Round 13 Kalamunda V’s Melville at Troy Park in Attadale
The Melville Rams would have been looking forward to this round to avenge their round 4 defeat by the Cougars and reestablish their recent loss of third position on the ladder. The Cougars having won their last 4 games were full of confidence and determined to hold 3rd position.
This game was played in difficult conditions owing to a strong cold NE wind blowing down the ground favoring its southern end.
The Rams got off to quick start through their ascendency in the ruck by booting 5 goals with the wind, while the Cougars struggled to add 2 goals against it.
It became apparent that the Rams big men were going to have a significant effect on this game due to their mobility, skill and physical presence in the difficult conditions.
Coach Bolton had urged his players to stick to their game plan in an early reminder before the game started, concentrating on composure and control to ensure success and for skipper Trent Pottinger playing his 200th game.
The Cougars to their credit came out in the second quarter using the wind and playing accurate open footy to kick 5 goals to even the game up and lead by 2 points at half time.
It was evident the Rams were going to try and rough the Cougars up during this half, with heavy hits on Jayden Wood and constant tagging of skipper Pottinger and harassment of Josh Harris . The umpiring left a lot to be desired during this half with many infringements against our players ignored!
The third term became a battle of attrition with the Rams winning it by a single point. This was due to the great efforts by our backline led by Josh Touchell and Bret van Groningen with great support from Ethan and Connor Faulds.
The stage was set for a thrilling last term with the Cougars leading by 2 points and having the advantage of the wind. However, despite the efforts of Josh Harris, Jack Jago and Ben Hollman the Rams big men Bodhi Corner, Kennedy Sorrell and Tom McGrath started to drop back into defense and take telling marks.
This move may have upset the Cougars composure as instead of ‘lowering their eyes’ they began to bomb the ball into their forward line, kicking 2.4, only to have it cleared by the Rams who moved it quickly into attack, to kick 3 straight goals to draw the game!
Final scores: Kalamunda: 10.10 – 70, Melville 11.4 – 70
Best players: Trent Pottinger, Jack Jago, Josh Harris, Jayden Wood
Coaches award: ‘Snowy Wardo’ who did everything on the day!
Goals: Jackson Bowen 3, Josh Harris 2, Trent Pottinger 2, Leo Lambert, Mitch Massam, Ryan Newbold 1 each.
Special mention: Ryan Newbold – heavy-duty in ruck and off the bench.
We also wish to congratulate Trent on his milestone. Saturday marked his 150th consecutive game as he has not missed a game since round 2 in 2016! Ed.
See This Weeks Topic – Alex Haight’s report: Round 13 milestone for 2 great team players
Other games in round 13
C1 Reserves: Kalamunda; 7.8 – 50, Melville; 3.5 – 23
IDC Colts: Kalamunda; 15.8 – 98, Melville; 2.6 – 18
C1 Ladies: Bye
E2 Allstars: Kalamunda; 8.17 – 65, Bullcreek Leeming; 2.0 – 12
Next C1 game: Round 13, Kalamunda, V’s Mosman Park 3.05PM Saturday 13 July 2024 at Ray Owen Reserve.
This post is dedicated to Australian Cylinder Services, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ Football Club.