2003 Round 6

The round just completed saw the Wildcats return victorious from the Sussex Pond, the Raiders easily account for the City Swans while an undermanned but very determined Emus finally went down fighting against Fulham. The results still see the Wildcats and Raiders unbeaten at the half way mark, and even at this stage, both are looking pretty good for a top two finish.

I didn’t venture down to Sussex for the Wildcats game, opting to remain at Trailfinders for the other games, but from all reports the boys had to work hard to overcome the Swans. With the Wildcats hit with the unavailability of 7 of its 11 Australians from the last game, there were plenty of fresh faces in the squad. And it took a little bit for the boys to gel with the Swans getting on top early and opening up a 13 point break at the first change, despite the best efforts of Nozza up forward who booted three goals in the first term.

From that point on the Wildcats gradually started to get on top, turning the 13-point deficit into a 13-point advantage at half time, extending that lead again at ¾ time before putting the foot down in the last quarter and eventually running out comfortable 41-point winners and maintaining the unbeaten streak. Coaches Schleter and Giardina were particularly impressed with the form of some of the newer players, especially Pat Evans, Shovel and Ruggy in their first games in the blue and white, while the EU boys in Jody, Lewis and Chambo made sure the Swans knew they’d been in a contest by continually hitting the packs hard. Jenko, Benny Statton and Michael Bolger were others to impress in the victory.

Back at Trailfinders the Emus were looking to get their first win of the year on the board, and the early signs were very promising as they took the early running. Unfortunately a second quarter lapse saw the Hawks open up a big advantage. However again the boys rallied and refused to lie down. Geoff was doing a great job in defence, Aussie was all over the ground, two of the newcomers in Steve and Ben were throwing their weight around and Fred was also doing well in the contests. The boys managed to again reduce the difference on the scoreboard, but in the last quarter the fitness and effort started to show, and Fulham were able to kick away to record victory. I’m sure that with a number of blokes to come back though it won’t be long before the Emus knock off one of the other sides, so let’s keep our heads up and enjoy the moment when it finally arrives.

The Raiders were coming up against a side that was shaping to be one of the serious contenders for the Conference Premiership. And despite losing a number of players to the Wildcats and also to travel, we still appeared to have a pretty strong side on paper. But it was the City Swans side that started the better and for the first time for the year, we went into the quarter time break behind. In the second quarter we really started to open up play and get on top though, and entered half time with a 20-point advantage. Obviously either without a brain, or unable to see the scoreboard as his eyes were pasted on, SOS confused everyone by telling us that we were three goals down and were going to need to dig deep. With that confusion finally rectified after the boys went back onto the ground and saw the scoreboard for themselves, we then set about opening up the game and putting the issue beyond doubt, and after leading by 8-goals at ¾ time, we finally ran away with an 11-goal victory. The pleasing signs were obviously the number of players who’ll only get better after not having played much this year, in particular Jack and Tyrone who were both sensational. Pratty also played his best game for the year, while at full back, Gus Waddell was easily our best player continually repelling any forward thrusts. Paddles and Scotty were also good when they came on, while Duggs and Mick Condon also stood out in their first game.

It was also pleasing to see the number of Wildcat players who availed themselves for our first Sunday training session for the year… at the Church!! We must have had 40 blokes there, which was fantastic for the coaching panel, who are now just wondering how to get that many to Holland Park on a Tuesday night! Even better was the form of Jack, Robbie, Ty and Jody who did the Wildcats and Australia proud by taking out the boat race in Church record time against the Kiwis. Great work all round!

This week the Wildcats take on the Gryphons in a game we should win, while the local derby shapes as the big one of the weekend, the Ealing Emus taking on the Shepherds Bush Raiders for the Jonny Grapsas Cup.

Go Cats,

Dogga.