Taking on a team in the top three was always going to be a tough ask for the senior side, but despite this they were prepared to do whatever it took to make a genuine contest of the game.
Strathy got out of the blocks fast with slick movement of the ball and accuracy with their ball delivery into the forward line. The first quarter ended with six majors to Strathy and 0 to Toc.
The second stanza started more evenly with Adam Kent competing well in the ruck, providing first use of the ball and clunking marks around the ground at will.
Centre clearances were more evenly shared throughout the quarter with McCabe and Rowe kicking a major each to put Toc on the scoreboard. Duane Haebich continued to present in the forward line and kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Going into half-time saw Toc nine goals in arrears but hanging in there with some positive contributions from Congram, White, Collins-Bye and Lavis.
The third quarter saw both teams arm-wrestle over centre clearances with strong on ball work by Haebich and Rowe to make every contest a challenge.
However, the firepower of Strathy’s forwards kept them kicking away with another five goals, putting the game further out of reach.
The final address from coach Rowe had the message that the scoreboard was now irrelevant, and they needed to continue to believe in themselves and get out of their comfort zones by continuing to apply the pressure and make Strathy earn every kick.
It was clear from the onset that this had an effect as they lifted to a new level putting their bodies on the line and competing at every contest.
Best on field for Tocumwal were Adam Kent, Luke Congram, Mitch Collins Bye, Kade Rowe, Jordan Lavis and Brock McCabe.
Goal kickers for Tocumwal were Brock McCabe (2) and Kade Rowe (1).
Awards: 1st Incentive — Adam Kent; 2nd Incentive — Harvey White; 3rd Incentive – Raymond Sutton.
Final score: Tocumwal 3.9 (27) def by Strathmerton 22.21 (153).
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