Game 1 - Cardinals vs. Ellenbrook Green

(posted by Callum Radecki)

Menzies Oval Mount Hawthorn - Sunday April 18 2010 Weather: Fine Warm

After a number of disappointing performances last year, the combined Mount Hawthorn Cardinals was up against the new team in the district from Ellenbrook, both looking for their first win of the year. The Cardinals have done weeks of preparation and twice a week training of footwork, handwork and fitness consisting of running up hills and a numerous boring number of laps around the Menzies Oval. Thanks coach

When the two teams lined up face to face, eyeing each other down to see who was the toughest and fastest. The two team captains came forward, shook hands and the umpire tossed the coin.

At the first bounce Aiden, Connor and Tom shared the ball around, and Aiden gave a long kick to Louis in the box and straight away a goal was kicked. The Cardinals had a cracking start, a good sign for the game. The Centres, Backs and Forwards where doing a good job, and the Dockers didn’t score a point in that term. That gave the Cardinals the momentum to stay focused and possessing more than Ellenbrook.

In the Second Quarter not much changed. The Cardinals back line was holding Ellenbrook scoreless. With Adrian G’s fine rucking, the ball was able to move out of the defence, if in trouble. Ryan’s running in the centre in that term was an individual performance with goals flowing from it.

The ruck work of Brandon was the best work anyone has seen with his bulk he just pushed the opponent out of the contest and always did a spectacular leap to finish it off. When the half time siren went, the Cardies were dominating the game and the signs looked good for the year.

After a stirring half time address to tired players at half time, we bounced back to produce one of the best quarters of football. We urged our tired legs to go the extra distance, and run the ball through the centre.

Mention must be made of the attack on the ball by the forwards, the contest on the ball coming out of their defence, and the running and support of players through the centre.

Special mention must be given to Tom Caddy for his efforts in defence.

All in a great start with Cardinals an decidedc win to a well fought game at the final siren.

Cardinal 68 def Ellenbrook Green 8