ANUAFC 2011 Round Wrap
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Round 13 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Cootamundra(15,9-99) def ANU (1-,14-74)
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Queanbeyan (11,13-79) def ANU (0,0-0)
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:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Round 12 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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ANU (13,9-87) def Cooma (6,10-46)
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ANU (0,0-0) def by Ainslie (20,18-138)
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:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Round 11 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gungahlin (5,2-32) def ANU (22,21-153)
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ANU (13,9-87) def Cooma (6,10-46)
G. JONES 5, S. TUAN 3, J. BOEKEL , R. SMITH , T. ROBB , H. MOORE , J. McGIRR
B. DIXON , S. TUAN, J. PURCELL, J. McGIRR, B. HERMANN
Once a whistle was found for the umpire and the match ball finally pumped up and the siren sounded, it was the Griffins who wasted no time stamping their authority over the Cats in what may turn out to be a �season defining� game for the men from down the Monaro Highway .
Another raft of changes to the Uni line-up, but with some welcome returns in Simon Tuan and Johnny McGirr, the Students hit South Oval intent on making amends for the narrow defeat the week before.
Ben Chapman was all over his opposition number in the ruck, delivering great supply to Tuan, Heath Moore and Shane Bolitho in the midfield who set up the fast-starting forwards, lead by Gordon Jones in his 50th game for ANU.
Left to scratch their heads at the first break the scoreless Cats trailed by 28 points, ANU 4.4. (28) to Cooma 0.0 (0).
The Cats came out a far more determined group in the second term, catching the Griffins resting somewhat on their first-quarter laurels.
Were it not for the efforts once again by Brook Dixon and Warwick Jay in leading the ANU defensive brigade, the run of Simon Tuan and aggression at the contest by John McGirr and Heath Moore in close, the Griffins could easily have found themselves trailing at the main break.
As it was, however, the teams hit the sheds separated by twenty points, ANU 5.5 (35) leading Cooma 2.3 (15).
After some stern words from the Coach and an Andy Finlay rev-up during the half-time interval, the Students came out intent on regaining the ascendency from the spirited Cats.
Outstanding goals from tight angles by Tuan and Moore, the rock-like solidity of Dixon , Jay, Spokes and Boekel down back and Jones and Robb up forward, along with the welcome return to form from Jack Purcell and Ben Hermann saw the Griffins go into the final change 29 points up, ANU 9.7 (61) to Cooma 4.8 (32).
And so the trend continued in the last term, the Griffins controlling play around the ground and pressuring the Cats into error, putting the result beyond doubt with four goals to Cooma�s two.
Gordon Jones capped off a memorable 50th game with his fifth goal, Simon Tuan capped off a memorable 308th game with three goals and Brook Dixon capped off his almost-150th game with another �Nic Naitanui� down the half-back flank.
ANU running out winners by 41 points, ANU 13.9 (87) to Cooma 6.10 (46).
The loss sees the Cats drop out of the top four ahead of a tough run home in the remaining home-and-away fixtures.
On the other hand, the win keeps ANU in 2nd position � ahead of Cootamundra on percentage � setting up a most tantalising match-up in a fortnight�s time when the Griffins head out Burley Griffin Way to take on the Blues.
With a week off to work on their fitness and to hone their skills, the Reserves should be cherry ripe for the big clash for 2nd spot in Round 13.
Go Griffins!
ANU (0,0-0) def ANU (0,0-0)
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:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Round 10 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANU (7,5-47) def by ADFA (16,14-110)
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ANU (11,4-70) def by ADFA (11,7-73)
T. ROBB 6, G. JONES 2, M. Kirk 2, A. DOUGLAS
L. MUTCH, W. JAY, B. DIXON , A. DOUGLAS, S. BOLITHO, H. MOORE
Coming off a big win against the ladder leader, Tuggeranong, the previous week and a win against the Cadets a fortnight before, form would have suggested the Reserves should easily account for ADFA on a fine Winter�s day at South Oval.
But with 15 changes to the side the Griffins took the field looking a mere shadow of the settled unit that had ended the undefeated run of the highflying Hawks just 6 days before.
Tim Robb, ably assisted by Gordon Jones around the goal-square and around half-forward by Mick Kirk (who defied a decade-long absence from the game to extract a heap of pill) got the scoreboard ticking along early in the piece.
However, the Students went a man down early on with Pete Stanley going off with a neck injury and, although ANU moved out to an early lead, as the first quarter went on it was ADFA that were looking far more hungry for the contest and the Rams began getting more numbers to the contest, getting their hands on the ball first and finding players free and in space.
In what has become a worrying trend in many Reserves games this year, the Griffins again went to sleep late in the quarter and, despite the tireless work of the back-six � lead once again by the irrepressible Warwick Jay and stalwart Brook Dixon � ANU�s lack of accountability across the midfield and half-forward allowed ADFA to exploit their superior running game and to peg back a lead the Uni forwards had worked so hard to forge.
At the first change ANU held sway by five points. ANU 3.0 (18) to ADFA 2.1 (13).
ADFA continued where they left off in the second term, full of confidence and a greater desire to be first to the ball.
Despite the efforts of Heath Moore and Shane Bolitho in close, Aaran Douglas and Mick Kirk across half-forward, the continued domination deep in defence by Jay and Dixon and the great work of Alex Spokes, Owen Hutchison and Lachlan Mutch on the half-backline, the Cadets pegged back the lead and took a five point lead into the main break.
