Round 8 Results.
Usual disclaimer of the author's opinions not reflecting league policy.
First of all, can I thank all the clubs for contributing to the SWAFL Raffle. Final figures would have been revealed at the SWAFL Monthly meeting but on the rough estimate I would say that nearly $6000 was raised and with 50% of the funds to be rebated back to the clubs that raised that money, it could certainly pay for some much need equipment such as extra yellow Sherrins or hit shields or the end of season trip. I would like to thank Karen James Lawson, our treasurer for coordinating this raffle and the new incentives that allowed at the individual and club level to align their interests with SWAFL.
Secondly, I was posted out to University of Wollongong game to umpire the Wollongong Saints vs Western Wolves game so the match descriptions of the other games at Mahoney will be very brief. The ground and the conditions was very wet with Sydney University winning by around 60 points over a valiant Southern Power. Newtown triumphed over a brave Macquarie University Bravehearts by around 90+ points whilst Balmain continued on their undefeated run triumping over a courageous Easts Stingrays by 90 points. Thanks to UTS Women's club for running the BBQ. We hope we gave you a financial foundation for entry into the 2011 competition.
At UOW 3 Oval, Wests started strongly over the Saints dominating forward play and making the one percenters count, whilst the Rookie Saints were still discovering the art of rushing a behind. However a vigorous talk by Saints Coach Rick had the desired effect of the Saints to dominate the quarter and midfield play to score the only point in the quarter. After half-time the Wolves rediscovered their mojo with the centers about to rove the Saints ball from center square points and slam on the required points to run out the game. I was very impressed from the Wolves: Cynthia Dufaut, Kate Lawson, Natalie Barber and Emma Molenaar, whilst from the Saints Laura Russell dominated the rucks, Hannah Strong and Shellee Gibson always tried hard. The end score was the Western Wolves 10.7.67 to Wollongong Saints 1.3.9. Coach Rick Joyce has a solid foundation of rookie players to work with for the rest of the season.
Round 9 Preview
Balmain host the Southern Power under Friday Night Lights at Jubilee Oval. Based on historical information, the chances of that game being either wet, cold and/or windy is 110% so good luck to all the contestants out there! Balmain are this year's juggernaut with Jackie Buckthought really imposing herself on the competition as their gun midfielder. The Power will look forward to playing the Dockers at night to stop the Dockers impressive momentum.
On Saturday Macquarie University host Sydney University. In another intellectual battle between these research institutions, who will have the brains and the brawn to triumph? So far the University Bombers have shown that required edge to win the close games when required whilst the University Bravehearts are rapidly improving from what they showed at the start of the season.
In the following game at Mahoney in the first match of the round Bondi Shamrocks vs the Wollongong Saints. I actually think this might be a lineball game here for both sides here. Two sides clearly desperate for a win might produce some wonderful football. The Wollongong Saints are more than competitive but need to utilise their half-forward possessions and position to put points on the scoreboard. In contrast the Bondi Shamrocks are still finding their feet on their ground but are running out of time to show their continual improvement.
The final match and second match of the round is the Compass Cup where Wests take on Easts in the Saturday Twilight game. For the last four plus years Wests have easily secured the highly coveted cup but this year with both teams on 4 wins, I think the cup could be won by either side. The unknown factor at Village Green, is the infamous bog of the center square which could slow the running game of the side keen to play through the corridor.
Last Modified on 05/06/2010 00:48