Well it was a welcomed respite from the hot Oregon summer on Sunday, as the weather turned on an overcast mid-70’s day. With some strong gales blowing through and a shower or two, it turned on an interesting day of football. Good numbers showed up early and ready to go, so game 1 between the Brewers and Loggers got going earlier than expected. It was a fierce battle from the outset, and from the kick off it was always going to be a see-sawing match. The brewers, who were unusually short on numbers, lacked none of their normal tenacity, as Coventry, Snider an co. went about business as usual. But it was a rejuvenated Loggers outfit, who haven’t had a lot of success on the scoreboard this year, who took the fight right up to the Brewers. Coach Mooney was dominant across halfback, and Sandman continues to build on his form coming into an important time for Steelheads football, winning clearances at will to push the Loggers forward. With 2 minutes left on the clock, the Loggers were up by a goal, but the Brewers were pushing hard and you knew they wouldn’t let up. They peppered the goals and eventually got the scores they needed, to win the match by 7 points. The Loggers lost no respect though, as they fought valiantly. The loss however makes it near impossible for them to make the final, whereas the Brewers win puts them in prime position for a Grand Final berth, only needing one more win to guarantee their spot.
Score:
Brewers: 8.5.53
Loggers: 7.4.46
Game 2 was an important game in the context of the season for the Ospreys and the Cascades, with the winner to put themselves a game clear on second, vital with 2 games left. The cascades came in without a few stars in Mercurio, Kim and Quinn, but topped up well to ensure a close contest. The first half was much like game 1, a tight contest with both teams hitting the scoreboard. Gaebe was getting on top for the Cascades with early goals, so the change was made to put Evan on him, which was vital to the Ospreys chances. Matt Worden was getting clearances with ease for the Cascades, but the experience of Okely and important move of Simone down back, had the Birds up at half-time by a goal or so. The second half saw the fight swing strongly towards the birds, who had the run of the game and ended up covering the blue side by 25 points in the end. It was a strong all-round team performance from the Ospreys, who are hitting form at the right time of the year, whilst next week’s game becomes a must win for the Cascades when they take on the ladder leading Brewers, if they want to stay in the hunt for the premiership this season.
Score:
Ospreys: 8.7.55
Cascades: 4.6.30