Noosa trial match vs. Tweed Heads
Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:14 pm
OK... I know most of you have been dying to hear how everyone went, even though most already know that the Storm won 28-14.
Our Storm looked a class above Tweed Heads all night (as they should), and would have scored a lot more points if it weren't for very poor handling. Both sides dropped the ball in what seemed like just about every second set of 6. I only remember a few times that we actually kicked down field after our set! I put most of the poor handling down to the conditions though, as it was very hot and humid, and the ground was very sandy, and at times looked more like a Suncorp Stadium game.
The game was played in quarters due to the heat, and each time the Storm resumed play, they were a different side - literally! Bellamy tried a lot of combinations out on the night, and the game certainly went up a notch once Howe appeared. A definite highlight was the Storm's big defense, with most of the match being played at which ever end Tweed Heads were defending.
Most reports have singled out Hill as the main play-maker on the night, and while it was a welcome sight seeing Hill directing traffic effectively, I must say that McFadden was carving them up just as much as Hilly, and was very impressive at half-back (although we know that's not where he'll play when Orford is around!). There were a lot of short passes being thrown around, and if our big guys that were running onto them could've just held onto the ball, it would have been a cricket score.
As for who else played well, it is a little hazy to say. The team that actually played was vastly different to the named line-up and changed each quarter, and there were quite a few young guys running around that I didn't recognise. Jersey numbers were also all over the place, which didn't help. The ground announcer was definately not being payed by the word, as he was quiet most of the night, and could hardly be heard when he did mumble after a try had been scored.
What I can say is that the #4, who I believe was Cooper Cronk (although Dustin Cooper's name has been thrown around as the kicker?), was very impressive, kicking 4 from 5, and had a hand in carving up Tweed Heads.
The #14, who I am yet to find out the name of, was awesome, cutting Tweed to pieces every time he got the ball, and almost scored two tries from within Storm territory. His long, carving runs showcased impressive speed, and set up a try that he certainly deserved to have his name next to.
Generally the team played ok. After the game McFadden apologised for the poor standard of football, which was only marred by poor handling. The team were very accommodating when it came to photos, so I should have some to post when I get my film developed tonight.
I spoke to Kirk who was very appreciative of the support that was there, and commented that he was glad to have played that game before they went to Toowoomba to play the Broncos. He was completely exhausted with the heat, and covered in sand and sweat.
The only other news on the night was seeing Bell on crutches
, no sign of Slater or Ross, didn't see Orford, and Moala indicated they he expects to play on the wing this year (for anyone trying to figure out the backline puzzle this year).
Our Storm looked a class above Tweed Heads all night (as they should), and would have scored a lot more points if it weren't for very poor handling. Both sides dropped the ball in what seemed like just about every second set of 6. I only remember a few times that we actually kicked down field after our set! I put most of the poor handling down to the conditions though, as it was very hot and humid, and the ground was very sandy, and at times looked more like a Suncorp Stadium game.
The game was played in quarters due to the heat, and each time the Storm resumed play, they were a different side - literally! Bellamy tried a lot of combinations out on the night, and the game certainly went up a notch once Howe appeared. A definite highlight was the Storm's big defense, with most of the match being played at which ever end Tweed Heads were defending.
Most reports have singled out Hill as the main play-maker on the night, and while it was a welcome sight seeing Hill directing traffic effectively, I must say that McFadden was carving them up just as much as Hilly, and was very impressive at half-back (although we know that's not where he'll play when Orford is around!). There were a lot of short passes being thrown around, and if our big guys that were running onto them could've just held onto the ball, it would have been a cricket score.
As for who else played well, it is a little hazy to say. The team that actually played was vastly different to the named line-up and changed each quarter, and there were quite a few young guys running around that I didn't recognise. Jersey numbers were also all over the place, which didn't help. The ground announcer was definately not being payed by the word, as he was quiet most of the night, and could hardly be heard when he did mumble after a try had been scored.
What I can say is that the #4, who I believe was Cooper Cronk (although Dustin Cooper's name has been thrown around as the kicker?), was very impressive, kicking 4 from 5, and had a hand in carving up Tweed Heads.
The #14, who I am yet to find out the name of, was awesome, cutting Tweed to pieces every time he got the ball, and almost scored two tries from within Storm territory. His long, carving runs showcased impressive speed, and set up a try that he certainly deserved to have his name next to.
Generally the team played ok. After the game McFadden apologised for the poor standard of football, which was only marred by poor handling. The team were very accommodating when it came to photos, so I should have some to post when I get my film developed tonight.
I spoke to Kirk who was very appreciative of the support that was there, and commented that he was glad to have played that game before they went to Toowoomba to play the Broncos. He was completely exhausted with the heat, and covered in sand and sweat.
The only other news on the night was seeing Bell on crutches
, no sign of Slater or Ross, didn't see Orford, and Moala indicated they he expects to play on the wing this year (for anyone trying to figure out the backline puzzle this year).