A third-quarter arm wrestle followed � the Rams unable to create a buffer on the scoreboard despite dominating possession and inside-50s.
Tim Robb continued to be a valuable target up forward for the Griffins and Lachlan Mutch showed just why he is likely to spend much of the remainder of the season in the Seniors, cutting off innumerable ADFA attacks at half-back and driving the ball back deep into the ANU forward-line.
At the final change ADFA lead 8.4 (52) to ANU 7.2 (44).
Despite being outplayed and outrun for much of the game, many would�ve expected the Students to fade out in the face of ADFA�s relentless run.
The Rams, sensing an upset was on the cards, had their tails up. But the Griffins refused to lie down.
Trading blows at either end of the park, both sides were doing their utmost to wrangle the four points and the result remained far from decided right up until the closing minute.
But it was the Rams that came out of the scrap on top, deserved three point victors, ADFA 11.7 (73) to ANU 11.4 (70).
The result tightens up the fight for second spot on the ladder (and for the top four in general) and makes every match from here on in a �must win� for the Griffins.
This week the fourth-placed Cooma making the journey to South Oval in what should be a big challenge for the Reserves.
After a disappointing result this week ANU should come out breathing fire so this promises to be an absolutely cracking match.
Go Griffins!
ANU (1,2-8) def ADFA (0,0-1)
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ANU (15,5-95) def Tuggeranong (6,5-41)
T. ROBB 6, S. TUAN 2, L. MUTCH 2, A. DOUGLAS , D. BEAMES , H. MOORE , J. DEAN , S. DEAN
L. MUTCH, G. SIMPSON, S. TUAN, J. McGIRR, D. BEAMES, A. DOUGLAS
The Reserves, fresh from a week-and-a-half off, looked focused and hungry for the contest as they hit South Oval to take on the undefeated Hawks.
Undaunted by the Hawks big-name players, the Griffins were hard-at-the-pill early on, intent on showing this year�s benchmark exactly why ANU are the defending Premiers.
Moore, McGirr, Bolitho and Tuan were relishing the challenge of playing against the skilful Tuggeranong midfield, winning their fair share of contested ball to set up some fantastic outside run from the likes of Gary Simpson, Lachlan Mutch, Owen Hutchison and Richard Wark.
Down back Warwick Jay looked, once again, to be in fine form, matching it with his direct opponent � a player, it must be said, twice Wazza�s size.
At the first change ANU lead 4.1 (25) to Tuggeranong 2.3 (15).
Tuggeranong came out hard in the 2nd term and their midfield and half-backline were well on top, giving their forwards every opportunity to get back into the game.
But the Griffins� back-six, lead fantastically by Jay and Dixon , refused to lie down and repelled just about everything that came their way. That the Hawks only managed three goals and a handful of behinds from innumerable forays into the forward 50 just goes to show what a fine job the Students� defence were doing.
For the Griffins, Aaran Douglas and Tim Robb were grabbing everything and keeping ANU in the game and at half-time it was ANU maintaining a slender 2 point lead.
ANU 6.1 (37) to Tuggeranong 5.5 (35)
Expecting another torrid affair after the break, ANU stepped up a gear in the third quarter.
Around the packs, the Dean brothers, McGirr, Tuan, Helman, Moore and Wark kept harassing their opponents into errors.
Blitzing the hapless Hawks with scything runs from half-back from Simpson, Weppner, Kulic and Kus set up Robb, Douglas and Mutch up front, the Griffins slamming home four goals to one for the term.
When they did manage to get the ball into their forward-line, the Tuggeranong forwards were invariably left standing around watching as Jay and Dixon continued to make a mockery of their direct opponents.
At the final change the Griffins went into the huddle expecting the Hawks to rally but full of confidence that they could stave off any potential Tuggeranong comeback.
However, any likelihood of a comeback was snuffed out early in the piece as the Uni midfield brigade got back on top of the tiring Tuggeranong and the Students� wide runners just kept on running and running. The back-six finished their amazing day�s work in style, keeping the Hawks scoreless for the term whilst setting up the big guys, Beames, Douglas and Robb to help the Griffins stretch the lead to an unassailable nine goals.
ANU running out winners 15.5 (95) to Tuggeranong 6.5 (41).
The win keeps the Reserves in second place, just half a game behind Tuggeranong, as they head into a very challenging month with games against ADFA, Cooma and Cootamundra.
Go Griffins!
ANU (15,5-95) def Tuggeranong(6,5-41)
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Eastlake (13,16-94) def ANU (0,0-0)
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ANU (29,7-181) def Tuggeranong (5,3-33)
A. LEATHERBARROW 6, W. HEINCKE 5, A. HERMANN 4, D. BUSHNELL 3, B. RITCHIE 3, J. CLIFF 3, H. FITZPATRICK 2, C. McCLOUD , J. BUCKLEY , R. SIRR
R. SIRR, M. BENNETT, J. DAVEY, B. RITCHIE, R. SINGLETON, A. LEATHERBARROW
ANU returned to South Oval with a mission. To make it their fortress again. Tuggeranong have struggled this year with the loss of some key players and would prove no match for the pumped up students.
