What was a valiant effort was not enough in the end for Blighty’s senior footballers on Saturday.
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The Redeyes were just seven points short of a first win of the season in the round 14 clash against Rennie in the Picola League.
It left the playing group a little disappointed.
Falling short due to some undisciplined free kicks throughout the game will be a learning experience that we need to get better from.
Rusty Milward was super off the back flank, while Zak Thomson laid tackle after tackle and Jordan Priestley booted seven goals up forward.
Jack Charlton and Sam Singleton worked hard in the midfield.
The group was so close to a win and have their sights set on Mathoura in two weeks, after the bye.
Final score: Blighty 12.8 (80) def by Rennie 13.8 (86).
Reserves
Despite a sluggish start to the first quarter, Blighty demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth across the final three quarters.
Their ability to regroup and produce sustained positive passages of play highlighted the determination and unity of the squad.
Ben Crossley celebrated a significant milestone, securing his first goal of the season - a testament to his persistence and improvement.
Henry Michael provided strong momentum through his running carry across the halfback and wings, consistently initiating attacking transitions and contributing to forward momentum.
Tyler Hall showed versatility and grit, excelling in the ruck and displaying initiative by following up and roving his own ball with great success.
Zach Everingham was a central figure in midfield, spending much of the match controlling the tempo and executing sharp plays that resulted in forward opportunities.
While it’s difficult to single out every contributor, it must be acknowledged that every player gave their all, contesting the ball fiercely, displaying unwavering effort, and keeping their heads held high throughout.
Their determination was evident, and their teamwork commendable.
Final score: Blighty 3.3 (21) def by Rennie 11.12 (78).
Fourths
Blighty’s fourths hosted Rennie with a stiff north-easterly wind blowing, which gave all the players an extra challenge for the game.
Blighty came out ready for the game, with the first quarter showing some excellent play. All players continued their good form from last week.
Liam Gordon played another strong game in defence, along with Lily Peterson and Cassidy Sibraa who always make their presence felt.
Degan Morgan was awarded best on ground with a standout game in fullback, taking some very strong marks.
Zane Sibraa got the next award. He had a great game and showed some great determination to get the ball. He was able to put our only score on the board with a set shot.
The wind wasn’t our friend on this occasion.
Helen Fevaleak played another strong game, showing us how to commit to attacking the ball and winning the contest.
Ben Macdonald also had another strong game, looking for space on the field to give his team some good opportunities.
Hudson Kelly put in some great tackles and ran all game, and Charlie Tremble is starting to find his confidence in the game, getting in and tackling the opposition.
Sydney Cairns was awarded the Kelly Family award. She was asked to run more and get the body in to win the ball.
All players had been asked to lift their form an extra 10 per cent, which they all did.
With the general bye coming up this week, the fourths will all have a well-deserved break and will be ready for round 15.
Final score: Blighty 0.1 (1) def by Rennie 13.20 (98).
Fifths
It was a perfect day for football, and the little Redeyes definitely made the most of it!
Their attack all day was elite, and their sportsmanship was even better.
Awards were difficult to give as usual, as everyone deserves one every week.
Ruby Clohesy got a Subway voucher for her amazing tackle in the backline, and her drive and hunt for the ball impressed the coaches.
Darcy Cleve got the other for rucking all day and getting the little ones involved when possible.
Nash Gordon got an award for his massive kicks out of full back and his ability to locate a good target and execute the kick.
Kayden MacDonald got an award for his willingness every week to run and chase and get a kick.
Naylah Haigh got an award for her ability to chase and tackle, her confidence is growing every week, and it's wonderful to see.
Ollie Anderson got an award for his ability to get into the pack and fight for the footy, he is another one that with every week of footy his confidence rises.
Final score: Not scored.
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