Match Report 6.5.2012

Imperials hosted Meningie on Saturday where the home side won the toss and kicked to the town end in cool but calm conditions. The Blues drew first blood where Honner found new mid fielder Phil Smith alone inside 50.  Girdham negotiated heavy traffic soon after and kicked truly, signalling warning signs to the Bears. Big Gus Bruggerman took a couple of strong grabs and looked like he could cause some headaches for the Blues defender in Edwards. Young Blue forward Altschwager marked strongly and kicked truly from the boundary and 45 metres, giving that player much needed confidence. Meningie looked under pressure, repelling attacks but only to find opposition jumpers in the way. They managed their only major score for the first term with a soccer goal in the square through Kelvin Maher who had some shiny moments. Altschwager once again marked strongly in the pack and nailed a nice goal from outside 50. Puiaitti and Temby were mopping up many Meningie turn overs, one such occasion where Puiaitti was felled after disposal, resulting in a goal to Tyler.  Puiaitti again received a free for high tackle and goaled for Imps 7^th. Justin Sumner capitalised on another Meningie clanger in defence, and when Kowald goaled from 45 degrees on 50, the Blues had set up an 8 goal gap at the first change.

Quarter time; Imps 9-1(55) Meningie 1-2 (8).

At the start of the second term Smith of Imperials involved himself in many hard ball contests and set the standard for his team. Meningie, however came out with a bit more purpose and gained more possession, but poor disposal let them down at times. Altshwager again lead strongly, marked and goaled from range and you could tell he was enjoying the opportunities. The Bears Greg Sadlier was working hard as was the Blues Daniel Girdham, who was having the better of any of the smaller Meningie players he stood. James McLaren took advantage of a loose crumb and goaled from 50. Kowald was creating all sorts of problems for Meningie and when he wheeled on his left after a couple of dodges a major was the result. Meningie lost Hayden Biddle for the game when he was spoiled heavily in the goal square. Shaun Cunneen and Rowe were trying hard for the Bears but much needed system and cohesion between the players was lacking. The Blues defence of Quast and Wait held firm with Edwards now shutting down Bruggerman. Maher showed quick reflexes at times and Ware was clever in running onto the ball and converting. In a scrambly quarter, Imperials added 4 goals to Meningie’s 2.

Half time; Imperials 13-3(81) Meningie 3-3(21).

The second half saw Imperials answer to the odd couple Hollitt and Kowald combine to goal. Maher goaled when let roam free on the end of clever transition from Ware. Ware also set up several opportunities and when Smart goaled the Bears found some spring in their step. Ferenci who had been quiet, marked and goaled from the square. Meningie then brought the good work undone when Imps Puiaitti was free kicked. Meningie players remonstrated and Umpire Green did not hesitate to pay a 50 metre penalty, resulting in a goal.  Matt Brunoli showed only glimpses of his best and goaled on the run after breaking a tackle. Altschwager and Kowald goaled before Meningie’s Justin Smart lead strongly and converted. Dylan Hollitt and Wait set up Justin Sumner for a goal to Imps then Temby roved a pack cat like to goal along the ground. He then followed up soon after with a goal on the three quarter time siren.

¾ time Imps 21-6(132) Meningie 8-3(51)

The final quarter was a scrappy one with 3 goals to 1 kicked. Ware and Maher linked and the pacey Maher was ran down by Temby who was leading the Blues with defensive pressure. Harrowfield marked strongly in the pack and kicked a goal and Temby once again wrapped up Brunoli which is a feat in itself. The sting had well and truly subsided and Kowald goaled after a mini drought. Smart kicked the 9th goal for Meningie after a sloppy Imperial clearance, but by that time both sides were all waiting for the final siren.

Final Score Imps 24-8(152) def Meningie 9-3 (57).

Girdham was outstanding for the Blues along with Phil Smith who is starting to feel at home. Bags of goals to Kowald and Altschwager of 7 and 6 respectively will give confidence to the team and themselves. The Blues defence stood firm with Wait, Edwards, Quast and co.

Meningies best were hard to find but Maher created plenty of pace, Ware was clever, Smart ended up with 3 goals and Stone was prominent.