Mark Lanyon - Team Manager
The U12's played their first home match this season last Sunday in a hotly contested match at Heatherdale Reserve. Opponents The Basin were sitting undefeated on top of the 12B ladder before the game and we expected a tough contest. With 4 players on the bench we were trialing player rotations for the first time this season with each player given a designated break throughout the match.
The Jets came out firing in the first quarter controlling the first 5 minutes. An early goal to Luke got us an early lead and strong play around the ground saw some tough, contested football on display. The Basin hit back in the last 5 minutes of the quarter with 3 late goals to take a 14 point lead into quarter time.
The second quarter found the Jets working their way back into the match. Ethan J was rotated into the
ruck and we started to win the clearances with Campbell, Ben, and Thomas running the ball forward. Campbell and Ethan were able to capitalise and kick 2 goals for the quarter. Some great defensive efforts also by our back 6 - Macsen, Gabriel, Harry, Cadyn, Nathan, and Patrick. Half time we went into the main break against the ladder leaders only 1 point down.
The Basin swung changes in the 3rd Quarter in response and soon found a regular pathway forward. Zac came back into the ruck and had a strong quarter with Jordan and Harry getting a run on the ball. Kai and Keiran were both playing well on the wings with some great play around the ground. Frash and Elijah dropped down back with some strong tackles but we went to the last break 21 points behind.
The 4th quarter was again highly competitive with the Jets controlling periods of play. Harry continued his good game down back and Jordy continued her fearless attack on the ball on a wing. In the end though it wasn't enough to get back into the game and The Basin ran out winners by 29 points.
It was a highly entertaining game with some great team efforts in the end. We move on to next week against Norwood!
Final scores - Heathmont 3.3.21 def by The Basin 7.8.50