Masters overcome lapse for third win

Just like many sporting clubs across country areas, player numbers and availability can be an issue, which was the case for our visitors and in true Masters spirit, we were able to rally up some extra bodies to provide the Suns with a top-up list.

One of the great parts of this format is the chance for fathers and sons to play together, which will be a highlight for these footballers to cherish over time.

Father-son combinations from the Yarrawonga team putting their hands up to play for the Suns were John and Jack Burns and Luke and Jye Brennan.

Yarrawonga president Ross Mulquiney, fresh off his 300th club game in the reserves last week, also offered his services for the whole game to the opposition, among others.

Both sides had 16 players each, with no wings or bench, the wide-open spaces of JC Lowe Oval was going to test our fitness and abilities.

With Shaun Hawking taking control of the coaching duties from the sideline, movements were made to ensure all players were being accountable across the ground. Team captain ‘Simmo’ was covering plenty of ground with his two-way running and encouragement.

Our backline lead by ‘Dodge’ and ‘Benny D’ ensured the backline was able to repel any Samarian advancements and utilise the midfield via Ian ‘The Godfather’ Foster suppling Gubsy and Shaun Cline.

The latter two, in turn, were able to hit an open forward line and put some much-anticipated goals on the board, with ‘Datto’ kicking two and Dean Briffa also adding a goal to end the first quarter.

Our second quarter was a far cry from the first, with players not being accountable for their opposition - we found ourselves leaving our teammates in the backline under enormous pressure.

The Suns started to get on top of us with their run and carry gamestyle, the smarts of some older and wiser players who had crossed over, namely Mulquiney, saw the opposition move the ball ‘coast to coast’ and get them back into the game.

With some clear guidance from the coaches at half -time break, the Pigeons took to the field with a new focus and a clear expectation of what was required from each player. Debutants for the day included Josh Bozzola, Travis White and Brett Gatt - who all took on the advice given at the main break then went on to display why they will be solid contributors to our side for the rest of the season, showing great run and carry plus grunt around the packs.

Gatty was able to wind back the clock 20-odd years and show glimpses of his silky smooth skills – he even had the opposition impressed when he stepped around a group of opposition players and kicked a ripper from the pocket.

The duel in the ruck between teammates ‘Stretch’ Kelly and Luke Brennan, playing for the Suns, was well fought over four quarters with both players having their moments.

Blocka, Stickers and Beaso held down the backline during the last quarter and allowed Longy and Datto to also hit the scoreboard again, with a goal each to round out our scoreline.

Although a great team effort, the awards went to the following: Gubsy, Simmo, Dodge, Benny D and Datto.

Thanks to our injured trio Jezza Orme and Trev Gilmour for waving flags and Ben Lawless for cooking the barbecue, as well as families and supporters who came down to barrack.

The Masters next game will be Round 4 on Saturday, June 1 against at home against Melton. Any new players interested, please come down on Wednesday evening at 6pm to see what all the excitement is about.