Just a quick look at the GPS vs Easts game at Yoku.
Firstly, the crowd and atmosphere was amazing. The ladies day set up looked great, the bar on the far side of the field was packed as was the grand stand. As much as I hate GPS, they sure know how to put on a good afternoon. Those burgers smelled amazing, just a shame I left my wallet in the car, which co-incidently was parked a mile away. Being the crafty fucker I am, I thought, yep get there an hour early to get a good park and spot to watch from....yeah that plan didn't work. The place was packed even for Reserve Grade.
On to the game, both teams were throwing everything at each other, and for the neutral it would have been a fantastic game to watch. But if you were a diehard Easts or GPS fan, you'd be pulling your hair out at the amount of turnover balls in opposition 22.
The Tigers defence is incredible, especially inside their own 22m. However Brandon-Seuteni-White found themselves being carved up in the wider channels. There must of been a lack of communication, because normally the mid-field for Easts is solid.
While on UJ, he looked good in attack, but his defence left a lot to be desired. Several missed tackles and poor defensive reads. First game back though, he looked relatively solid.
The other boy back from injury, Kerevi for GPS, looked great with ball in hand and defensive, without being too destructive. Although his neat off-load for a try was impressive.
Very back and forth, with the lead changing several times, the Tigers bench was emptied to great impact. Barker and Olsen in the back row really upped the energy levels when both sides were really fading after such a high tempo contest.
In the end, a very entertaining game, and although you could say 3pts each is a fair result, I'd say the GPS side would feel like they lost that one. The really should have put Easts away on a few occasions, but let them hit back.
For GPS, I thought their mid-field was very good. Sam Johnson looks like a good prospect, and his combination with Kerevi was very solid. Up front, the GPS front-row dominated. I can't recall any tightheads, but they had the Easts scrum back-peddling on several occasions.
For Easts, Andrew Ready had his best game in a long time. Tackled and ran like a man possessed, now if only he could learn to throw a line-out and we'd be onto something. Speaking of the line-out, again Easts were very strong in this department, with Enever and Fattal stealing/disrupting plenty of ball.
Enever continues to dominate at this level. You have to wonder what the Reds plans are for him, because if he continues to play this way, looking elsewhere for opportunities may be his best option.
Finally, never thought I'd say this, but, Matt Brandon and Jack Mullins both had absolute howlers. Quite possibly the worst games I've seen either play. Poor passing being the theme of the day for both of them, and Brandon struggling in his defensive channel. I was surprised Deck wasn't introduced to half-back earlier than he was.
Great day, great atmosphere, great game....fucking SHITE icy crappy windy weather.