ANU comprehensively won every aspect of the match and what was most impressive was their ability to maintain their structures for four quarters when the tendency can be to flood forward and ball chase.
Everyone played their role on the day with Robbie Sirr continuing his great form in another best on ground display. Leathers and Wes hit the scoreboard hard with 11 goals between them. Opinions vary as to who kicked the 6 and who the 5 but suffice to say both provided a strong option deep in attack.
Bushy kicked goal of the day when the big fella launched a barrel from right on his limit (30 out) and watched it sail through. Josh Davey played very strong footy at centre half back taking plenty of good contested grabs along the way. Singles and Ritchie provided the run and Holgate showed everyone why he is the best backman in the league by not getting a touch on the wing.
There was a late dust up involving a few lads and while Benny reckons he didn�t land one there were a few blokes on the deck in the aftermath. Smithy was saved by the umpire with his first Yellow Card of the year before a renowned pugilist was able to get hold of him.
All in all it was a pleasing performance and hopefully the Griffins can maintain their momentum after the break.
Goulburn (10.9-69) drew with ANU (9.15-69)
T. ROBB 2, D. BEAMES 2, B. CHAPMAN , A. DOUGLAS , G. JONES , J. DEAN , S. DEAN
C. MITCHELL, E. KUS, T. ROBB, H. MOORE , D. WEPPNER, B. DIXON
For the second week the Griffins had an interstate road trip, this time to the tropical paradise of Goulburn. After a one hour drive involving high speed police pursuits and drifting into carparks the side managed to reach Kenmore Oval in one piece.
The first quarter was a bit of a shocker as the Griffin 's played unaccountable footy but still managed to stay within two goals at the break. Highlight of the quarter was beamers massive roost from fifty meters for our first goal.
The second quarter was a much more solid effort with the Uni boys kicking four goals to two. Herman and Weppner were solid on the ball while the backs worked tirelessly to keep the Swans to only the two majors for the quarter.
Unfortunately another scrappy quarter followed and the Griffins two point half time lead was now a six point deficit. Some wasteful shots on goal costing the Uni boys as it seems they must have left their kicking boots back at South Oval. Chris Mitchell and Brooke Dixon probably the stand outs of the quarter after being assigned the task of putting a tag on Goulburn's very own Daisy Thomas.
After yet another "Independence Day-esque" speech from Andy Finlay the boys were pumped for a big last quarter. After kicking the first goal of the quarter it was back to level-ish on the board but judging from the look of the two sides you'd have sworn Goulburn were up by plenty. They were more desperate, their yap was up and they ran and supported each other better than the Uni boys. Still, somehow, Uni managed another goal to be two points up with not long to go. This just made Goulburn more desperate and the last few minutes of the game were mostly played in their half of the ground. It came down to some desperate defence by Dixon and Ed Kus to rush the last two Goulburn kicks before the siren sounded. In the end the draw was certainly more of a relief for us than it was for them.
The Uni boys played good footy but our tall line up was exploited by Goulburn's run and support most of the day. They played smart, team footy while more often than not Uni got sucked into the contest and had no little men at the feet of our bigger players. There were some superb efforts from the likes of Dixon , Mitchell and Kus along with the Dean brothers and Timmy Robb, who kept going all day. With a nice little break before our next game the Uni boys can take plenty of positives from the game and hopefully will be the scare we needed to get our bloody voices up!
ANU (0.0-0) def by Tuggeranong (9.5-59)
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Woden (14,8-92) def by ANU (15,11-101)
A. HERMANN 5, R. FORSYTH 2, B. RITCHIE 2, H. FITZPATRICK 2, J. BUCKLEY , J. CLIFF , W. HEINCKE , D. BUSHNELL
B. RITCHIE, R. SIRR, A. HERMANN, D. O''REILLY, M. CRAWSHAW, W. HEINCKE
ANU made the journey to Footy Park to take on the Blues in a much anticipated match. The Blues had been struggling for numbers but the thought of getting revenge on the Griffins fired them up and they were out in force for this clash.
The first quarter was a tight contest with neither side really getting the asendency. Rosco was a force down back driving the rest of the backline as they repelled wave after wave of Woden attack. Cliff and Heincke were presenting well and ANU were happy to have a break down by only 1 point.
Brent Ritchie started the second quarter where he left off with plenty of dash and Weise and Mahony were impressive in close but the bigger bodies of the Blues were able to make the most of their opportunities and kicked 6 straight to make it a handy lead at half time.
Cliffy gave a good spray at half time and the boys responded coming out with renewed vigour. Lade made some telling contests off half back as did Smith and Holgate while the midfield dominance of Sirr and Ritchie started to pay dividends. ANU were able to win the quarter to reduce the three quarter time margin to 11 points.
There was a sense of urgency in the huddle and the boys knew they had run over the top of Woden in the last three encounters and the game was theirs for the taking. Andrew Hermann stepped up in the last quarter to finish off some great team play with 4 fourth quarter goals. Some clutch defensive plays from O�Reilly and McMillan helped the Griffins seal the deal and run out 9 point winners. A very solid effort from the Griffins to come back.
