In a rain soaked field, we took on last year’s premiers expecting a very close game. Sprana started well and stuck to the game plan that was outlined to them. It was near the ten minute mark when some good exchange of the ball saw Shaun Maloney cross for the first try taking a few players over the line with him. New recruit Blair Conlon missed the attempt and Sprana were up 4 – 0. We lost halfback Josh Lennox who was playing well to a leg injury shortly after. Closing in on the twenty minute mark and some good lead up work by Geoff Holcombe, Sprana crossed for another try out wide to Blair Conlon. He was unable to convert the goal and we took a 8 – 0 lead.
Norths continued to toil away and when they were presented with a repeat set from Sprana’s second drop out, a few plays later they crossed the line and reduced the score to 8 – 6. That was the score until half time and this was proving to be a game that was going to go down to the wire. Some good talk at half time and a reminder of the game plan we were confident of completing the job and getting a victory.
Oh how things can change……… A completion rate in the second half of 3 from 20, you know it is only an uphill battle from there. As the result of 14-8 was the final score – with the amount of field position and ball Norths had, we would have not been surprised if we saw another 20 -30 points scored. But it was a sensational defensive effort from all players. Zac Hook was by far the most devastating defender on the night and would go close to being one of the best in the competition. Shay Newdick, Brent Hallett and Nathan Strudwick tackled themselves to a standstill. Dean Bannerman saved a possible 3 -4 more tries with his great clean up work at fullback.
Although there was a lot of animation from the coaches on the sideline, it was caused by not sticking to a simple game plan in the second half………we can put it down to some lack of communication and the game that got away. Hopefully we all learn from this, staff and players. Next week is another game and hopefully we will get back on the winners board when we face Easts at Scott Park on Sunday 1:15pm. If you get a chance, come out and see this Arana/Springwood team play.
Congratulations to Nathan Strudwick and Daniel Isaac on being selected in the Under 17’s Brisbane side.
