Rd 16

BHJFC 3.4.22 def. by Ashburton 10.8.68

Last game of the season & we were looking forward to finishing on a winning note. It was a good season overall, with many of the boys developing & improving their football throughout the season & some playing for the first time. As we went out onto the ground for our warm-up, we thought that perhaps one of Ashburton’s older boys was helping to warm up with them – only to see him lining up for them. He was huge! We started off pretty slowly, as they were dominating in the middle with first use from their ruckman. Our defence was under siege, but Harrison, Hayden, Zac & Max were working hard down back & kept repelling the ball out of there. Zac’s attack on the ball was great to watch. In the second quarter we lifted our intensity & all of a sudden we took control of the game. Given how much of the ball we had, we were probably a bit stiff not to have been rewarded with a couple more goals on the board. Andy, Sam, Johnny, Jack C & Tate really worked their way into the game & ran the ball forward at every chance. We went in at half time right in the game & looked to continue the intensity into the second half. Unfortunately, we dropped off a bit again in the third quarter & Ashburton got on top. Jordan & George were working overtime in the ruck against their taller opponent, while Daniel W continued to put his body on the line & look to give us possession of the footy. Ben, Anthony, Gregory & Alex really stood up in the second half & worked right through the last quarter to keep us in the game. Riley had run for most of the game & we knew that he was tiring, along with Daniel W & Harrison (who had all played a game earlier in the day). In the end, we just struggled with some of the taller boys from Ashburton, but I was pleased with how our boys fought it out to the end.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the parent helpers who really helped make a difference throughout the season. Without them, it would be impossible to get things done each week. Good luck to the Under 10’s boys in their finals campaign & thank you for the games you played with us throughout the season – I trust the experience helps to develop them for next year. Thanks to all the Under 11’s boys who played in the Blue side throughout the year & making it a fun season for all. Good luck also to the Under 11 Gold side in their finals matches – let’s get down there & support them in their campaign – at the end of the day, we are all part of the Under 11 group. To all the Under 11 coaching panel & team managers – a very big thank you!

Well done boys.

Go Hills.