Yass (14.7-91) Def by ANU (15.10�100)
T. ROBB 6, G. JONES 4, D. BEAMES 2, S. TUAN , A. DOUGLAS , P. STANLEY
R. SINGLETON, A. DOUGLAS, G. SIMPSON, R. QUINN, P. STANLEY , C. McCLOUD
As if a home game and the chance to get one back against the defending Premiers wasn�t enough to rattle the Roo�s cage, Yass were also looking to make amends after an ugly draw against Goulburn as well as needing to best the Students in order to retain their spot in the top 4.
So the Griffins, despite sitting half a game clear in 2nd spot and fresh off an emphatic 140 point win the week before new they would need to be at the top of their game as they made the trek up the Barton Highway to take on their long-time rivals.
But when the first siren sounded it was ANU that came out all guns blazing, peppering the goals as the hapless Roos were left to argue amongst themselves.
McCloud, Tuan, Bolitho and first-gamer Beames showed good grunt around the guts, winning clearance after clearance, while Singelton, Simpson, Stanley, West and Ray Quinn rebounded time and again off the half-backline to set up the strong marking Aaron Douglas, Tim Robb and Gordon Jones up front.
Had the Uni boys finished more cleanly, the result could�ve been well beyond doubt at the first break, ANU leading 7.6 (48) to Yass 2.1 (13).
Unfortunately, Keiren Harris busted a collarbone early in the piece and sat out the rest of the game. Perhaps a sign of his misgivings towards the rural health system or of just his commitment and dedication to supporting his mates, he refused to be taken to hospital. Here�s hoping you make a speedy recovery, Keiren!
As expected, it was a much more switched on Yass that came out in the second term and the Roos began to make inroads on the scoreboard as the quarter wore on.
However, the Griffins refused to rest on their laurels nor lose their cool, maintaining their hardness at the contest and intent and focus on getting the ball.
Ben Hopwood was doing a bang-up job pinch-hitting in the ruck, Pete Stanley continued to put life and limb on the line at centre-halfback, a mouthguard-less James Tighe continued to put his teeth on the line and Dan Beames nailed a goal from 60-metres out to keep the Students rolling along.
At half time, ANU held a 27 point lead 9.8 (64) to 6.1 (37).
During a third quarter arm-wrestle neither side took a backwards step, the Griffins bench down to two late in the term when Andy Kulic came up seeing stars after being slung into the turf.
Robb and Douglas continued to show up their defenders at half-forward, Stanley, West and Quinn repelled innumerable Roos salvos at half-back, Singleton and Simpson kept winning plenty of possession on the wings and Tuan and McCloud kept getting in and under in the middle.
Three majors and a bit of loose change apiece and the teams went into the final break separated by 22 points, ANU 12.9 (81) to Yass 9.5 (59).
The arm-wrestle continued early on in the final term as the teams traded blows, but the crowd was becoming more vocal and the Roos, feeling the momentum was beginning to shift, were starting to get their tails up.
The excitement all got a bit much midway through the quarter and John Boekel appeared to think the game was over, dropping the goal umpires flags and heading for the dugout, only to be politely reminded by the Yass players and supporters that there were still ten minutes or so of football remaining.
Down two key running players, the Griffins looked tired and the fast finishing Roos capitalised, stealing two quick goals late to get within 9 points.
But the game finished shortly thereafter, ANU 9 points to the good, holding on to win, ANU 15.10 (100) to Yass 14.7 (91).
The win puts ANU a game clear in 2nd spot � a great position to be in as we head to the Asylum for the Grand Final rematch next week and into the second half of the season.
Go Griffins!
Riverina def ANU
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ANU (9,15-69) def by Murrumbidgee (13,18-86)
W. HEINCKE 3, J. CLIFF 2, R. FORSYTH , A. HERMANN , D. BUSHNELL , H. FITZPATRICK
R. SIRR, J. BUCKLEY, J. CLIFF, B. HOLGATE, J. MITCHELL, D. CHASTON
ANU were confident heading into their match with Murrumbidgee following on from a solid team performance against Belconnen the previous week. Bidge have traditionally performed well against the students seeming to find another gear and today was no different.
In a close fought first term ANU seemed to have the best of it with McMillan and Bennett finding the on-ball brigade of Sirr, Mitchell and Buckley with ease. The Bidge defence were helped by ANU�s poor disposal into forward 50 and their pressure caused ANU to miss some vital chances in front of the big sticks. Murrumbidgee were able to counter with 2 goals of their own and take a slender lead into the first break.
The second term saw more of the same with the Bidge midfield running through the lines at will and leaving plenty to do for the ANU defence who tried hard all day. Weight of numbers prevailed with Bidge hitting the scoreboard and breaking out to a handy lead at the main break.
Cliffy swung a few changes at half time, giving young Buckley a job on perennial seagull �Cowboy� and it work a treat with Buckley keeping him out of the game in the second half. With ANU starting to find some targets and some voice the tide looked to be turning as the students piled on 6 majors in the third to take an unexpected lead into 3 quarter time.
Bidge weren�t done yet and rallied to kick the first 4 of the last quarter and put the result beyond doubt. ANU had plenty of contributors on the day. None more so than the Captain, Wes Heincke who had his opponent on toast more time than I care to remember only to see the ball kicked over his head. Mitchell tried hard as did Bushy and Chasto but the end result was another loss at South Oval and the disappointment that goes with it. ANU will need work hard as a group to make up for this one.
