Redbacks impress despite defeat in final game

9:55am Wednesday 30th July 2008

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Aussie Rules Football: ARUK Southern League Semi-Final: Chippenham Redbacks 10.14.74, Sussex Swans 16.16.112.

It was a stunning end to the Redbacks first season against the league leaders.

The Swans had comprehensively beaten the Chippenham side earlier in the season. This game showed how far the Redbacks have progressed in a very short time.

Still, the Swans started the stronger and showed why they have led the league all season long. After another slow start, the Redbacks built confidence by competing hard in the ariel and ground exchanges throughout the first two quarters.

From the 3rd quarter Chippenham produced their best footy of the season. Tom Case led from the back again, well supported in defence by Ben Denham (1 goal ) and Paul Conway (1 goal ) who both kicked goals in the third quarter. The defence began to spoil opposition attacks and supplied plenty of ball back forward.

In the midfield Lee Tarn (1 goal ) was influential in the ruck again, and is learning fast in the key position on the field. Joe Mitchell (2 goals ) and Rob Fielder (2 goals ) were very physical throughout and knocked the Swans off their normally smooth game plan.

Up front Graham Howell (1 goal ), Chris Matthews (1 goal ) and Rob Kerr (1 goal ) all worked very hard to try and set up a scoring position for each other. This unselfish effort ensured the Swans could never rest on their laurels. It was a superb effort all round, to round off a highly competitive season, led superbly yet again by player of the season Tom Case. This was echoed by the comments from all the other club coaches. Next season cannot come soon enough.

This Friday, the Redbacks are holding their end of season presentations at Café India at 8.30pm.