Scroll down for league and reserves photos (sorry no hockey or netball photos for this round)
We heard rumours that York were going to field their best team all year and that they had gained a few players since the last time we beat them by 60 points at home. They had just beaten league-leaders, Quairading by 40 odd points the week before, and it was the first time that the Redbacks had played on York's new North-South facing, Etihad-like surface. All of this meant it was going to be a huge task to overcome the in-form Roos.
However, from the first bounce it appeared the Reddies were more than up for the task, outscoring the Roos by 5 goals to 2 in the first quarter, thanks to Bryan Keays' 3 goals. From there, the Reddies hunted in packs (as you will see in the photos), harrassed and hassled the Roos all day, and attacked the scoreboard with a ferocity unseen in any other game this year. Coach McDonald labelled the game as the best four-quarter effort of the year and it really was a team-effort with no passengers.
But there are always good individual efforts with James Turner, Rhysy Rowlands and Brian Keay combining for about 16 goals. The whole backline consisting of Justin Mann, Aaron Earl, Dean McDonald, Matt Davey, Dale Wansbrough, and Robbie Wansbrough did a great job of keeping the ball out. I may as well go through the whole team because everyone played awesome. Big Stuart Murray rucked by himself all day and delivered some Sandilands-like beauties down the midfielders throats on several occasions. The forward line was extremely dangerous all day and there aren't too many backlines in the league that can handle all 6 of our forwards. And with Kris Ingham and Kodie Fleay injecting height and speed into the team this weekend, it's a scary situation for our opposition.
Brendon Ogg worked hard in the forward line and through the middle setting up many goals. Paul Grover was exceptional in the middle with his workhorse attitude. Laine Cleaver found plenty of space on the wing. Like I said everyone was awesome and it's such a balanced team. If we can keep playing this way, there's no team that will get close to us.
Unfortunately we did have a few injuries with Brock Fleay (knee), Robert Goad (corked hammy), and Paul Paggi (ankle) all pulling up a bit sore. Hopefully they are not serious injuries and they are right to go this weekend. With Kodie Fleay back from his school trip, Kris Ingham hopefully back from injury, and a couple of Reserves boys knocking on the door; team selections for this weekend's game will be very interesting.
Final scores Beverley, 21.5 (131) to York, 9.10 (64). Beverley Best Paul Grover, Clint Gardiner, Aaron Earl, Rhys Rowlands, D Wansborough Beverley Goal Kickers B Keay 6, R Rowlands 5, J Turner 5, C Gardner 2
In other games, Kellerberrin were beaten by celler dwellers, Federals, meaning we are one game clear at 2nd spot on the ladder, and only percentage behind Quairading if we are to beat them this weekend.
Unfortunately, the league game was the only one we won for the day, with netball, reserves and hockey going down.
Hockey
The girls played in their first ‘A’ section match against one of the York teams, but were unable to get the goals on board, going down 1-2. It was an unfortunate start to the second round for the girls but we are hoping they can turn things around this weekend.
Better players coming soon
Netball
The earlier start seemed to throw the girls off their game, and they were unable to put in a consistent effort against the Joeys. They looked good in patches but unfortunately patches don’t win you matches and are only good for pirates. Jarrad Minchin is starting to pipe up again, with both of the hockey and netball girls unable to win a game in the past fortnight. Let’s hope they can quiet him this weekend.
Better players coming soon
Reserves
I’m sure the Roos were a tiny bit frightened in the first half against our boys. The Reddies were hitting the ball hard and looked like a quality outfit. However, it only lasted a half, with again the fitness factor coming into play. There are still 3 games left in the season to upset an opponent and if they could put together four quarters, I have no doubt they will knock someone off soon.
