COLBINABBIN’S senior footballers narrowly escaped with the four points in a nail-biting affair against a much improved White Hills outfit in the Heathcote District Football League on Saturday.
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Another sluggish start saw the Demons skip away with an early lead, as they booted four first quarter goals restricting the Hoppers to just three behinds.
After a firm but measured quarter-time address from Julian Bull, Colbinabbin began to claw their way back into the game through ferocious pressure and relentless two way run.
They booted 3.6 to the Demons 1.4 in the second quarter, reducing the half time deficit to just 10 points.
The Hoppers’ intensity lifted again in the third as they went inside 50 at will, but failed to apply scoreboard pressure.
Colbinabbin added 3.4 to White Hills 2.2 to get themselves within a kick at the final break.
An exhilarating fourth quarter saw the lead change several times, but in the dying minutes thanks to a downfield free kick, Matt Riordan kicked truly from 45 metres out to seal a two-point victory.
Classy veteran Nick Knight was brilliant across half-back, defending well and providing plenty of dash.
Hadleigh Sirett’s terrific season continued, he dominated in the ruck and laid a match high 11 tackles.
Will Morrow was enormous through the middle of the ground, keeping an eye on Demons star Sam Kerridge while winning plenty of his own ball.
Natty Nixon was sensational again, providing a cool head under pressure and rarely missing a target by hand or foot.
Other better players were Ben Southam who again was a prolific ball winner and Todd Clarke who dominated the clearances.
Reserves: The reserves suffered their second loss of the season, completely outclassed by the Demons in last year’s grand final replay.
Much like the seniors, the reserves were slow out of the blocks and as a result, gave up a nine-point quarter time lead.
The Hoppers began to work their way into the game but allowed White Hills to score late in the second term, 2.0 to 3.2 saw the Demons extend their lead to 17 points at the half.
White Hills began to crack the game open in the third as they peppered the goals, but to Colbo’s credit they defended desperately, the Demons wobbling through 2.6 to the Hoppers 1.1 to increase their lead to 28 points.
The final term saw White Hills pile on 5.3 to 3.2 to beat the reigning premier by 47 points.
Will Hayes was sensational in defence, taking a number of contested marks rebounding effectively under pressure.
Darcy Taylor was brilliant at the stoppages, winning plenty of clearances and using the ball with precision.
Matt McEvoy played another brilliant game in defence and through the ruck, his composure under pressure was a real highlight.
Other better players were Will Brown whose second and third efforts were crucial and Luke Hill who showed his class through the midfield.
Thirds: The thirds battled gallantly against a much bigger and faster White Hills side.
They played good football in patches and if they continue to work hard on their execution and decision making at training, the boys will be able to match it with sides in the top four.
Charlie Ryan was absolutely magnificent through the middle of the ground, he was prominent at the stoppages and worked extremely hard defensively in a best on ground performance.
Sam Ryan shouldered an enormous load in the ruck, following up his own work at ground level and using the ball well by foot.
Harry Rathjen’s defensive work was outstanding, rarely being beaten in one-on-one contests.
Joel Berryman played one of his better games for the club, taking a number of important contested and intercept marks.
Other better players were Hugh Kerlin who was at his electrifying best up forward and Ray Pearson who set the tone with his aggression and tackling pressure.
Netball
A grade: In what was a grand final rematch against White Hills, the girls came out on top and remain undefeated.
Although it was a tight contest in the first quarter, the girls took control in the second and with the momentum swinging Colbo’s way, they maintained their composure for the rest of the game, securing an 11-goal victory.
Scores: Colbo 47 def. White Hills 36.
A reserve: The girls had a great game against a much more experienced White Hills team.
They were competitive for four quarters which wasn’t reflected in the scores.
Harper, Morghan and Hannah were dynamic in defence, leaping for intercepts and putting pressure on every opposition pass.
Abbey and Paige worked well together and drove onto the circle many times.
Mardi and Lily were under great pressure in the ring and continued to drive, re-offer and hold space.
Mardi won the most hands over the ball, Morghan had the most great passes, Abbey the most drives and dodges, and Harper easily had the most tips and intercepts.
Thanks to Lizzy for playing and Meg too for coming along to join us.
Scores: Colbo 16 lt White Hills 65.
B grade: Colbo 27 lt White Hills 62.
B reserve: Colbo 23 lt White Hills 60.
U17: The girls knew they were in for a tough match against White Hills, and they came out firing.
They fought hard for every ball resulting in another good win.
Our mid-court were up against tight defensive opponents and used their persistence to work the ball down through to the goalers who rewarded the team with precision shots.
Dom Palmer worked the ring beautifully and shot 30 goals for the match.
Tanzin Myers was relentless in defence and never took her eyes off the ball, resulting in crucial turnovers.
Awards: Tanzin Myers (Subway) and Dom Palmer (Canteen).
Scores: Colbo 52 def White Hills 34.
U15: This week the Colbo girls were up against White Hills and displayed some great teamwork.
It was a very strong game and the whole team tried their hardest in every quarter.
Jo as always, got plenty of intercepts and Mackenzie did well getting away from her opponent.
Stella and Ryllie worked hard in defence against very tall opposition.
Dana and Zoe played well together and were rewarded with multiple goals while Summer ran all day in centre, aided by Jasmine who intercepted many passes.
The best on court award went to Mackenzie and Stella received the Glen Mussared Bricklayer award.
Scores: Colbo 26 lt White Hills 38.