Round 1
Pre Match
Round one kicked off at Langley on a windy-chilly typical B.C. day. The boys all rocked up early and a laugh was had by many. The Irish (Rory, Jimmy and Dirty) were so keen, they were in shorts kicking the ball before the bounce of the First Game, I guess Irish time runs a little differently.
The skills may not have been perfect, but the spirits were high in the pre game warm up. Lead spectacularly in warm-ups and stretching by newly appointed Capitan Krazy Karl Mcgrath, who pushed some of the boys to their fitness limits (in the warm ups!). Head Coach Lorin ‘Bozza’ Thompson made sure he got round to all the new players with some encouraging last minute advice. The pre game speech focused the team on teamwork and pressure. A massive “Cougars!!!” sent the boys to positions.
1st Quarter
The cougars jumped out of the blocks kicking the first goal. One that was developed from perfect team work with Rocket busting open a pack, giving a quick handballed to the roaming Turfs, who kicked on the run perfectly to a leading Ash. The big man kicked straight into the wind. The cougars went on to kick the first 4 of the game. One that was memorable was when C/I Matty gave the don’t argue on the line to smash home a goal from point blank range. The constant pressure on the Bayhawks led to some great turnovers for the Cougars. When the ball did roam down into the backline, Macca and BC were able to use their size, and attack on the footy to rebound with skill.
Coach Boz was extremely happy at Quarter time, praising the guys for their constant pressure on the Bayhawks.
2nd Quarter
The Bayhawks responded very well at the start on the 2nd, dominating the first 10 minutes. Smitty (cougar C/I), who as playing for the Bayhawks, was causing trouble all over the ground with his attack on the footy. Fortunately for the cougars the Bayhawks were only able to kick one goal. However with almost 10 on the bench the Cougars were able to rotate and put some fresh legs on that turned the tide. Once again B.C. used his size and was the General of the backline. Monster used his size to outmuscle the entire team. Ryan and Brod worked hard and began to dominate the centerline. First gamer Mike busted a tackle with some power. Turfs took a massive contested grab (mark of the year?), and then used his powerful left foot to spearhead the ball inside fifty.
3rd Quarter
The premiership quarter started well with the Gav kicking a goal for the cougars on the run against the boundary. Coops was sensational in the backline, the Grey beard showing some of the younger boys how to read the footy. Little Micky P jumped on and immediately got a hard ball get. Krazy was proficient through the center with some hard running and long kicking. The cougars regained the momentum kicking 2 to the Bayhawks’s one. Coach Bozz opened up the center with some great running plays on the wing to push deep into the forward line. Jimmy in his first game, picked up their best player, and helped eliminate his presence.
4th Quarter
The boys finished the game well, with those on the bench getting rotated frequently. Dusty showed some great team play by taking the player out with a massive bump allowing Coops a free ball. The Bayhawks fought well, with some fierce contestants provided by their youngest players. They will be a strong side when they regain some of their focal players. Even though players were tired, Brod showed some skill and speed, dodging 2 players only to hit the post. Hop was still the fittest man on the pitch, bouncing along, when some of the boys were struggling to run. Ash kept presenting fantastic leads from CHF giving the boys a focal target in the middle of the ground.
Post Game
The boys were in high spirits after the game, belting out the club theme song. As there was so many new players the center of the team circle resembled a mosh pit, with some of the C/I’s miming politely. Coach Bozz was extremely happy with the pressure on the ball carrier and the overall teamwork. He did point out goal kicking was an area of needed improvement. It was a great first hitout and one to build a great season on. Well done boys!! GO CANUCKS!!
Final Score:
Cougars 8.11.59
BayHawks 2.2.14
Goal Scorers:
2 – Gavin, Rocket
1 - Ash, Matt H, Brod, Ian