Chippenham Redbacks Aussie Rules

Aussie Rules UK Southern League Round 3

Chippenham Redbacks 14.19. 103

v Sussex Swans 4.14. 38

at Devizes RFC

HARDICK AND SHINBONER CLIP SWANS

The Chippenham Redbacks excellent run continued on Saturday at new home ground Devizes Rugby Club. With another strong windy day, controlled kicks were again challenging. Nick Hardick and Ben ‘Shinboner’ Carter led the way with some impressive play under pressure. Hardick led the goal scoring with 4 and Carter 2, but it was their work off the ball which caught the eye. Tackling, blocking opponents and winning loose balls time and again set up the Redbacks momentum. 

The first quarter was a stuttered affair, the Redbacks were slow out of the blocks even with the wind blowing strongly down the pitch in their favour. A number of chances were missed through lack of teamwork and composure. However, Stu McKay took an excellent mark to kick the match opener.

Redbacks - 1.5 - 11

Swans - 0.4 – 4

The Swans started the second quarter brightly with Ronan Moran leading the way with some quality distribution. However, missed chances cost the Swans dearly as Johnny Hope-Smith and Hardick turned the tide in the Redbacks favour with some big hits and a goal each.

Redbacks - 3.10 - 28

Swans – 1.11 – 17

At the halfway stage the game was evenly poised. The Redbacks stepped up the work-rate in the third quarter with some concerted pressure on the ball carrier and Carter and Lee Tarn taking control at ruck time. Hope-Smith, Paul Conway and Aaron Gale also began to dominate the clearances by tackling and bumping hard plus going strongly at the loose ball. Increased composure and especially communication to the ball carrier ensured that the conversion rate goals to behinds increased markedly. Tarn kicked 2 goals, one an absolute belter from wide out which nearly landed in another post code. Hardick also slotted 2, Conway 1 and McKay 1.

Redbacks – 9.15 - 69

Swans – 2.12 – 24

The final quarter was notable for some clever handball approach play and low kicks by the Redbacks into the wind. Despite the Swans kicking a couple of goals, the home team took control. There were some great marks to set up goals for debutant Dan Horscroft, Carter 2 and Hardick. But the moment of the day was taken by Joe Beardsmore with a great diving grab to mark, then nonchalantly  goal to put the Redbacks over 100 points for the day.   

Redbacks 1.5 – 3.10. – 9.15 – 14.19. 103

Swans 0.4 – 1.11 – 2.12. – 4.14. 38

Umpire: Dan Thornes (Bournemouth Demons)

Goal Umpires: Amber DeCleene, Gemma Hitchens and Tilly Bruce