B Grade

RUDALL v KIMBA DISTRICTS… Supporters of both teams had good reason to line the boundary with high expectations – this time round only the Rams expectations would be realised.

It was an even first quarter with Kimba just taking the points thanks to an after-the-siren goal to Fabian MCGilvray.

Jason Burton was instrumental in the Rams three second quarter goals. He was the link man between Brady Norris and Paul Peters who kicked the quarters opening goal from 45 out. Later he would snap truly for one of his own before again assisting Paul Peters in another.

Brayden Tucker and Dylan Eatts manufactured goals for the Tigers, but they (Kimba) weren’t playing well. Too often they failed to keep their feet and apply pressure around contests. One leading kinesiologist proffered glycolysis and lactic acid build up as a possible excuse in extreme conditions.

In above 30 degree temperatures where were the wet towels – don’t tell me they too had succumbed to oppressive water restrictions.

Rudall controlled play for much of the third quarter with Steven Roberts gaining the ascendency in defence but rarely did they venture to the attacking side of the ground. When they did they were rewarded with goals to Craig Smith, Adam Crosby and Graeme Fischer.

When first Paul Peters and then the ‘Fish’ added early last quarter goals, the Tigers faced the impossible task of kicking 5 goals in 15 minutes to win the game. It wouldn’t happen.

Instead Brady Norris, whose pace was again an important factor in the result, gathered the ball on the far flank, executed a back turn with two and a half double twist inside out reverse pike (degree of difficulty 6.8899939147) to make a real splash with a great individual goal – it was the icing on the cake.

Best for the Rams (in order of age?) were Craig Smith (BOG) again a cool head on a hot day, Jason Burton was desperate and team oriented in everything he did, Steven Roberts took a while to get on top in defence, Paul Peter always dangerous around goals, Brad Harris ran hard to make space and found plenty of the ball and Brady Norris – too much run and carry for his opposite numbers.

For the Tigers Steve Maitland led by example, although he doesn’t have a left foot ( I only say that because apparently his wife often and reluctantly concedes he is always right!) He kept his feet, backed his judgement, attacked the ball and won many contests, likewise Brayden Chambers provided plenty of energy and run off the half back line (including a couple of nice contested marks) and Dylan Eatts with 3 goals up forward was fair reward for effort.

Rudall 11-7 (73) d Kimba 6-9 (45)