Round 4, 30 April 2022 (C1) Hamersley/Carine V’s Kalamunda
Having lost key players to sickness and injury, this round was going to test the depth and mettle of the club against league leaders Hamersley/Carine on their home ground.
The game started at a frenetic pace with Hamersley showing they were a force to be reckoned with using fast ‘run and carry’ tactics with excellent disposal by hand and foot.
In the first quarter they placed our backline, that was missing stars Jarrod Brockbernd and Jacob Jennings, under considerable pressure, however with help from our winning centre line they stood firm and enabled our forwards to kick 3-1 to Hamersley’s 2-1.
In the second quarter the Cougars began to shut down Hamersley’s run with concentrated pressure and with new-found full forward Lachlan Ebsary providing the focal point in attack, the cougars finished the half 17 points up.
In the third, the Cougars took complete charge of the game kicking 5-3 to Hamersley’s 1.1 to lead by 33 points at the break.
Coach Trenberth would have stressed that the team needed to keep up their pressure up in the final quarter as Hamersley would throw everything at them, as they were kicking with the wind which had strengthened during the game.
As predicted, Hamersley came out with great determination. They began to reduce the lead the Cougars had by returning to some of the form they had shown in the first quarter. They kicked an early goal and began to pepper our goals kicking six consecutive points before kicking another goal late in the quarter.
Fortunately, our backs led by Bret Van Groningen and Tiger Morris held out many of these attacks helped by our ruck and followers and for Hamersley it was a little too late!
This was an excellent effort considering the number of changes to the teams structure and will give the Cougars the confidence to take on Canning Vale who have moved to the top of the (C’1) ladder.
Final scores: Hamersley/Carine 8.10 – 58, Kalamunda 14.7 – 91
Best players: The usual suspects including Lachlan Ebsary
Most noteworthy: Ben Bowness & Justin Van Nieuwburg
Bruce Glover’s selection:
Goal of the Day. Difficult to say anything beyond the magnificent “Symphony of Seven” by Lachlan Ebsary.
Also, Scott Foley’s in the 3rd Quarter was also a delight; while running across the ground while never really in control of the ball, he got it to his boot and with a powerful punt, finessed it through the goals.
Mark of the Day. Aaron Hutchison it the 4th quarter, taking a defensive falling backward mark. This mark stopped an opponent’s forward thrust/onslaught and are always inspiring, thanks Aaron.
Dash of the Day. Max Bradleys clearing dash from the back pocket around the western flank in the 4th quarter, more poetry in motion than a kangaroo at full speed.
Next Saturday: Round 5, Kalamunda V’s High Wycombe, 2.45 PM Sat. 7 May 2022 Ray Owen Reserve
This post is dedicated to Byfields Business Advisers, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ Football Club, 30 Keymer Street Belmont WA 6104 Telephone: (08) 6274 6400 https://www.byfieldsfinance.com.au
