Woods still undefeated in 2017

The Blackwood Football Club A Grade remain undefeated in 4 games to begin the Hills Football League in season 2017. In a scrappy game, courtesy of a four goal to two last quarter the A Grade record a 13 point victory over the Onkaparinga Valley Bulldogs in Round 5 of the Hills Football League.

Facing off at Blackwood Hill Oval, a less than happy hunting ground for the travelling Bulldogs who had only won one of the previous 7 matches at the venue and only four out of the last fourteen against Blackwood. Both sides made changes to the previous weeks line ups with 100 gamer Denam Moore being a late inclusion for the Woods whilst the Dogs brought in Hochuli, Georg-Dent and Quarisa at the expense of Hortle, Hausler and Fanning.

Matt Tuck looks to hit a target moving the ball inside the forward 50

Mark Reynolds gets set to kick the ball

Both sides entered the match with good scoring ability with Blackwood averaging the 116 points per game (ranked #1 in the competition), whilst Onkaparinga Valley were averaging the second most points per game (97 points) in 2017. The visitors got off to an immediate flyer when the kicked the first goal of the match inside 1 minute. They appeared to be well structured behind the play with David Kruse and Jordan Wilson-King controlling the half back line. It took until the fifteenth minute of the match for the home side to register their first goal of the game. It came courtesy of Steve Woods who took a nice mark and converted. Michael Minuzzo then got another on the board for the home side to see them take a 5 point lead into the first break

Both sides were given positive words of advice at the first break and urged to continue to take the game on. Onkaparinga Valley came out the better side after the break controlling much of the player for the quarter. Some uncharacteristic skill errors for the home side across the half back line proved costly as Onkaparinga Valley capitalised. With Jesse O’Brien copping a hard tag from Harry Wake the game got somewhat heated as his team mates looked to help him out wherever possible. The Dogs were doing what was required and they kicked 3 goals. Blackwood’s only major for the term came through a craft half forward Ryan Dijksman. Onkaparinga Valley won the quarter by 8 points and took a 3 point lead into the major break.

Blackwood coach Damien Salievic let loose at half time in one of the best sprays heard in a long-long time. He was dissatisfied with his sides’ level of play and urged in to lift in all areas of the game. The game opened up abit after the main break at Onkaparinga Valley got two early goals in the third term to extend the lead to the 20 point margin. Things were looking shaky for the home side as a hush began to come across those who were at the game. Three late goals for the Woods brought the game back into reach as the 3 quarter time siren sounded.

Daniel Bennetts gets up to apply a spoil on the ball

Jan Warbout looks to pluck a mark whilst copping some close attention

There was a sense of resolve in both groups at the final break as they both thought they had what it takes to win the game. James Moore urged his players to give a final 25 minutes of hard work to see the side record a great victory. The final quarter however belonged to the home side as Blackwood lifted and controlled much of the play. Kicking four final quarter goals to one saw the Woods run out 13 point winners when the final siren sounded.

Defenders were a feature of the better players for the Woods with skipper Kurt Thompson, Scott Bricknell, Daniel Bennetts, Brad Jones all finding their names amongst the list. Whilst a 4 goal haul to half forward Ryan Dijksman was also recognised by the Blackwood coaching staff.

Ryan Dijskman arches his back as he looks to escape an opponent

100 gamer Denam Moore takes off with the ball as Mark Reynolds lends support

Overall, this game wasn’t a pretty one to watch. Both sides structured up well defensively and make it hard for either side to score. Skill errors were made by both sides and this proved costly when it really mattered for the visitors as Blackwood found a way to get a victory in the final quarter. Onkaparinga Valley are a dangerous side with good structure, quality top end players and they really give it 100%. If they can improve their skill level, particularly by foot they will be a side that features in the back end of the season.

For Blackwood they certainly did not play anywhere near as well as they had done in the previous games. But as coach Damien Salievic said after the game, ‘we just found a way to win. Too often in the past we might have let that game slip. We have plenty to work on in the upcoming weeks.’

In other results:

The Blackwood Football Club is yet to lose a game across 21 matches played for premiership points in the Hills Football League. The results from the other matches last weekend are:

Hills Football League

– B Grade: Blackwood 11.9.75 defeated Onkaparinga Valley 3.4.22

– C Grade: Blackwood 14.9.93 defeated Milang 2.4.16

– Senior Colts: Blackwood 14.22.106 defeated Onkaparinga Valley 4.6.30

– Junior Colts: Blackwood 9.3.57 defeated Onkaparinga Valley 5.2.32

– Mini Colts: Blackwood 4.3.27 defeated Onkaparinga Valley 1.2.8

– Total HFL Score this weekend: Blackwood 64.59.443 defeated opposition sides 26.24.180

SANFL Boys

Under 14s: Bye

Under 12s: Result not uploaded at publication date

Under 11s: Result not uploaded at publication date

Girls