OCEAN HILL ESTATE PEEL THUNDER 16'S MATCH DAY REPORT WITH AARON BALLANTYNE

Peel Thunder 16’s v East Fremantle 16’s

The Ocean Hill Estate Peel Thunder 16’s went up against East Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Good Friday. In what we felt was going to be a really big challenge for the group, the boys came prepared and ready to go.

The first quarter saw us get off to another solid start kicking the first goal of the game through Isaiah Winder with a strong mark deep inside our forward 50. The boys played a very good quarter with our pressure and ball movement giving us plenty of opportunities to get scoreboard impact against a good opposition. Defensively we held East Fremantle goalless for the quarter.

In the second quarter we were challenged both physically and mentally and at times struggled to move the ball into our attack which was a credit to East Fremantle. Once we got our composure back and looked to play the Peel 16’s way we again managed to put scoreboard pressure on and head to the half time break in a strong position.

In the second half we managed to hold the Sharks at arm’s length and while still playing the way we wanted to play. Moving the ball forward and controlling the game by foot at times was really good to see and gave the boys plenty of confidence. With a few boys cramping due to the hot conditions we were forced to try a few players in different positions and they all shone once moved there. A couple of errors late in the 4th quarter allowed the Sharks to kick a few goals and reduce the final margin back to 48 points.

We have spoken about playing 4 quarters and are still looking for that. The trust and the growth in this group since the start of January has been outstanding. All the boys are stepping up at times both on game day and on the track to lead the group.

Heading into this week, we travel to Swan Districts to face the Swans at Steel Blue Oval. The game commences at 5pm right after the league. With 4 great efforts behind us we will be looking to build on that this weekend.

Peel Thunder
14 – 5 – 89

East Fremantle
5 – 11 – 41

Best:
Metcalf, Stone, Letto, Shipton