The Tocumwal senior team prepared diligently throughout the week leading up to their match against Blighty on Saturday, cultivating a sense of optimism and determination.
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There was a positive vibe among the players and a sense of belief that they were a chance to win their first game for the season if they worked hard for each other.
Despite conceding an early goal, Tocumwal showcased their best performance of the season in the first quarter.
Andrew Dickens dominated in the forward line netting five goals through a combination of strength and experience.
The midfield trio of Cory Parish, Harvey White and Drew Haebich displayed impressive tackling and clearance skills, providing the forwards with quality ball delivery into the 50m zone.
Tocumwal finished the quarter with five goals to Blighty’s two, setting a promising tone.
The intensity escalated in the second quarter, with both teams fiercely contesting possession across the field.
Dylan Maxwell and Kyle Keenan anchored the defence admirably for Toc, consistently repelling attacks and initiating counter-attacks.
Connor Phibbs and Blair Eddy exhibited unwavering determination, consistently winning their individual battles and contributing to the team’s momentum.
Goals to Drew, Clarke and Tonks helped maintain a strong lead going into half time.
Coach Kirchen was adamant the game was far from won and told his team they would need to continue on where they had left off if they were to maintain their 32-point lead.
With no game for the under-17s this week the senior side gained the running speed of some of the thirds players in Liam Sutton, Pacey Haebich and Logan White who provided targets and linking options adding more weapons to Toc’s arsenal.
All three played with maturity and poise. Tocumwal added five goals after the main break to ramp up the pressure.
For Blighty, Redeyes coach Adrian Timmis led from the front booting three goals with the ‘Melbourne boys’ again prominent.
Alan Gardiner and Aaron Litchfield played well, and Hugh Burton seemingly enjoyed his new role as a tagger, putting his opponent to the sword.
The prospect of Tocumwal’s first victory of the season loomed large, motivating the players to maintain their intensity throughout the final quarter.
All players continued to give 100 per cent.
It was a well-celebrated victory that was valued by all Tocumwal players and supporters.
Final score: Tocumwal 17.14 (116) def Blighty 6.9 (45)
Tocumwal best: Connor Phibbs, Kyle Keenan, Adam Kent, Drew Haebich, Blair Eddy and Andrew Dickins.
Tocumwal cash incentives: Connor Phibbs, Adam Kent, Kyle Keenan.
Tocumwal goals: Andrew Dickins 5, Drew Heabich 3, Flynn Tonks 3, Xavier Walker 2, Logan White 2, Liam Sutton 1, Jack Clarke 1.
On one final note, well done to all the Blighty netballers on the organisation of Pink Day, raising money for the Breast Cancer Newtwork.
They had all Blighty footballers wearing pink socks, held various raffles and raised a good amount of money.
Reserves:
In an electrifying match, the Tocumwal reserves showcased their determination, securing a resounding victory against Blighty.
All roads seemed to have led to Blighty Recreation Reserve on Saturday for the Blighty reserves side as the team came out with 10 on the interchange bench in trying blustery weather conditions.
It was magnificent to see. The whole team was local and it made for a fun day.
The game didn’t give Blighty the desired result, but they were in the contest for three parts before fatigue got hold of us and Tocumwal showed its strength.
From the opening whistle to the final buzzer, Tocumwal demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork and resilience on the field.
The Bloods who gave best on ground performances were Jesse Colston, Pete Harrison, Liam Colston, Jack Gowty and thirds player Jirra Letcher who helped the team secure the win.
Final score: Tocumwal 14.17 (101) def Blighty 0.1 (1).
Tocumwal cash incentives: Jesse Colston; Wingates $20 Voucher - Jack Gowty; IGA $15 Voucher - Jesse Colston; Rivergarden Chinese $15 Voucher - Glenn Braybon; Wandana Farms Thursday Night Dinner - Jordy Findlay.
Tocumwal goals: Luke Wallace 5, Jordy Findlay 3, Seth Lawerence 2, Tim Arklay 1, Jay Dickins 1, Pete Harrison 1, Nathan O’Connell 1.
Fourths:
With no thirds game at Blighty, the Tocumwal fourths were allocated a later time slot, which gave them the opportunity to play in near-perfect conditions. And they took full advantage.
From the first bounce, the boys in the Tocumwal midfield went to work and gave the forwards the opportunity to pile in the goals, led by Chase Dickens with seven in the first half.
He was supported by Archie Matters, Joel Harrison, Henry Watmore, Ollie East and Judd Haebich who all bagged majors, giving Toc a 15-goal lead at half-time.
The second half was much the same, with Harrison Wilson and Cooper Quick moving the ball out of the middle thanks to some handy ruck work by Archie Chellew and Lucas Barron. The trusty backline stood up again, keeping Blighty scoreless.
With no game for fifths this weekend, five Blighty fifths players played for the fourths and did a great job.
Final score: Tocumwal 23.14 (152) def Blighty 0.0 (0).
Tocumwal Awards: Donavan Tainton Refrigeration $10 Canteen Voucher - Lucas Baron; Paul Quick & Peter Absolom $10 cash - Archie Matters; Wilson Farming Sock Award - Judd Haebich; Baldwin’s Bus Thursday Night Dinner – Lucas Baron.
Tocumwal goals: Chase Dickins 10, Archie Matters 4, Pheonix Valente 3, Henry Watmore 1, Judd Haebich 1, Joel Harrison 1, Harrison Wilson 1, Cooper Quick 1, Ollie East 1.
Tocumwal’s best: Harrison Wilson, Ollie East, Chase Dickins, Lucas Baron.
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