The first game of the year and probably the hardest game to get for the year, Downs at Argana Park.
A's 2-1
This was a really good game to watch, tough in close but some great ball work, passing and skill kept the game open. The Downs in the first 5 minutes absolutely blitzed us. I was worried it was going to be a hammering, they had a ball cleared off the line and they pepper our 18 yard box. After 10 minutes, we got on the ball a bit more and was able to get forward to attack. Whilst the Downs had a couple of chances in the first half, we had more of the play and more of the opportunities. Just after half time, Nathan Day scored a good scrappy goal which our defenders failed to clear. Downs were right back into the match and pushed looking for the winner. After about 65 mins I think, Downs scored from another scrap. We pushed forward looking for the equaliser which opened up the game even more. Aldridge managed to keep out a few good chances we had and Morrison had one disallowed for I thought was offside but appartently it was for a push. In the end, Downs had done enough to get the 3 points.
It was an excellent game with barely any bad challenges. Downs depth this year is incredible when you consider who they had out and who they had on their bench. We were devestated to lose that game espically after such a good first half. Credit to Downs, they dug deep and got the winner. With around 8 players missing from our team from the A's & B's, we could take a lot from that. Its just one of those games you need to win if you want to win the leauge. Couldn't of been prouder of the effort by our guys.
B's 0-2
A truely great effort by the B's today. A very young side that hasn't had the best pre season and missing some regulars but they pulled together to create a result. In fairness to Downs, they had a bit more of the ball and the better of the chances but our guys executed the game plan by Shaken Not Stirred perfectly. Every time Downs had the ball we pressured them and tried to give them no time on the ball. It wasn't our they classy sort of play that we would normally play in the ressies but it was probably one of the best wins we've had since we knocked Downs out of the cup at their ground a few years ago. Downs will be very hard to beat this year with their first team depth and were a little unlucky but must give all the credit to our guys and the attitude and commitment shown yesterday.
C's 2-1
We played our best first half of the year and went in one up. We dropped off in the second and dropped off even more when Downs had a player sent off. Really disappointing game to lose but once again there were a lot of positives from some of our new players and some great efforts by our regulars.
35+ 1-5
Our boys got up for a great win over the Downs. Both teams were missing a few players but both will be better for the run to start the season proper next week.
Overall it was a disappointing day for us aside from the B's but there was a lot of positives we can take out of all the games. With a few guys to come back in the next week or so, things are still on track for a big year for us.
Cheers to Downs for a great day. They are still the benchmark in how they do things in the SAASL. Great crowd, great facilities and a lot of good banter. I would like to thank Old Redback for the Guava Vodka drinks, they went down an absoulte treat in the corporate box. The upstairs upgrade, fully staffed sounds pretty good to me. Good luck to them for the rest of the year, except when they come to Walkley Park in round 10
