THE Coota Blues commenced the 2014 season on a winning note thrashing Belconnen by 119 points at Clarke Oval on Sunday.
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The Blues had a strong last quarter kicking 10 goals 3 to the opposition’s single behind.
The final score read Blues 22-17-149 over Belconnen 4-6-30.
Belconnen who played finals last season were completely outplayed by a rampaging Blues outfit, so dominant was the Blues they booted 14-11 to 1- 2 after half time. Coach Luke Webb could not be happier how the Blues played.
To win the first match of the season by over 100 points was certainly a great start to the season.
It was evident that the Blues had completed an excellent pre-season and coupled with the fact the Blues had played two trial matches against Tumbarumba and Young, the Blues superior fitness and teamwork showed up against their more fancied opponents.
The return of Phil Bird was a revelation for the Blues.
Bird, who played for the Blues in 2012 where he finished fourth in the club Best and Fairest, was clearly best on ground, playing in the centre. He dominated the Blues attack and his second third efforts will make him a key member of Blues line up as the season progresses.
Up forward, Jordyn Ballard, who is relishing an opportunity to play Australian rules, showed great ball skills booting six goals. Meanwhile Chris Drum showed what a clever footballer he is booting five goals.
As expected the on-ballers Steve Chant and Dylan McDermott got through plenty of work.
Joel Pearson at fullback looks set for another big season repelling many of the Belconnen attacks.
Best Players: Phil Bird, Jordyn Ballard, Steve Chant, Jarryd Cook, Dylan McDermott, and Chris Drum.
Goals: Jordyn Ballard 6, Chris Drum 5, Sandy Maskell-Knight 4, Sam Baldock 2, Jack Baldock, Jarryd Cook, Scott Eulenstein, Steve Chant and Joel Annetts.
With the general bye this weekend because of Easter the Blues next match is on Saturday week when they host South Coast at Clarke Oval.
In their opening match of the season, South Coast defeated Gungahlin by 43 points at Gungahlin.
Finally, a decision on the outcome of round one, which saw all matches, postponed because the ACT Government closed all grounds, will be made in Canberra tonight. The Blues have voted on their preferred option that the round be played on the June long weekend.
PK