ANU (21.21-147) Def ANU (1.1-7)
G. JONES 10, C. McCLOUD 2, B. CHAPMAN 2, D. WEST 2, P. STANLEY , A. KULIC , R. QUINN , G. SIMPSON , R. SMITH
R. QUINN, S. DEAN, J. BOEKEL, C. McCLOUD
Coming soon.....
Belconnen def ANU
The ANU Women�s team were out played on Saturday 8th May by a very quick and skilful Belconnen outfit. ANU had to contend with numerous attacking raids into the forward 50 and Belconnen being able to slot goals from 40m out. The ANU Defenders worked tirelessly for the entire match to gain as much possession as possible and make the Belconnen forwards work for their points.
ANU improved drastically in the 2nd half limiting the chances Belconnen had on goal, with numerous solid attack down the wings.
The ANU Midfield and onballers turned over some crucial possessions but Belconnen were able to quickly get the ball back before ANU could do any damage.
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Belconnen (5,14-44) def by ANU (15,13-103)
H. Ftitzpatrick 3, W. Heincke 3, A. Leatherbarrow 3, J. Cliff 3, D. Bushnell , R. Forsyth , J. Buckley
H. Fitzpatrick, L. Mutch, A. Leatherbarrow, J. Buckley, R. Webb, B. Holgate
Not many gave the Griffins a chance to topple reigning premiers Belconnen on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Jamieson Oval. With up to 10 regular first graders missing either through injury or �Grooving� commitments it was a new look ANU side that took the park. There was a vibe in the air pre game. Belconnen were flat, most of them didn�t even have their boots on at 3 quarter time in the twos and one started to get the sense that they were coming in expecting a walk over. They were wrong.
From the first bounce the pace was frantic. Dan Jones� return to First Grade was short lived as he received a savage bump that left the skilful half forward with a depressed fracture of the cheek. ANU fought on. First gamer, Raffa Webb was dominating in the Ruck and giving the Griffin midfield first use. Leatherbarrow was relishing his new role in the midfield and won plenty of contests ably supported by Buckley and Chaston. Playing Coach Josh Cliff showed the importance of a lead up Centre Half Forward creating numerous chances for livewire half-forwards Lachy Mutch and Hugh Fitzpatrick. Diesel Eddelston, Holgate and Smith were joined by old warriors Sorrenson and Rawlo and turned the backline into a fortress. ANU continued to build on their lead. The intensity shown by the entire playing group was too much for Belco who were made to look pedestrian by the hard running ANU brigade.
ANU were down to two on the bench by half time as Ryan Forsyth succumbed to a knee injury. Belconnen came out strong after half time and the contest was on in earnest. Spokesy and Raffa continued to dominate the clearances while Andy O, Johnny Mitch and Leathers drove the pill deep into attack. With Belco finding their feet ANU needed a spark and it came from Hugh Fitzpatrick. In his first senior game big H banged through three third quarter goals including an absolute cracker, a banana from 75 metres out, to put the game out of Belconnen�s reach.
The last quarter saw Belconnen stage a mini fight back but once again ANU rallied. The Ruck dominance of Webb and Spokes continued to take it�s toll on the Magpies and the quick transition and solid skills displayed by the Griffins ensured that the fightback was short lived. Wes Heincke, Bushnell and Cliff all chimed in with majors to ice the game.
ANU went on to win the un-winnable by 10 goals to show they are still a force in the competition. It was hard to pick a passenger on the day with everyone contributing. ANU dominated every aspect of the game for four quarters and have presented Cliffy with some positive selection dramas heading into the middle of the season. Hughie got the mug for his efforts while Mutchy, Leathers, Bucks, Raffa and Holgate were in the best.
Eastlake (8.10�58) Def by ANU (12.10�82)
Another week saw another swathe of changes in the Reserves as the top-of-the-table Griffins headed to Harman to take on the fourth-placed Hogs.
In a great sign of the depth we are currently blessed with at ANU, Pete Stanley, Ben Hopwood and Kieren Keady all made their debut for the Griffins and Ed Kus and Aaran Douglas were welcome returns after time away from football.
Andy �Finners� Finlay had the lads in a fine frenzy as they ran on to the park for the opening bounce and the Griffins intensity and hardness at the contest could not be faulted throughout a tough and even low-scoring first quarter. However, a couple of lapses in concentration resulting in 50 metre penalties gifted Harman two easy goals and handed a slender lead to the Hogs at the first break.
The second quarter and Wazza Jay, Brook Dixon and Ed Kus began to get on top across half-back, ably assisted by the Dean brothers, Jon and Steve, in the middle and glimpses of the formidable running game that has served the Griifins so well over the years began to come together.
Through some great passages of play, finished off brilliantly by Heath Moore and the evergreen Simon Tuan, the Griffins took the lead out to three goals and looked to be gaining a firm upper-hand.
However, Harman rallied and some sloppy play from ANU deep in defence late in the term saw Harman kick two quick goals and take back the lead, by 3 points, at the main break.
In the third the majority of another tough contested quarter of hard footy was played between the opposing 50-metre arcs with neither side able to gain much headway on the scoreboard.
Ben �Chappo� Chapman kept the midfield ticking over, winning plenty of pill from the ruck and around the ground, as well as marshalling the troops across the half-backline and Aaran �Dougie� Douglas showed why he has been such a fine asset at the club over the years, crashing packs and extracting contested possession after contested possession at centre-half forward.
