The Williamstown Seagulls set off on another Road Trip for our Round 4 fixture, in our Sixt bus, proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Altona and Laverton.
C Grade: Williamstown travelled to Ferntree Gully to play the Eagles at Wally Tew Reserve in great footballing conditions. FTG only had 14 players, and while we had a number of players out, we still would have had a bench of 8 or 10 players. So it was with great sporting attitude that Frank, Ollie, Pamela and Daryl put their hands up to have a run with the Eagles, and they all contributed very well. After a slow start, when the Gully got a couple of early goals, Willy gradually worked their way on top. With a resolute backline, a dominant midfield and a hard working forward line, the Seagulls leaders were able to bring the less experienced players into the game. The more confidence we can develop in our younger players, the better we will be prepared to play in the finals. Thanks to all the people who helped out and supported. Final score: Williamstown Seagulls 9.11 (65) to Ferntree Gully Eagles 7.1 (43)
At the conclusion of the C Grade match, the Bendigo Bank bus travelled to Jordan Reserve for the A Grade game against Monash Demons.
Again, we had 8 or so players unavailable, but Monash numbers were down too, and both teams started with 17 each on the ground and no bench. An unfortunate injury to Pete Willoughby, who hurt his shoulder falling to the ground after an uncontested mark, numbers were reduced to 16, giving us a bench. Further injuries to Monash reduced the lineups to 16, then 15, and finally 14. This allowed us to manage our rotations, as we extended our lead. Early in the last quarter, Monash player Jai Haeusler appeared to be badly hurt in a hard but fair tackle, and it was agreed that the game would end at that point, as he was still on the ground and Monash’s numbers were below 14.
We hope that both Pete and Jai, and all the other Monash players who were injured, have speedy recoveries.
Scores: Williamstown Seagulls 11.5 (71) to Monash Demons 3.2 (20). Mercy rule margin applies.
At the conclusion of the A Grade game, we returned to Footscray Station in our Sixt bus, proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Altona and Laverton.
Thanks to all the clubs which agreed to change start times to accommodate our fixtures.