Tales from the dug out
THIS match was always going to be tough for the Hogs. A shortage of players has hurt the Razorbacks over recent weeks and they fielded just 11 players for this contest.
The Blackwood team is enjoying great form — a very fit and fast outfit, with five players on the interchange bench.
Donnybrook controlled the early stages of the first half. The experienced Crusty Chapman came to the fore, setting up play for the Hogs.
Pete Gardiner, back from injury, used his pace and skill to penetrate the Blackwood defence. The Razorbacks were unlucky not to take the important early lead.
Donnybrook’s young players have become integral to this team and all four Young Guns were in the action early. Cody Denholm just missed a great shot from a tight angle.
The Razorbacks were able to match the slick Southerners until an intercept saw the lanky Blackwood speedsters race the ball the full length of the field. Chook Lotto had no chance against three players and Blackwood scored the first goal.
The tempo of the game intensified and Blackwood continued to hurt the Razorbacks with turnovers in the Donnybrook forward zone. The Hogs were simply not able to match Blackwood’s pace. Blackwood consistently rotated its interchange two players at a time.
Dogged defensive work from Big Don and Chook Lotto stalled the Blackwood attack. Ben Mountford and Mark Atherton put themselves amongst the action. Josh Denholm also stepped up his workload and helped to keep the Hogs in the game.
Cody Denholm again missed another tough chance but kept his cool and set up a penalty corner. Black-wood again took possession and in the blink of an eye was peppering the goals. Chook Lotto stopped shot after shot until saved by thehalf-time siren.
Donnybrook was in bad shape at half-time. Kiwi’s hamstring was holding by a thread, Big Don had copped a ball to the foot, aggravating an old broken toe and the rest of the team showed the strain of chasing the Blackwood speed machine.
Blackwood opened the second half at full pace and a quick series of passes led to a second goal from a converted penalty. The Razorbacks fought back with Roo-Dog Cristaldi running hard despite close checking from his tagger.
Crusty, Pete and the Roo-Dog kept working hard in the midfield as usual. When Kiwi’s hamstring went “ping” with no-one on the bench to replace him, the Blackwood forwards were given far too much latitude, scoring two field goals in quick succession.
Donnybrook’s “never say die” attitude meant that the Hogs would not lie down. In fact, the Hogs play some great hockey when their backs are against the wall.
Mark Atherton, epitomising the Razorback attitude, put his rangy frame on the line with a bold attack on the goal keeper. His preparedness to take pain a great sign for his future.
The Kiwi also showed courage despite playing on one leg, moving to the forward line to provide a target. It was a case of the spirit being willing but the body having other ideas. Kiwi received plenty of passes, but sadly unable to finish off the good work from the midfield.
True grit from Donnybrook kept the score at four-nil until the end. A tired, sore and depleted Razorback side keeping Blackwood to four goals can be counted as an achievement. With one game to go before the finals, it is hoped Donnybrook will limp into fourth place.
Best players on the day: Chook Lotto three votes, Crusty Chapman two votes, Cody Denholm one vote.
Highlights: Pete Gardiner’s great return from injury and (again) the four “Young Guns” showing their worth.
Lowlights: Kiwi’s season-ending injury.
Email a friend