The Tanunda Magpies made their way down to South Gawler for a day that would have a significant effect on the run into the finals for our sides. With the torrent of injuries suffered a win, albeit nice would be surely the upset of the season.
A fine day greeted all present with the day playing out largely as expected.
In the A Grade the undermanned Magpies withstood an early onslaught to hold their own in the opening stanza, Captain Schmidt leading the way with some great ball use. Ben Newberry looked to have shaken off the hamstring injury presenting with purpose up forward and the defence after some early lapses held tight.
Jason Baylis was working well into the game sharing rucking with Sam Toole.
Ryan Bignell continued to grow throughout the game and turned in a great performance in and under the packs, although the result got away in the end there were some highlights with Mathias Grocke in defence rock solid, Leigh Westhoff showing great skill and speed and Parker Neldner again taking some very hard knocks to show his determination. Keep putting in the hard yards lads, there are a few to return and plenty of heart amongst you.
The reserves were up against a side that is firmly placed at third on the ladder. The boys initially started slowly but managed to hold off the onslaught. Thanks largely to some fantastic play from the back six. Tom Smith, Connor Peacock and Andy Ey particularly held things together and provided us with some drive and scoring opportunities. These efforts found us with a small lead at quarter time. The second and third quarters were all South with them piling on nine goals to one. This proved to be the difference in the end with South Only outscoring us by a point in the last quarter. The lads proved we have the ability and heart to play some great football but a lack of depth in the team to share the work load. Well done to Connor Peacock, Gareth Davis and Ryan Jarvis for good four quarter efforts.
Senior Colts this week have again shown they have what it takes to take it up against the finals contender’s for season 2014, starting the game the well Tanunda kicked the first 2 goals for the game. South’s then came back at the Tanunda boys and dominated for the rest of the first quarter and all of the 2nd quarter. At the main break it was put the boys to put some pride and respect back into their game, in which they responded to. The boys matched with South’s in the 3rd and then outscored and played South’s in the last kicking 3 goals to Souths zero. Special mentions went to Jett Deruiter, Jackson Clarke and Harry Bosward for giving their all to the best of their ability for the entire game. Best Players, Dakota Hunt, Aussie Nankerville, Ricky Liddell, Jayden Hage and Brayden Dalby. Senior Colts look forward to finishing the season on a positive note and working towards 2015.
The perfect day for a good game of football between Tanunda and South Gawler in the Under 15’s. The oval was very good sight after the conditions we have been playing in. South started the game well getting onto the scoreboard first. The first quarter was a tight even tussle between both teams, ending with one point the difference. The remainder of the game saw Tanunda take control and many good passages of play, helped the scoreboard ticking along. There was some very good overhead marks and running play, being a feature. The defence was solid, stopping many of Souths entries in to their forward line. A good solid win heading towards the finals.
The Tanunda Black U 13 boys travelled to Williamstown for a 6-30pm start against Barossa Districts. The two sides have met numerous times this year and the contest was fiercely fought with a very competitive showing by our boys. The score line was very close and Barossa snuck home with a late goal sealing the win. Darcy Henschke worked hard winning many contested possessions and Oscar Harms had a good night with some impressive efforts. Mitch Manning played a good game in defence and the entire team stuck to the task throughout the game.Under 13 White boys played against a taller and bigger South side and were able to create chances in the first half with Blake Neilson providing a good target in attack. The usual suspects helped to keep the Souths forwards at bay with Jed Habermann having a day out deep in defence. Todd Falkenberg held firm and had one of his best games of the year. Another great team effort with a great last quarter.
We return to OB Park this week to train and also to play against Freeling, celebrating the 1964, 1974 and 2004 B Premierships with reunions of players and a luncheon for these servants of our great club. Heading toward the end of the season we will be looking to secure assistance for the Grand Final hosting and also to preparations for the Presentation night.
The Tanunda Football Club sees itself in a time of change, at the end of a wonderfully successful period it is time to rebuild and to bring up our younger players. 10 A grade debutants to date is proof of this. For those concerned about the on field performance, suggestions and feedback are greatfully received, however anonymous notes and disgruntled comments will never be taken seriously if you are not prepared to stand by your words publicly. You will know who you are, the President is happy to take constructive feedback and comment to assist the club to continue to move forward with the plans for improvement and change.
Go you mighty Magpies