At three-quarter time, although Harman still lead by 2 points, the feeling amongst the group was that the Hogs were tiring and that maintained focus, intensity at the contest and continued hard running would see the Griffins come out on top.
However, Harman got an early goal and had their tails up and snouts further in front.
ANU quickly replied to cut back the deficit, but the Hogs were able to answer almost immediately and could have put the game beyond doubt with another three missed chances.
At this stage the Griffins could easily have been forgiven for dropping their heads and letting the game slip further away.
But at no point did the Griffins stop running or drop off the contest, managing another goal to bring the margin back to a single kick and maintaining possession for the majority of the last 10 minutes of the game.
Unfortunately, however, the Hogs were able to withstand the Griffins barrage and cleared attacking thrust after attacking thrust until the final siren sounded.
The Griffins left the landlocked naval base disappointed, defeated by just 5 points, with the feeling that this was �one that got away�.
There were still plenty of positives to come out of the game, not least of all the way the boys finished as the harder running side.
The Griffin lads definitely did not want for lack of endeavour at any point and it leaves the team with a lot to build on in the months ahead.
Shane
Belconnen def ANU
The ANU Women�s team were out played on Saturday 8th May by a very quick and skilful Belconnen outfit. ANU had to contend with numerous attacking raids into the forward 50 and Belconnen being able to slot goals from 40m out. The ANU Defenders worked tirelessly for the entire match to gain as much possession as possible and make the Belconnen forwards work for their points.
ANU improved drastically in the 2nd half limiting the chances Belconnen had on goal, with numerous solid attack down the wings.
The ANU Midfield and onballers turned over some crucial possessions but Belconnen were able to quickly get the ball back before ANU could do any damage.
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ANU def by ANU
W. Heincke 2, A. Hermann 2, R. Forsyth
A. Leatherbarrow, M. Bennett, D. Eddleston, O. Mahony, A. O'Donaghue, W. Quinn
ANU took on the despised Harman Hogs in the prestigious Wal Pepper Cup match at South Oval and by the time the umpire raised his arm the crowd was buzzing. These two sides have put it all on the line over the last few years and engaged in some thrilling contests.
Harman took the ascendancy from the first bounce and played a hard, but disciplined brand of footy. ANU brought the contest to the Hogs and played probably the best, goal-less term, in recent memory. ANU were tireless in defense but the loss of CHB Josh Davey to a hamstring twinge early in the peace would prove telling. Diesel Eddelston played a pivotal role on the bigger Hog forwards and stopped numerous forward thrusts while the run of Holgate, Quinn and Leatherbarrow set up the ANU attack. Skill errors costs ANU, consistently turning the ball over across the half forward and midfield lines. Oli Mahony played his guts out through the centre and showed the bigger bodied Hogs just what a bit of ticker can bring to the contest.
Jimbo tried hard in the ruck but eventually gave way to an ankle that will, in a major loss for the Griffs, see him miss a 3-4 weeks. Matty Bennett was a revelation across Half back and Robbie Sirr looks to be finding some touch after a year out. Westy, in his 150th, tried hard as did Smithy and Weise.
A ten goal to two second half didn�t really do justice to the endeavor shown by the Griffs. Losing Brent Ritchie to concussion didn�t help the cause as the forwards struggled to gain any sort of ascendancy. Wes and Hermy battled hard but the delivery was off and the Hogs rebounded from halfback with little difficulty.
Leathers continued his great form to take home his second BOG for the year but ran into his Nemesis, Roy, in the Skoll and again lost to a girl.
The effort and willingness for the contest, especially when Harman had the pill, can�t be faulted and the playing group now knows that they need to take their games to the next level in order to challenge the top 3 and be a serious premiership threat in 2011.
ANU def Gungahlin
Rd 4 saw the students take on Gungahlin who managed to field a side for the first time in weeks and were surprisingly competitive. The first term saw some heavy contact and some willing contests and ANU more than held their own. Inaccuracy kept the margin closer than it perhaps should have been with ANU taking a 3 goal lead in to the first break. Mutch, Lade and Sorro led the way in the first half with Helman and Jones keeping the scoreboard attendant busy.
Evergreen Simon Tuan, two days after having his leg amputated and then re-attached to his neck, re-amputated and finally attached properly, showed no signs of slowing down in what is, reportedly, his 37th season of competitive football. Premiership Legend and all around good bloke, Matty Crawshaw made a promising return from Injury and Illness in a performance that lifted the spirits of everyone at Griffinland. His effort was even more important once Rosco decided it was a bit hot, �Rick-Rolled� his ankle and got on the cans.
The second half didn�t get any better for the Jets as Gordo �Seagull� Jones banged them home from everywhere. Razor Quinn and Fitzy were full of run off half back setting up numerous attacking raids. Armstrong and Dan Jones (who I hear is washing Barty�s car this week) also contributed strongly.
With the match well and truly over ANU showed a few signs that their fitness is lacking a bit with half a dozen players going down with cramp repeatedly in the last quarter. In their defense the deck was pretty sandy, but a few extra kms in the legs wont hurt as the season progresses.
ANU ended up convincing winners with Gordo bagging 10 in a best on ground performance. A solid result for the seconds who are now firmly entrenched in the top 4.
