Footscray holds edge over Hills

By Justin Robertson
THE Endeavour Hills A Grade team failed to capitalise on their opportunities and consequently lost their first game of the year to league-leaders Footscray at Henry Turner Memorial Reserve on Saturday.
With only percentage separating the two teams on the ladder, it was Footscray who edged out Endeavour Hills, 21-19 to leap a game clear.
Coach Archie Kennedy said the Hills “have the goods” but just didn’t perform on the day and conceded Footscray – who have come down a division – is the team to beat this season.
“We thought we had it,” said Kennedy, admitting it was their hardest game so far this year. “They converted a penalty right near their try line and time ran out for us.”
In a sea-sawing and fast-paced encounter, Endeavour Hills was up by five points with three minutes remaining in the game, only to cave under the intense match pressure in the final moments.
Coach Kennedy said the Hills defence played well all day, but the team didn’t make the most of their scoring opportunities.
“Our execution suffered because of Footscray’s pressure,” he said. “We need to work on that more, training under pressure, before we meet them later in the season.”
Second row Reece Kauri was awarded best on ground for his tenacious tackling and his run throughout the match.
“He was all over the ground and played a really good defensive role all day,” said Kennedy. “He managed to create turn-over opportunities, but we simply couldn’t capitalise.”
With the game hanging in the balance at halftime, 6-5 in Footscray’s favour, Kennedy said his team played a far better expansive game in the second half than Footscray, but were unable to get the points on this occasion.
The Hills were in command on the scoreboard after half time but allowed Footscray back in the game after some pressure-riddled errors.
Although not too concerned about his team’s loss, Kennedy said he would focus on game pressure at training in the coming weeks.
“It’s still early in the year for us,” said Kennedy. “We’ll go away and work on the points we need to improve on.”