With Carlton (like Ballandean) being unable at present to field a Senior Colts team due to insufficient numbers, Tenterfield Senior Colts had a bye for this week. This didn’t deter Tenterfield though with the players subbing up in the men’s team to make up numbers. Junior colt ladies also made up the shortfall in the ladies team.

We breed them tough down here. The younger ones took it up to the older players and at times tussled hard for the ball to win a few possessions.

Junior Colts were unfortunate to go down at the full-time whistle. With some stand out breaks being made on more than one occasion by Jeremy and Deakin, they were supported with some strong defensive play by Annie-May, Sam Gower and goal keeper Lachlan. Carlton managed to score in the first half getting the ball past though; this made half time 1- nil. Some of Carlton’s girls have certainly been practising with two of Tenterfield’s defensive players trying to stand between them and the goal only to be brought off due to injury, luckily only winding them.

Second half saw Tenterfield take to the field with determination and a new sense of purpose, to at least try and even the score. Deakin and Lachlan swapped, giving Deakin a chance to rest in goal while Lachlan took to the field. This was short lived with Carlton putting the pressure on at the goal and once again Sam Gower came to the defence, unfortunately getting hurt and needing time on the bench.

Emma managed to steal the ball from Carlton as they made a run at the goal. There was some good forward moves made by Sam Gower booting the ball through.  Brad take up the ball and make a very strong run at the goal. Unfortunately the last metre or so saw him go down hurt before he could convert.

It was a very enjoyable game to watch with both teams making a lot of breaks for goal, dancing at times in the goal mouth around each other.

Next we had the Ladies kick off with some experienced players from previous years alongside the newcomer Emily and Juniors Colts Emma and Sam to make up numbers. Tenterfield started off strong with Tia taking a shot at goal, being caught by the keeper. This marked out the play for the game.

Tenterfield may have lost the junior colts but they were not going to make it two games down today, strong play was going to be in order. With Amy, Tia and Murraya all determined this was their day, the pressure was kept on Carlton’s goal and it worked, enabling them to score numerous times.

Carlton did manage to tussle for the ball, and gain possession from the ever intense players. At times Murraya was over-eager and caught offside by the ref. But this only fuelled the competition for the ball. Half time saw Tenterfield up 2-nil.

After what seemed like long half time, Tenterfield came out rejuvenated and eager for play. Carlton in the first seconds of the half were on the back foot defending their goal. Then Carlton made a break for Tenterfield’s, having it shoot passed. It was a good passing game by both teams, using all their players. Tenterfield Ladies were just too strong on the day.

Referees had their break and then the last game of the day was up, Carlton men against Tenterfield.

With Tenterfield still short a couple of men, this saw the senior colt players making up numbers. But our boys took it in their stride although some seemed half the size of their opponents. Thomas and Zac fitted quite well in the team taking up the challenges thrown at them.

Both teams  attempted to hit the net but failed, finding the goal keeper and defence instead. Danny and Pat ran a strong backline, with the ever-suicidal Andrew Stuart in goal.

Penalty shots throughout the game and ever-changing ball possession meant spectators were constantly watching from one end of the field to the other. Josh Gower made a strong run at goal having no support, and managed to find the net. First half saw Tenterfield up 1-nil.

Second half saw more strong play with even Zac and Tom getting in to the plays. Carlton had their fair share of the ball too, forcing Andrew to dive for the ball in all directions.

Full-time came in what seemed like an eternity for the players, with the whistle being blown on a draw for the men’s game.

Tenterfield is still taking late nominations for registrations, with training each Wednesday at Federation Park. Juniors are at 5pm, Senior Colts, Ladies and men all train at 6pm. You can also support the club at the Friday night raffles at the Tavern from 6-8pm for a great family night out.