FITZROY 2 v GLEN IRIS GREENS 18th July 2010

In Roman times, the ultimate clash would be Gladiators versus lions, with the outcome always unknown, it was no different today with the Fitzroy Lions-the Roys, battling the Glen Iris Gladiators. With Glen Iris 3rd on the ladder and the Roys 6th, it was game on!

A wet windy afternoon, saw most Lion's supporters sheltering in the club rooms. With rain drizzling down and the wind blowing strongly, the Glen Iris Gladiators got first blood with quick fire major. This was the wake up the the Lions needed as they sprung into action. Martin responded to the challenge by sprinting down the ground, dodging and weaving the fruitless attempts of the opposition to restrain his progress. A quick resultant kick and the Roys had the ball in their forward line against a strong wind. Not long after the Roys got their first score on the board, a point. The rain became stronger, and Glen Iris with the wind at their backs continued to attack. As a titan, standing in the last line of defence for the Roys was Himi who on more than one occasion took the last gasp mark to repel the attack. The Roys finally started to get on top and drive the ball into their forward line. The result a rushed point and then another point. Quickly, however, the ball was swung back by Glen Iris resulting in a goal. The wind was a big help! The ball down the Roy's end again but this time a strong mark by James and GOAL! The Roys were fighting back, a great mark by Walt, then to Jesse who got the ball to James who marked and GOALED... James' second. Elia was fantastic attacking and ensuring he ran, pushed, tapped the ball in the direction of the Roy's goal. At quarter time the Roys were only a point down, they didn't allow Glen Iris to take full advantage of the wind.

The rain became stronger after the first quarter break, the ball was slippery and harder to handle. Playing off the wing Nick managed to deliver the ball to James, unfortunately a rushed point to the Roys. A great clearing kick by Isaac got the Roys out of danger. Again down the Roys end, James to Jesse and another rushed point. The Roys were in front for the first time in the game. Then Elia to Jesse to Sam and a GOAL for Sam, followed by a point to Mick. Elia again with the ball, this time to James, dead in front of goal and GOAL, James' third. The ball was back in the center of the ground but this time with Himi in ruck, who took the ball from the bounce and roosted the ball from 50 meters out for a GOAL. Again from the center the ball was directed spear like into the Roy's forward line, but the velocity making it difficult for Gilbert to extract amongst a group of Gladiators. The ball was rebounded by Glen Iris who were not taking this game lying down, a resultant point and a goal added to their score. The ball was back down the Roy's end with a point to Floyd and two more points to the Roys before the half time break. The Roys were now 24 points in front. Time for snakes and oranges.

The rain was now very heavy, with bouncing the ball an impossibility. The Roys started the quarter strongly, Sam to Isaac who launched a long kick goal ward only to see his effort rushed through for a point by the pack waiting in the goal square. Glen Iris responded with a goal. Back in the center of the ground and again we saw Elia take off with the ball running down the ground, pushing the ball down to the Roys forward line. The rain and wind had stopped, but it had kept the scoring opportunities to a minimum with Roys only adding two points to their score. A great defensive quarter to Noah and fantastic work at full back by Himi. The Roys went into the final quarter 20 points in front, having held firm against the wind.

The final quarter and the Roys quickly sprang into action Tom to Josh, Josh snapped at goal, and GOAL . Isaac attempted a soccer kick at goal, but unfortunately only a point. Then another strong mark to Himi, this time at the 40 metre mark from the big sticks and GOAL. Glen Iris responded with a point, then the rain began to drizzle, the ball slippery again, a point to Sam. The Roys had the game won. Great defensive work by Martin and Noah stopped the Gladiators from scoring again. Then the Roys with the ball again, Josh in front of goal and GOAL, Josh's second. The final score of the game was a point to Himi. The Roys all played well. When Josh "Fevola" was asked by Coach Howard how it felt to kick those two goals his response was "great"! It was a great day for the Roys, well done boys, well done coach.....GO ROYS!!!!!!

THE SCORE BOARD