On an ideal football morning at Adelaide University oval 2, the undefeated NSW Blues came up against the winless NT Thunder. Keen to make a good show in their last game, NT won the first ruck tap but after that the quarter belonged to the Blues.
Their forwards were too tall, too strong and too hard at the ball for the lighter bodied NT players. Sadler and Keating for NSW were dominant in their forward 50. Always hunting in a pack NSW had more numbers at the ball. Scores were 4 goals 4 points to no score at quarter time.
NT was able to use their pace in the second term to penetrate the stingy NSW defence through good play by their midfielders. This resulted in them outscoring NSW by a goal. Nicole Simons marked 40 metres out from her goals and bombed through Thunder’s first 6 pointer.
After the long break NSW showed why they are shortened favourites for the division 2 flag. With 15 uncontested marks to their forwards they converted these to score 6 goals straight. Sadler in particular kicked 2 or her 5 goals in this term.Thunder spent most of the term watching the ball sail over their heads despite breaking even in the centre clearances.
Thunder had most of the play in the beginning of the 4th term but could not penetrate their forward line. Their endeavour was wonderful as they worked hard to shut down the run of NSW with fierce tackling and hard chasing. In the end NSW go through to the grand final undefeated whilst NT can pat themselves on the back with their improved performances and great courage.
Last Modified on 10/06/2011 13:46