Edinburgh Bloods V Glasgow Sharks

Recap

Season opener for the Sharks and having seven league debuts and having James Hancock play his 50th game for the club saw a lot to celebrate prior to the bounce of the ball.

Before heading out to the pitch from the changing rooms the squad donned black arm bands in respect of player John Karpa`s father who had recently passed.

Facing against rivals Edinburgh in the first rematch since the Grand Final that the Bloods won by less than a goal this game this game promised to be tightly fought affair and both clubs delivered providing the showcase for Aussie Rules in Scotland.

First Quarter

The Sharks managed to get on top early in the middle but the resistant Bloods had a strong defence that provided the spark for their early advantage delivering the ball to their key forward in a powerful opening display. Sharks Ruckman John McIntyre dominating the ruck challenges and providing hard working midfield group the ammunition to keep the Sharks in the contest. James Hancock and Daniel Hespe keeping their side in contention all day battling in the middle all day.

Bloods 27 – 20 Sharks

Second Quarter

Having weathered an early assault from the Bloods key forward the Sharks locked down their spearhead and began to build a solid base to defend against the Bloods advances. Stephen Poepjes and Bruce McLintock kept managing to bring the ball to ground while Matthew Miller and Pat Cremin were able to collect the ball and clear their lines giving the Shark forwards a contested opportunity.

Bloods 60 – 47 Sharks

Third Quarter

As the third quarter started a light misty rain began to fall. Both sets of players could have been forgiven had the standard of footy from the previous two quarters dropped, instead supporters were treated to a seesawing affair as the teams traded goals. When the dust had settled on the term the bloods had managed to maintain their handy half time lead.

Bloods 83 – 75 Sharks

Fourth Quarter

With the scene set for a tasty final quarter the teams resumed hostilities. With both teams showing an unwillingness to budge, the game turned into am arm wrestle. Mid way through the term the sharks were looking threatening and managed to get within a kick. With not long to go and the game in the balance the bloods landed a killer blow pushing the margin back out to eleven points. It was a margin the Sharks were not able to reel in.

Bloods 106 – 95 Sharks

Well done to all our SARFL debut players

Pat Cremin

Alexander Egan

John Karpa

Thomas McMahon

Matthew Miller

Stepehen Poepjes

Dean Wright

*Goal Scorers Still Being Determined