Welcome to the second half of Season 2010 and with UTS at Trumper it was a good opportunity to measure where we are at as a side. With improved structures and discipline this squad is really starting to become a strong hard football side who are proud to wear the Balmain jumper.

 

The return of Maxie and Robbo in the side gave us plenty of toughness and hussle around the breakdowns and some much needed help for Cottsy who has been doing the hard yards for weeks. With eight players from last weeks side being unavailable our depth was once again tested but with a big keen squad positions where quickly filled. Prior to the games start Undies was given a massive task of being the spare down back and help Jase Fretwell stop UTS forwards and I'm happy to report he completed it with flying colours. Taking pack marks and delivering long clearing kicks to the wings Undies helped shock UTS to lead by two goals at the first break.

 

With the same set up in the second quarter the UTS forwards were starved of ball giving Bushy and Kippa a chance to trouble the scorers. 18 players playing hard tight football we were in full swing running in at half time two goals up against the more favoured UTS. Every player did what was asked of them in the first half - accountable football, playing for each other, sticking the the structures, and playing with discipline.

 

Almost as soon as the third quarter started Pinkys hamstring let go closely followed by Boyds ankle and Halidays health due to recent surgery which threw our structured side upside down, allowing UTS to quickly take control and with a polished side like UTS they made us pay on the scoreboard. Eventually running out winners UTS showed that they are the real deal but to our credit as the coach I can say today the boys did themselves and the club proud running out four quarters against tough opposition. We didn't stop tackling, running, chasing, and being accountable. I believe as a players group we are on the right track and with continued hard work the wins will start to come.

 

Next week we take on Camden at the new Blacktown sports ground in a match that we have to win to redeem ourselves, with Camden winning our last encounter all the squad remembers the feeling of that loss and at such a great venue we are all pumped up for the challenge.

 

Cheers Bigshow