‘usual suspects’
Goals: Jackson Bowen 4, Adam Brescacin 2.
Most noteworthy: Jackson Bowen & Ryan Steers
Bruce Glover’s plays of the day:
Marks of the day: Adam Brescacin’s double grab in the 1st. quarter and Josh Harris, strong pack mark in the 3rd.
Next weeks game: Round 15, Kalamunda V’s Kingsley @ Ray Owen 2.45 pm.
This post is dedicated to Horizons West, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda Football Club.
(08) 9351 8980 105 – 111 Ewing Street, Welshpool, WA 6106, Australia
