Sport
28 August, 2023
Carisbrook make statement by disposing of Trentham by 50 points
A powerful performance from Carisbrook has fired them into the preliminary final, recording a 50-point win over Trentham at Newstead. This was one of the more anticipated finals games of week one, given how close the previous meeting between the two...
A powerful performance from Carisbrook has fired them into the preliminary final, recording a 50-point win over Trentham at Newstead.
This was one of the more anticipated finals games of week one, given how close the previous meeting between the two teams were in round 11, but the Redbacks were able to show their finals pedigree in making sure the game was in their safekeeping by half time.
However, it wasn’t without a fight from Trentham in the first quarter, who did enjoy the better of the territory, but were just unable to put the score on the board.
Instead, Carisbrook were able to score two goals from six scoring shots to open up a 15-point lead going into the firstbreak.
The Redbacks started stronger in the second term as well, and were able to kick three quick goals to one to open up the lead.
The lead could have been greater too, if not for a spell of inaccuracy in the latter stages of the term for the Redbacks, who recorded six behinds from their final eight scoring shots of the term to lead by 38 points at the main break.
Trentham were determined to get back into the contest and, at the very least, not let the scoreline blow out like it did in their preliminary final meeting last season, and they were successful in keeping the Redbacks honest during the third quarter, holding their to two goals.
But for all their effort, they were unable to make the Redbacks pay, as they could only record one goal from six scoring shots, which meant it was a 42-point cushion at the final change.
The last quarter was perhaps the tightest between the two teams, but also the most free-flowing of the day, with Carisbrook adding four goals, while Trentham added three, but a 50-point win was the result.
A best-on-ground performance from Harry Butler was the catalyst, with the high-flying utility once again showing why he is a contender for individual awards, while Ash Munari and Zak Rinaldi also played critical support. Matt Bilton continued his good form since returning to the club, kicking four goals, while Malcom Niblett and Cohen Leech also played well.
For Trentham, they will now have to rebound against Maldon next Sunday. Joel Cowan gave it everything in a dynamic midfield performance, while Taylor Ford, Michael Hourigan, Dylan Holden, Tristan Newman and Stefan Lendrec did everything to try and keep the Saints alive.
Carisbrook co-coach Luke Treacy said past disappointment has continued to drive the Redbacks in search of their first premiership since 2018.
“The disappointment from last year has driven high standards, and we know we have to drive them to give ourselves a chance, and to our credit, we played really well,” he said.
Treacy was quick to praise Trentham, despite the scoreline, saying the Saints kept the Redbacks honest in the early stages, forcing them under pressure before converting their chances.
“We were under pressure with territory in the first half, but it was a good thing that we were able to take our first couple of chances and convert it, settling us. Trentham had a better end to the first quarter than we did. We speak a lot about when territory and momentum is against us, and how we need to be smart and hold up with our controlled aggression,” he said.
The balancing act between attack and defence defines many teams, but Treacy says Carisbrook are well-drilled in that area as they continue to be a premiership threat.
“When you’re trying to create offense, you can open yourself up if you turn it over, or the opposition out-hustles you or intercepts. I think we have the balance right between offence and generating a score, but we know that if we run one way, we will not be there at the end,” he said.
“The boys know they have to work twice as hard back. I’m more interested in their running patterns defensively than what they do with the ball in hand.”
Treacy has been in this position many times before, given the nature of Carisbrook’s powerhouse standing in the competition. Again, they have a week off in the second week of the competition, continuing a theme for the club of managing sore bodies throughout this period.
“We spoke about percentages in the rooms after the game for a fortnight’s time, in terms of getting back to 100 percent as we can, so what our habits look like, our rehab and training,” he said.
“We know it’s another step. Harcourt are undefeated for a reason, Natte are a good team, and Navarre have been there plenty of times before. Trentham will also come again. We know we have to do everything right for a fortnight to get ourselves back up.
“We’re happy with the win, but we will review it, find areas of improvement and get a little bit better.”