Today you played the hardest and most contested football for the season and did it very well. We knew the opposition was a team full of good players and that a special effort was required to stop them running on with the ball. We wanted to bottle the play up with a strong defensive attitude to stop them from getting a fast run on.

With a 4 goal wind in Brighton's favour for the first quarter, you did a great job in keeping them to just 2 goals for the quarter. Our back line was under constant pressure but withstood it and continually frustrated Brighton's attempts at moving forward. Jacque, Aidan, Leroy, Ben, Nicholas and Zac did brilliantly. With the wind in the second quarter we asked for long kicks to our forward line and Max and Jack M did that brilliantly on a number of occasions which resulted in goals to Louis and Nicholas A. Brighton also scored a goal but we went into half time down 3 goals to 2 but very much in touch with the Zebbies playing great determined, hard football. In the third quarter it appeared as though we dropped just a little in our determination at the contested ball and Brighton achieved many quick clearances from the centre. With long kicks with the wind into their forward line they scored 6 quick goals in the quarter and took complete control of the game. We needed to regroup and get our defensive attitude back quickly or we risked a very embarrassing scoreline and you certainly played with great discipline and control in the last quarter keeping Brighton scoreless. The damage was done though in the third quarter and Brighton finished with a 7 goal margin. The first, second and fourth quarters showed you are very able to match it with one of the best teams in our Division and every player showed a great attitude and endeavour to compete. Zac and James won many battles when outnumbered, