It was yet another sluggish start for Tocumwal’s senior footballers as Picola was able to get hands on the footy and outnumber at the contest which in turn resulted in a three goal to zero first term.
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The second term was a bit more of an even affair with Tocumwal beginning to get a bit more drive from the centre. Tommy Barker continued his good recent form linking up well out on his wing and being very efficient with his disposal. Youngster Raymond Sutton was also providing some run off half back and looked to be building some confidence playing at the level.
After a think about things at halftime, a comeback seemed on the cards with more forward entries. Brush Haebich and Brock McCabe went to work hitting the scoreboard and at one point The Bloods actually hit the front. But just when it looked as though Tocumwal had things on its terms, an undisciplined act saw Picola get a centre bounce free kick which ultimately saw them kick a goal back immediately. Down by 14 points at three-quarter time the game was in the balance, but Picola was able to kick two early majors and it was always going to be hard after that. To Tocumwal’s credit the side continued to play the game out, but couldn’t deny Picola its 13-point win.
Better players were Kade Rowe, Mitch Collins-Bye, Tom Barker, Harvey White and Brock McCabe who finished with five goals.
Best on field for Tocumwal: Kade Rowe, Brock McCabe, Harvey White, Zander Griffin, Mitch Collins Bye, Tom Barker
Goal Kickers for Tocumwal: Brock McCabe 5, Duane Haebich 4, Drew Haebich 1, Luke Congram 1.
Awards: 1st Incentive – Harvey White; 2nd Incentive – Zander Griffin; 3rd Incentive – Tom Barker.
Final score: Tocumwal 11.6 (72) def by Picola United 13.7 (85).
The trip down to Picola on Saturday for the Tocumwal Reserves was another successful win for the Bloods, however, they were made to work very hard for the points.
With Kenny back from COVID-19 and putting his hand up for his first real hit out on the field, and the experience of Scotty Baldwin back in the side for the clash against the Blues, the young boys in the side went onto the field with confidence and enthusiasm for the game to begin.
However, the game did not start well for the Bloods with the Blues playing a very clean organised brand of footy that caught Tocumwal thinking the win was just not going to happen.
The Blues were first to the footy and delivered into their forward line consistently for the first 18 minutes.
Great defensive work deep in the back line and a bit of luck to the Bloods was the only reason the board showed an even score at the first break. After some challenging conversations by Kenny at quarter time, the team regrouped to focus on playing a harder brand of footy and winning more contested ball if the game was going to be won on their terms.
Although it didn’t happen straight away, the Bloods younger brigade of Riley Colston, Jarrod Saliba and Jesse Colston through the middle, and Drew Eddy and Harley across half back, took it upon themselves to lift the tempo.
In doing so the tide turned in the middle two quarters with the Bloods getting on top around the ball, but without too much scoreboard pressure the Blues kept themselves in the game with their clean fast-paced kicking.
With the game still in the balance at three quarter time Quicky went into the midfield and Kenny used his experience in the ruck to keep the game on the Bloods terms.
Getting the ball up forward, Weeman was able to get on the end of a free kick in front of goal and then take a screaming pack grab in the dying minutes, and despite some undisciplined play by Tocumwal towards the end of the game they were able to run out 10-point winners.
With both teams registering 10 scoring shots apiece, the accuracy of the Bloods enabled them to get over the line.
Best on field for Tocumwal: Riley Colston, Glenn Braybon, Drew Eddy, Paul Quick, Jarrod Saliba, Jesse Colston.
Goal Kickers for Tocumwal: Luke Dinan 2, Scott Baldwin 2, Jordan Findlay 1, Riley Colstson 1.
Awards: 1st Incentive – Riley Colston; Baldwin’s Thursday night dinner award – Cody Deegan; Farmers Arms Hotel Pot and Parma award – Luke Dinan; Foreshore Café award – Jarrod Saliba.
Final score: Tocumwal 7.3 (45) def Picola United 5.5 (35).
Each week the under-17s rely on a few key players from the under-14s team.
The game had started this week and Picola had scored three goals before Tocumwal had a full team on the ground.
This put the Bloods behind before they could start.
From here Tocumwal played a game of catch up, the boys having to dig deep and really find something to stay in it, and this is what they did.
Overall, they displayed great teamwork, working extremely hard for each other, bringing them back into the contest.
It was a tough game but great practice for next week. Turn up to training Tuesday and Thursday so the Bloods can continue with their plans and watch the rewards roll in.
Best on field for Tocumwal: Blair Eddy, Kane Wardlaw, Liam Purtill, Pacey Haebich.
Goal Kickers for Tocumwal: Liam Sutton 3, Logan White 3, Kane Wardlaw 2, Blair Eddy 1.
Awards: Ed Thompson Award – Ned Haebich; P & L Palmer Excavations Award – Kane Wardlaw; Wingates $20 voucher – Harry Campbell.
Final score: Tocumwal 9.4 (58) def by Picola United 17.6 (108).
Saturday it was all about junior footy and participation. Tocumwal had around seven boys play for Picola to make sure everybody got a full game.
It was a pleasure to coach and see the boys play well against each other. Looking forward to continuing to watch the boys grow each game.
Best on field for Tocumwal: Logan White, Liam Sutton, Hunter Groutsch, Cooper Mangion, Joshua Herezo.
Goal Kickers for Tocumwal: Liam Sutton 5, Logan White 5, Harrison Wilson 3, Chace Brunskill 2, Sean Lykissas 2, Joshua Herezo 2, Cooper Mangion 1, Rory Wills 1, Declan Palmer 1, Chase Dickins 1, Cody Palmer 1, Judd Haebich 1, Harrison Tainton 1.
Awards: Baldwins Farms Thursday night meal – Donny Tainton; $10 Canteen voucher - Paul Quick & Peter Absolom.
Final score: Tocumwal 26.24 (180) def Picola United 0.0 (0).
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