Round 7 - Scorpions vs Mozzies

The Scorpions travelled north to Manchester to take on a Mozzies squad that would look drastically different from the one they played against a week before in Newcastle. With both teams in good form at the top of the table, an epic clash was in store.

The first and most obvious challenge that both teams had to face was the heat. Neil's demand to be hydrated at all times this season would go unheeded yet again. With a limited bench (i.e., one), the Scorpions knew that they would need to play some smart, accurate footy to get over the line.

The first quarter started at a frenetic pace, with both teams going hard at the ball trying to assert dominance. Some heavy pressure up the field from James Haden and Josh Richards meant that the Mozzies were unable to get quick ball down the field from their backs, while simultaneously some good defensive pressure at the back from Rob Goliah, Rich Lucas and Neil de Joux meant that many scoring opportunities were shut down early. Both teams essentially traded goal for goal in the first quarter, with less than a goal in it at quarter time.

The second quarter maintained the same pace and standard that had been set in the first. Aware that we needed to try control the game, Ash Swift, James Cobbledick and Ian Miller worked hard in the middle to dictate the play. Making life a little bit easier in there was Carl Smith, who was having a stellar game in the ruck. Special mention needs to go to Josh Wardle, who attacked the ball hard in what has to be considered as his best game in a Scorpions jersey. Again the teams were trading goal for goal for the majority of the quarter, and both teams were being made to work hard for those goals. One particular passage of note was an approximately 5 minute period in which there were nearly no stoppages, with all 18 players on the pitch being heavily involved on and off the ball. Glorious stuff for the neutral fan, perhaps a little bit less enjoyable for those playing. The Mozzies had the better of the final few minutes of the quarter, and went into the halftime break with an 11 point lead at 61 to 50.

The halftime break allowed for some well-deserved rest and some well needed hydration for both teams. The Scorpions team talk focussed on making the right decisions and controlling the play, which was going to be crucial as legs were beginning to tire. Unfortunately, the Mozzies were much faster out of the blocks in the 3rd quarter, and to their credit they nailed their opportunities to pull away on the scoreboard. There is a reason why they call it the championship quarter, and the Mozzies showed the standard that they are known for playing here.

The Scorpions were determined not to let the game drift away too much in the 4th quarter however, and would work hard to not only restore some respectability to the score line, but potentially push for an upset. The 4th quarter we lifted back to the standards set in the 1st half. Controlling the play, making quick and decisive goals, and kicking true, the Scorpions continued to push the Mozzies right to the final buzzer. Unfortunately for us it wasn’t enough, and the Mozzies were the well-deserved victors on the day at 117 to 89.

Having both traded wins with depleted teams so far this year, the next game between the Scorpions and Mozzies (whatever round that is…) promises to be a scorcher.

The players’ player of the day was Chill, with special mentions going to Cobby and Ash. In all honesty though, every player on the field from both teams deserves a special mention for a fantastic and competitive game of footy.