On Saturday, the Warhawks travelled to bay side Newport on a lovely sunny afternoon. However it didn’t last long, as soon as we arrived at the ground the clouds started to roll in with cold winds from the North West blowing hard. Yep, winter is only a day away.
The Williamstown team was a very different team from when we first played them. With only 6 players from that team suiting up again. They had 13 to start with but I was sure they had more than three on the bench. Bendigo had 11 willing players. It was agreed to playing 15 minute quarters and not the regular 20 minutes.
The Warhawks didn’t start well; maybe it was due to having only one player on the bench and knowing it was going to be a hard day’s work for everyone. From the first whistle Bendigo’s defence was under pressure, and in no time we were 2 goals to nil down within three minutes. It seemed the refs decisions didn’t go our way and our players got a bit heated. Our centres were not having it their own way but our midfields: Alex, Vincent, Steve and Nick, were swooping in ensuring there was an even opportunity to win the ball from the centre face-offs. Somehow, in between the onslaught our defender moved the ball down to our attacking half and Ian Lock scored our first goal of the quarter. Williamstown scored another three goals for that quarter.
During the second quarter, Bendigo found more time in the forward half and started to slow the game down by moving the ball around. I suspect this was due to us getting tired and wanting a breather. Williamstown was obliging. It was our best quarter of the game with Warhawks netting two goals, Alex with his usual run and Nick unloading a cannonball on his second opportunity. Willy scored three goals, leading 8 to 3 at half time.
In the third quarter, it was another competitive affair, with equal team possession. The main difference between the teams was efficiency in front of goal. Williamstown scored another 3 goals for the quarter to our 1, which came from Alex.
Some Bendigo players are slowly believing in themselves and having shots at goal with some success. As one of our wise heads on the team (Tyrone) stated; he would be happier to see us shoot 50 times on goal a get a 20% return (10 goals) then have 10 shots and get 50% reward (5 goals).
The final quarter was close until a ground ball was contested by Alex, Ian and Willy player, with all three colliding heavily and falling flat on the ground. Play was stopped and Alex needed assistance off the field. That was the end of his game but the others continued. It was courageous play by our players desperately wanting the ball. The Warhawks scored another two goals, one from Brett Ruiz and the other from Steve Nunn, but due to a limited number of players on the bench for a rest, Williamstown netted 5 goals. The final score being 16 to 6 in favour of Williamstown.
It was the lowest winning score against us by a Williamstown team and the lowest goal difference between the clubs. With just 11 players it was a great effort by all.
Club votes were awarded to Gino Iuliano (three, plus two Association votes) for his effects in goals; two club votes went to Steve Nunn, which I believe was for his best game to date for this club; and one to Alex Orr due to his endless efforts.
Four junior players watched our game after their morning efforts in winning the LV Lightning U11 Div 3 Carnival. They were successful against Malvern, Altona, Hoppers Crossing and Surrey Park. I am hopeful that these junior players will be playing senior lacrosse as 15/16 year olds, running on the midfield as they do at Willy, Caulfield, Malvern and all other clubs. Let’s keep improving and not lose focus, but more importantly have FUN!
We have a weekend off and then play Melbourne Uni at home on 13 June 2015
Gino Iuliano
President
Last Modified on 02/06/2015 16:53