ANU def by Queanbeyan
ANU Womens played a hard fought out 10 point loss to Queanbeyan with the ball travelling from end to end quite quickly.
ANU started quickly holding Queanbeyan scoreless for the first quarter, but weren�t able to turn possession into goals.
Queanbeyan dominated ANU in the 2nd quarter to take a healthy lead. Queanbeyan played majority of the quarter in their forward 50 being able to capitialise on some open space.
The drive and will power of the ANU women�s saw them come close in an extremely low scoring 3rd and 4th quarter, but could not come away with the win or draw. Two points coming off the pole would have seen scores levelled if they had have gone in.
In general the team played quite well being able to construct some good passages of play out of our defence to the forward line.
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Ainslie (10.4�64) Def by ANU (13.11-89)
A. Hermann 7, T. Robb 2, B. Weise, B. Ritchie, R. Forsyth, D. Bushnell
A. Hermann, J. Davey, D. Bushnell, A. O'Donaghue, J. Mitchell, B. Weise
After pantsing the hapless Jets, ANU made a conscious 22 man to effort of getting themselves up for the much improved Ainslie. Coach Cliff had to don the playing strip at the 11th hour, most calling it a set-back but not the ANU fullback, that legend said it was a masterstroke.
Not surprisingly, Ainslie matched the ANU hardness at the pill and then man during the opening stanza. Battling a stiff breeze on the back of dour defensive and disciplined attack, the Griffins went into the first change with a handy 2 goal advantage.
This lead was eroded away during the second term with Ainslie throwing down the gauntlet to the favoured Students. Accurate kicking and a dash of spite saw the tri-colours take the lead, only to have it taken away by McLovin just before the orange�s were passed around.
Continual running and tough in-and-under stuff from the Griffins burst the Ainslie bubble 20 minutes into the third term. Again, against the breeze ANU took back the ascendency strolling into the final change with a nice scoreboard buffer. Knowing the job was still 25 minutes from completion, the lid stayed on during Cliff�s address with ANU mustard to finish off big winners.
The last quarter started as well as it could have with ANU knocking the first couple through the big ones. The sprinklers came one and it was the first time the Griffins run was halted, albeit for five 5 or so minutes. Ainslie notched up the last two majors putting a little bit of respectability in the four goal loss.
The mighty Griffins were challenged all day, but never looked like dropping the match. Andrew Herman snared seven in a best afield performance. But certainly the most pleasing sign was that ANU team had 22 contributors, something that will be needed when they take on their arch rival after Easter � the rotund Hogs.
Wispy Quinn
Eastlake (8.10�58) Def by ANU (12.10�82)
G. Jones 7, C. Mitchell 2, D. Jones , R. Quinn , B. Heath
J. Armstrong, S. Bolitho, D. O�Reilly, R. Quinn, G. Jones
It wasn�t a pretty game by any means, but we managed to grind out a win. As the old sporting clich� goes, a win is still a win.
A number of new blokes playing only their first or second game of footy played really well: Raffa Webb is an exciting prospect and was (literally) head and shoulders above anyone on the field before he rolled his ankle.
Jon Dean and John McGirr were both great. McGirr could stand to flick through the rule book though.
The game also saw the return of a few blokes after a year or more away from the club: Rosco O�Reilly, Joel Armstrong and Nick Crean were all invaluable. The experience they bring to the club cannot be understated!
And in the end it was the experience of some old-hands that got us over the line. Gordon Jones basically won the game off his own boot with 7 goals. Dan Jones showed a lot of poise and had some really important touches in the last quarter. Joel Armstrong got a healthy amount of pill and showed he still loves a bit of niggle!
Rosco was a general down back, marshalling the back 6 (who all did a fantastic job too, it must be said) and getting a fair bit of it when it counted. Lay off the Barrels though Rosco.
And an honourable mention has to go to Thommo for his headbutt. Unfortunately, it turns out the Kingston turf is a tiny bit tougher than Thommo�s head and the up-shot of the whole affair was that Thommo now has little to no recollection of the game. He is, however, another shining example of the code�s new Concussion Management Guidelines at work.
Anyway, if we can keep manufacturing these �ugly� wins in the early part of the season, it�ll hold us in good stead for another successful year. With the group of players we have (and a few of last year�s Premiership side still to return), it�ll be a case of �when�, not �if� things start to gel on the field.
S Bolitho.
No Result
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ANU (34.17�221) Def Gungahlin (1.0�6)
W. Heincke 8, B. Ritchie 7, R. Forsyth 4, A. Hermann 4, T. Robb 3, D. Rawlinson 2, A. Leatherbarrow , R. Singleton , C. McCloud , C. Smith , D. Bushnell , B. Weise
R. Singleton, A. Leatherbarrow, B. Ritchie, O. Mahony, W. Quinn, A. Spokes
Coming off a resounding loss to ADFA the Griffins, buoyed by a few big inclusions, were out to prove a point and get their season underway against a Jets outfit who, it must be said, were terrible. Lacking numbers and having their captain coach show up having already played a game in Div 2, the Jets were in for a paddling. Serves them right for not fixing their clash jumpers.
From the first bounce ANU grabbed the ascendancy and were never threatened. ANU didn�t have a loser on the park (except Nos) and dominated every contest.
