CFMG Capital - Colts Review
Andrew Thomson
COLTS REMAIN UNDEFEATED AFTER TOUGH CONTEST
The Western Magpies Colts have consolidated a good start to the season to be 3 – 0 after a hard fought victory over Wilston Grange at Chelmer on Saturday evening.
The Colts celebrated their first home game under lights this year after having to come from behind to win by 19 points, 8.7-55 to 5.6-36.
The game was set to be an arm wrestle from the start with both teams tied up at quarter time in a low scoring affair. After the break the larger bodied Wilston Grange boys came out of the blocks faster and harder than the Magpies allowing to jump away to a 3 goal lead by the main break. The challenge for the Pies would be to stop their opponents outside run and ability to break out of contests with limited pressure.
A much more determined and physical Magpies side came out after half time and slowly started to work away at the deficit. Controlling much of the football in the third quarter, some sloppy entries into the forward 50 cost the Colts several quality scoring opportunities. However, they managed to grab a 6 point lead by the last break and kept their noses in front for the rest of the game.
Once again the backline held firm lead by Hamish Campbell and Whitlam Bishop playing their best games of the year at fullback and centre half back respectively. Tristan Jackson was dynamic on the half back flank and the running brigade of Sam Hartog, Saxon Pobjoy and Tristan Dowdy were devastating on the turnover. Max Webber lead from the front all day, working tirelessly through the midfield. The inclusion of Sam de Nys in the middle provided plenty of grunt for the Magpies side which included a cracking goal to open up the final quarter of play. Once again the forward line looked dangerous, particularly with Jordan Bonney deep and Abdullah Haddad using his pace and smarts inside the forward 50. The wings of Daniel Edwards and Cal Grant imposed themselves on the game in the second half providing a much needed spark on the outside of the contest.
The young Magpies team showed plenty of character to tough out the hard fought win which now sees them undefeated and on top of the ladder after three rounds. In saying that, there is still plenty to work on and fine tuning to be done over the next few rounds as the side prepares for some big challenges ahead.
Western Magpies 1-2 1-3 5-4 8-7-55
Wilston Grange 0.2 3-34-4 5-6-36
Western Magpies
Goal Kickers: J. Bonney 3, A. Haddad 2, S. de Nys, D. Edwards, J. Sheath
Best Players: M. Webber, H. Campbell, C. Grant, W. Bishop, T. Dowdy, A. Haddad