Round 10 - Beverly Hills vs Fitzroy

Cold, clear, dry conditions greeted the boys for their away game against Beverly Hills - the coldest day of the year so far. While much of the ground was fast, the centre was a quagmire of sticky, black mud. With stars, Stanley, Tom Markham, Mason, Leo and Darcy away, it seemed like the boys had a job ahead of them against the team sitting above them on the ladder.  In the rooms before the game, John spoke of the 'massive opportunity' that awaited the team. He urged them not to panic and to maintain composure with their disposals. Team captains, Max and Jack, led the boys out through a guard of honour formed by the victorious 'Tackers' team who had just finished their match. The following three quarters tended to favor Fitzroy in the first half and Beverly Hills in the second, with Fitzroy being more successful at converting on the score line. Fitzroy's version of the 'Splash Brothers', Laird and Kyle, settled quickly into their rhythm for the game, while prolific possession winner, Sam Ward, continued with his strong consistent form from the previous games. Joe was punching well above his weight in terms of contested possessions, taking a mark and setting up Max to score the team's first goal of the day. Jack was having an impact around the ground, while the strongest rucking combination in the competition, Joel and Isaac were completely dominant. At quarter time, Scott was happy with the boys efforts but reminded them to follow team rules and kick to the flanks and not to 'kick into problems'. The second quarter saw Sam Clarke and Tom Ward playing strongly and winning possessions, while Jack took an excellent contested mark. Noah Dekker and Joe were attacking the ball with no fear, while Noah Cameroux was playing like a one man army in defence, With the ball in Fitzroy's crowded forward line, Yianni kicked off the ground to score the team's second goal. A little later, Alex kicked for goal but narrowly missed, while Will, reborn as an attacking forward, was looking dangerous. The third quarter saw Finn getting plenty of contested possessions, while Dom was keeping the opposition busy as he went about gathering kicks. Jack, reading the play with accuracy, seemed to be everywhere. Despite doing everything right to set it up, Sam Ward's almost certain goal was touched on the line before moments later, Lucas scored with a wonderful snap that sailed through for six points. Not to be outdone, the irrepressible Lachie, having played strongly all day, kicked another goal (much to the delight of his proud father, Scott). The final quarter saw the wind strengthen and Fitzroy's backline under pressure, as Beverly Hills enjoyed the advantage. Strong marking from Noah Cameroux in the last line of defence saw several scoring opportunities thwarted, while Finn, Laird and Tom Ward were working hard to defend and improve Fitzroy's lead. Cool under pressure, Noah Dekker was hand balling with precision, while Isaac using his athleticism to create opportunities. The game ended with a satisfying win for Fitzroy. Jack was awarded the opposition team medal for his powerhouse game while back in the rooms, Yianni and Noah Cameroux where awarded the lolly bags for there inspiring efforts in the forward line and in defence. Filthy but happy, the boys sang the Club song before heading home to a warm shower. Go Roys!