Round 4- Beachside Sharks vs OC Jets (3/29/09)

A depleted Sharks outfit, down to 13 players, took on an undefeated OC Jets outfit, also without a number of key players, at Northside Park in Azusa. The Sharks knew that unlike other weeks, there was a much smaller bench so the rotations that have been relied on to keep players fresh was not an option this week. Once again, the Sharks were an undersized unit, with mid sized Paul Lindley shouldering the bulk of the ruck load. As a result, the onball unit of Rob Luto and Simon Sweeney had to be aware of their opponents and pay closer attention in reading the taps from the taller Jets ruckman.

In the first quarter, the Jets jumped out of the box and scored the opening goal in a matter of seconds. After that point, it was all Sharks. This time, the Sharks were able to provide the scoreboard pressure that reflected their dominance throughout the term. With Josh De Blank still unable to resume his ruck duties, he continued to provide a strong presence up forward and was able to score goals and provide opportunities for small forwards such as Martin Mondia. Second game revelation Conner Marks was also causing headaches with his strong marking and ability to read the game. The onball trio of Lindley, Sweeney and Luto were providing headaches with their run and intensity, as well contributing to the scoreboard with Sweeney scoring 2 opportunistic goals. Quarter time scores: Sharks 5-3-33; Jets 1-0-6.

The Sharks anticipated that the Jets would come out firing in the second term, and this was the case. The Sharks continued to press forward and put the pressure on the Jets backline, but were unable to convert this into goals. Up the other end, the Jets were able to provide their forwards with more opportunities, and if not for a superhuman effort from Jason Bottrell, supported by Bob Wagner and Frederick Schulin, the Jets would have managed to add more goals to their tally than the 2 they scored. Although the Sharks were beaten on the scoreboard for the quarter, they were able to withstand consistent pressure from the Jets in the final 5 minutes of the quarter to have a lead of 16 points at the main break. Half time scores: Sharks 5-6-36; Jets 3-2-20.

After the main break, the third term was a hard fought and torrid affair. The Jets scored 2 quick goals without response to move within 2 points of the Sharks. The rest of the the quarter was something of an arm wrestle, with the Sharks able to maintain their lead, with Botrell and co in the backline holding firm. A late goal from the Sharks allowed them to add breathing space, holding on to a slim 9 point lead at the last break. Three quarter time scores- Sharks 6-8-44; Jets 5-5-35.

The final quarter was a tense affair, with the Jets trying to bridge the gap, and the Sharks determined to defend it. Strong marking from Josh De Blank early in the quarter allowed the Sharks to extend their lead with a team lifting goal. The Sharks then peppered the goal line, but were unable to convert these into goals. With the backline of Bottrell, Wagner and Schulin takin chances and repelling attacks, the ball spent the majority of its time in the Sharks half. However the Jets, true to form, would not lay down and die. Against the flow of play, they scored 2 goals to come within 5 points. In the tense last few moments, the Sharks held firm and were able to ensure that there was no opportunity for the Jets to score, winning a tight game by 5 points. The game was payed in great spirit, and could have gone either way.

Final Scores: Sharks 7-11-53; Jets 7-6-48

Sharks goal scorers- Josh De Blank, Conner Marks, Simon Sweeney 2; Martin Mondia 1.

The performance was a great team effort, with all players contributing to the win. The backine, led by Jason Bottrell was tight, attacking and kept the Sharks in the lead. The midfield of Lindley, Rob Luto and Sweeney ran all day without the benefit of a rest. The forward line presented themselves, kicked goals through De Blank, Mondia and Marks, and were able to fight  to keep the ball in. The game was a great performance by both teams, and an entertaining contest displaying the finest the SCAFL has to offer.