Blighty hosted Katandra in what everyone thought might be a wet affair, however the rain held off for the most part.
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A few of Blighty’s key players went down early, and the team ran out of players on the bench.
The home side did fight back after the first quarter blew out, and you had to admire the fightback for the rest of the day.
Jack Charlton was good all day, as was Elijah Swiggs.
Xander Strong showed toughness and endeavour.
Final score: Blighty 5.2 (32) def by Katandra 19.21 (135).
Reserves
The message to the group all year has been positive, progressive improvement, and this game was a perfect example of that.
Despitre an improved second half after starting a bit quick out of the blocks, slick moving Katandra beat our pressure around the ball.
The team were slightly slow to adjust and read the well structured clearance work.
The response in the second half by Blighty was fantastic, winning the last four centre clearances and forward entries.
Unfortunately, the boys were unable to capitalise, and the opposition grabbed all the opportunities.
Some goal kicking practice might be in order.
Nash Suckling worked hard in the ruck all day, working in combination with his midfield crew, Jack Sander and Brodie Park.
And once again the back line bandits Shannon Bond and Nick Taylor saw a lot of it, working hard all day.
Final score: Blighty 0.5 (5) def by Katandra 26.19 (175).
Thirds
The thirds took on Katandra and, with a couple of players back from being sick and the way the team trained during the week, they were definitely up for the challenge.
Unfortunately, though, it was one of those days when our team just wasn’t switched on or quick enough.
Katandra were able to get away on us, which resulted in the Kats removing the ball quite quickly and capitalising when they entered their 50.
To Blighty’s credit, the team did not drop their heads, and they still managed passages of good football throughout.
Better players were Nick Rosbiffii, Xander Strong, Jake Harvey, Daniel Burn, Ollie Dunmore and Khanlee Crowe. Khanlee received the Good Sport award.
Final score: Blighty 2.6 (18) def by Katandra 11.5 (71).
Fourths
The Blighty oval was in great condition, and the Redeyes were able to come away with the win.
The scoreboard didn’t reflect the effort that Katandra put in.
All players put some great performances in, with Andrew Frost, Harlem Morgan and Daniel Burn doing their regular hard work behind the play.
Franklin Norman came up from the fifths and showed us how the Blighty fifths love to play, going hard at the ball without fear.
Langa Fevaleaki was best on ground this week. He played a great team game, always working with all his team members.
Liam Gordon is stepping up and improving his game each week, and Ben Macdonald was able to get the ball and get it to his boot in tight situations.
Gabby Hoskin played her second game with the team and is finding her confidence.
Degan Morgan got the Good Sport award. He is always playing the game in a good spirit.
Blighty played well as a team, and were rewarded for their hard work.
Final score: Blighty 12.13 (85) def Katandra 3.2 (20).
Fifths
The junior Redeyes were back on home deck and took on an undermanned Katandra outfit.
After a good night on the track Thursday, we were full of confidence heading into the contest.
However, the first quarter turned into a bit of a battle for us, with Katandra playing smart football and linking up effectively going forward.
After regrouping at quarter time and moving players around into different positions, our intensity and teamwork lifted as we got our game going, especially moving the ball into the open spaces.
Unfortunately, Katandra proved too strong for us on the day.
The positive for us is we know where we need to improve, and we just had an off day, which happens in footy.
Final score: Not scored.
Awards: Clancy, Eli, Felix, Valentina, Amber and Jack M.