The forward line gelled well with everyone contributing. Great to see Ze German kick a bag after missing all of 2010 with an ankle injury. Hermann also distribute the seed well and Ritchie was everywhere.
Singles was best on with a commanding performance across half back ably supported by Leathers who is in the kind of form that made him a teenage hero at Burnie. Seeeriously.
New recruits Spokes and Mahony were tireless through the midfield as were old heads Chaston, Weise and Forsyth.
Billy Quinn, filling out his jumper like never before showed the value of hard chat and long chat. Also got a kick or two running out of defence.
Good win and some promising signs but the Griffs will have bigger questions asked of them this year.
C Griffin
ANU (14.2�86) Def Gungahlin (0.0�0)
The Jets forfeited the 2s as their season quickly unravels. In some bastardization of the Duckworth Lewis System ANU were granted the average score for winning teams in Rd 2. The 2s trained in stead. It was a good spectacle.
C Griffin
Glenn Hayes
Bec Jones
ANU (0.1�1) Def by Gungahlin (7.15�57)
Kate Parker-Hughes
Kellie Ayres
Missing numerous players due to uni holidays, ANU faced a strong and free running Gungahlin Jets in round 2 of the women�s competition with the ball spending 85% of the game in the ANU defensive 50. Credit must go to the defensive players who defended numerous attacking raids from the Jets and clearing the ball as far as possible when they had the chance. ANU are still finding their feet with combinations starting to form around the field.
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Josh Cliff
Wes Heincke and Dean Rawlinson
ADFA (16.21�117) Def ANU (6.11�47)
B. Ritchie 2, A. Leatherbarrow 2, A. Hermann 2
A. Leatherbarrow, D. West, J. McMillan, R. Singleton.
The season opener saw the mighty Griffin Seniors take on the nerds with muscles who were no doubt still smarting from their grand final choke in September last year. ANU had almost an untried unit with a raft of first gamers, including a debutant coach Joshy Cliff. ADFA, with few handy acquisitions themselves coupled with the hostile support on their home patch were always going to be a task for the underprepared students.
Chris Smith marked the year with his 100th appearance for the Griffins � 100 games, 2 tackles, 300 sneaky looks in the mirror and 4 handpasses; certainly a wonderful achievement and his 21 teammates were champing on the bit to have a dip for him. Unfortunately for Smithy, leading the unit out was probably the highlight of his day.
From the opening bounce, the pace and silk of ADFA hurt the Griffins who were slow out of the box in the perfect conditions. On the back of an impressive 18 man press and impenetrable zone, the Rams went into the first change with a healthy lead, which grew marginally at the main change.
Unfortunately for the students, the third term wasn�t any kinder as ADFA ran away with the match � much to the delight of the human debris on the outer, which will be sans Christmas cards from Brent �Chromey� Ritchie.
ANU�s frustration was eased slightly with a great last term, matching ADFA on the scoreboard. The 70 point deficit at the final siren thankfully had a few positives tacked on the end.
Leathers� 100 minute crack earned him best-on-ground, only to see him out-skolled by a female at Olims. Pick-up tactics or heinous froth effort, I�ll let you decide�
Wispy Quinn.
Richard Bartlett
Shane Bolitho
Belconnen (10.5�65) Def by ANU (14.9�83)
T. Robb 7, D. Jones 2, H. Moore
H. Lade, J. Davey, W. Jay, T. Robb
Round 1 arrived and the Reserves were playing the Belconnen Magpies at their home soil. In what was expected to be a tough match against the previous years semi-finalists, the Griffins started a little slow out of the block in the 1st quarter, with Belco kicking the first two goals of the match.
Once the players started getting the rust out of their joints and getting a feel for playing footy again, ANU kicked back slotting a few of their own goals late in the term to even up proceedings and lead by 2pts at quarter time.
The 2nd quarter is where the Griffs stamped their name on the match dominating the play. Hamish Lade off half-back was instrumental throwing his body all over the place and helping out team mates all around the park, whilst Hugh Fitzpatrick provided great run on the wing and proved a handy link up option to deliver to our forwards who were eating up everything. Tim Robb was having a field up forward taking grabs left right and centre. The Griffs went into half time leading by just over 20 points.
After half time Belconnen came out firing. To the credit of the boys everyone hung tight, kept running for each other to nullify any scoreboard pressure Belconnen tried to apply. John Mitchell's experience in the midfield, and Dom Weppners courage off the half back shone through in a tight quarter where it went goal for goal. At three-quarter time the Griffs lead by 18 pts.
The final quarter was a tight tussle, with stand-in Captain Josh Davey getting concussed in the early stages in a marking contest. The Griffs held strong in the end kicking 5 goals to 4 to run out 28 point winners.
It was a great team effort from the lads, with everyone playing there part in the win. Other great players on the day were John Boekel who was everywhere in the ruck, and Wazza Jay who was a rock in Defence.
J Davey
Glenn Hayes
Bec Jones
ADFA (1.4�10) Def ANU (1.1�7)
S McAllister
Luisa Rosin
For the first official match of the season ANU started off strongly against ADFA taking the lead into half time. Injuries cost ANU in the second half as the girls just ran out of legs. ADFA took the lead late in the 4th quarter and ANU just couldn�t quite get it into goal scoring position.
Our on ballers were exceptional in the game tackling everything that came their way and stealing numerous possessions.
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