Herald Sun Country Shield Competition
Morwell Recreation Reserve would play host to Catholic College Sale’s Senior Boys Football team as we ventured down to the Latrobe Valley to compete in the first round of the Herald Sun Country Shield competition. On Tuesday July 31st CCS were joined by Marist-Sion Warragul and Lowanna Secondary College in the Gippsland stage of the competition. With a third team taking part in 2018, the three schools would play off in a round robin format, with the winner set to play the highly touted Ballarat & Clarendon College at Craigieburn the following week.
The inclusion of a new team brought a renewed sense of enthusiasm to the competition. As we arrived at the ground, we had the opportunity to scout out our competition, with our two opponents playing off in the first match. Lowanna proved the stronger team, notching up the first victory of the day. With only 15 minute halves, we soon found ourselves on the ground for our first encounter against the winners of the game prior.
The first half against Lowanna was characterised be some great on ball presence from the CCS midfield. Mason Hawkins was terrific in the ruck, while the continued efforts of Nathan Whitford, Declan Barnett and Jo Ziino ensured our contested work was effective. Liam Heasley, one of the younger members of the team, did a great across the half back line, registering some intercept marks at crucial stages. We went into half time one goal down, but right in the hunt.
The second half began with a flurry. Vice-Captain Luke Williams won a free kick in the centre square, and quickly moved the ball inside 50m to Jonty McGuiness who slotted a goal. Shortly after, some bold play through the corridor and great body positioning lead to Max Gravener putting a major on the scoreboard, tying the game up two-goals-two-behinds a piece. As the clock ticked down, Lowanna, using the wind to their advantage, scored a late point which edged them in front, and ultimately gave them the win. We rued some missed opportunities, but were content with our first up performance.
CCS 0.2.2 2.3.15
LOW 1.2.8 2.4.16
Goals: McGuiness, Gravener
Our second match pitted us against one of our rivals in Marist-Sion Warragul. A chain of sharp midfield possessions lead to our first inside 50m entry; the end result had Jo Ziino getting us on the scoreboard with a clean snap around the corner from 35m out. Our second goal came from half back, as Zac Hurley drove the ball forward, delivering the ball to Joel Hutchins in the near forward pocket. Joel made a difficult shot on goal look easy, as he slotted through our second major. At half time our lead was seven points.
The second stanza saw the ball spend a high percentage of time in our forward half, with our midfielders and half-forwards forcing multiple stoppages and setting up in a composed manner, ensuring the Sherrin remained in our scoring range. While Warragul were able to pull one back, Max Gravener sealed victory with a goal late in the game. We would again play Lowanna in the Grand Final.
CCS 2.2.14 3.2.20
MSW 1.1.7 2.2.14
Goals: Ziino, Hutchins, Gravener
We began well in the Grand Final. Our midfield were breaking even in contested possession statistics, and we were able to work the ball forward with purpose on a number of occasions. Jonty McGuiness and Joel Hutchins proved terrific targets up forward, and while we went into half time with just one goal on the board, we felt we had the advantage in a low-scoring contest.
Despite some good play in the second half, Lowanna were able to string together multiple scoring efforts, including a long kick-in that led to a fast break goal against the flow of play. We eventually would fall a couple of goals short when the final siren sounded, with a late goal to our opponents
CCS 1.2.8 1.3.9
LOW 0.1.1 3.2.20
Goals: Hutchins
Best for the day: Zac Hurley, Luke Williams, Declan Barnett, Tom Thatcher, Jo Ziino, Jackson Cottrell.
Zac Hurley was judged our best player of the day, but it was pleasing to see so many perform their roles and stand up when required.
A massive thank you to Anthony Robbins for his time and expertise as coach of this year’s Herald Sun squad and to Michael Dowse – who is always a valuable addition on days such as this. Also, thank you to Joel Gray who acted as the team’s runner for the day.
Congratulations to Lowanna Secondary College and to AFL Gippsland for putting on such a well-run event. We certainly look forward to future Herald Sun Shield Football competitions.
Squad – Declan Barnett, Mitchell Bown, Jackson Cottrell, Shannon Cottrell, Cooper Dixon, Ethan Dyer, Josh Edey, Max Gravener, Mitch Harrigan, Mason Hawkins, Liam Heasley, Zac Hurley, Joel Hutchins, Mac Huts, Nick Ierardi, Louis Jones, Will Logan, Jonty McGuiness, Brent McKenzie, Griffan Randle, Harrison Ronchi, Matt Ross, Blake Safstrom, Kyle Simpson, Hamish Telfer, Tom Thatcher, Nathan Whitford, Luke Williams, Joe Ziino
