Official Match Report

There routine of the season started to feel more familiar, We were to face up against Collingwood at Kevin Bartlet reserve. It was known that they had beaten the team we played the previous week 6 nil. Today would unfortunately result in the same score. On paper, the opposition should have kicked another 4 or 5. You see, Collingwood had 5 bench warmers.
The game started a little late based on remarks from the referee advising that Colingwood took time to arrive from club rooms. We stared about 5-7 mins behind schedule.

With some key mid fielders out of the game we were on the look out for some play makers to lead the way and show us some magic. We were not disappointed with some heroic and determined play from several of our lads.The first half was a quick fire attack from Collingwood with goals from them at 4 minute, 9 mins, 15 mins and 20 mins in the first half. Our formation was buckling and our players grouped together. With Rupert not feeling well, Toby with an injured leg and Tommy carrying an injury, we were the fighting wounded. But Ashburton dug deep and began to run with the ball late in the first half and all throughout the second half. Our endurance (theme of the year) started to work. Even though they had an army on their bench, we only conceded two goals in the second half when they really should have kicked another 5.
There was an epic battle for the ball in the centre between Kiran and their captain.

A tough gig for Toby in the first half also carrying injury. Most of the play occurred in our defensive half and it was tricky to get the ball out by just passing alone. Toby did well carrying an injury. Ashburton showed that we had the energy in the first half but our formation squashed into one big back line on occasions. In the second half the tactics moved to more of a run with the ball concept which opedned up the field more. The boys were a little apprehensive at first to do this as our lads were under immediate pressure from Colingwood when we had the ball. But there were some great break away runs from Tommy on the wing, Lere, Clancy, Toby and Maxy.

Maxy had an awesome run from the centre back position, ran it all the way up to the forward left - he had two goes at kicking a goal but was denied in the end. But this set the bar higher and gave our boys the same idea to grab that ball and run, run, run. And that they did - The runs started to turn into leading runs from other players. Lere and Clancy and Toby began to connect on the right side of the field and made some great runs up the line to place the ball in the attacking zone.
Rupert who payed with an ear ache and who was also recovering from illness played tremendously well in the goals in the second half. He made some quick flex saves (fast twitch muscle fibres) and pushed the play wide of the goals. Some clever work. Well done for supporting the team and pushing through feeling unwell as a great sign of teamwork.
Our team is about never giving up no matter what the score and being fitter than the other team. Given that everyone was on the field, our fitness is sure to continue to grow. With the brilliant runs with the ball, I think the lads will begin to see how this will lead to play making and doing something heroic on the field can turn into exciting goals.
Never let your head be held low during a game. Especially if we have players on the bench. There is always an opportunity to shine. There is always an opportunity to try to do better the next time. There is always a challenge where you can try to beat your own personal best. Out gunned today but the best news is that we showed more fitness than the other team in the second half. Well done lads.