Warriors Game Report - 17 April 1999


Warriors shine in Grand Final re-match

Woodville 22, West Torrens 8


Brett Howe drives past West Torrens defender John Kernaghen during Woodville's solid victory

Round 1 of the Men's 'A' Grade season kicked off at Patterson Reserve (ETP) this weekend. This was to be a replay of last year's Grand Final with the Warriors up against West Torrens. The Warriors had been training hard for this game, with coach Brown making sure the players had not become complacent after defeating the Eagles in last year's Grand Final 14 - 13 in OT.

The Warriors jumped out of the blocks early with a combination of enthusiastic attacking play and rock solid defence. Woodville's attack had notched up six goals by the first break while some solid defence and great goaltending by Aaron Sargent kept the Eagles to just one goal.

West Torrens improved at both ends of the ground as the second quarter progressed, but the Warriors kept coming up with the hard ground balls which kept them in possession of the ball. The Eagles added a further two goals to their tally as Woodville made the most of their extra man opportunities to put another 4 goals on the board to end the half in front 10 - 3.

The third quarter proved to be a mental test for the Warriors as West Torrens came back strong scoring 3 goals in very quick succession. Woodville had to switch back on and counter the Eagles' 3 goal run to ensure they didn't let West Torrens back into the game. The Warriors awoke and worked hard to ensure the scores would not be close at the final break scoring some quick goals to come back and make it a 5 - 5 quarter to take the score to 15 - 8 in favour of Woodville.

Coach Brown ignited the Warriors in the final break with a rocket as they came out firing in the last quarter. Once again the defensive unit proved too strong for the Eagles, keeping them scoreless until the final whistle, while the green and gold attack piled on seven goals making it a 7 - 0 final quarter ending the game with a 22 - 8 victory.

Woodville645722
West Torrens12508

Best Players
James Inge, Brett Howe, Peter Inge, Richard Feleppa, Jason Vorrasi

Goals
Anthony Feleppa 6, James Inge 4, Brett Howe 4, Ignazio Marchesan 3, David Rowley 2, Peter Inge 2, Paul Zammit 1

Assists
James Inge 4, Jason Vorrasi 3, Peter Inge 2, Brett Howe 1, Paul Zammit 1

One Percenter Award
Paul Zammit - for chasing down the ball heading rapidly toward the boundary line, and at full stretch raking it back into play inches before rolling over the line, so that Dave Rowley regained possession for the Warriors and subsequently scored.

Other Game Highlights

  1. Anthony Feleppa outstanding in attack with six goals
  2. Jason Vorrasi's first game in face-off and did a great job gaining many possessions for the Warriors
  3. Aaron Sargent solid as a rock in the cage shutting out West Torrens in the final quarter

The Warriors are back in action next Saturday (24 April) when they take on Sturt at home (Findon Oval).



Brett Howe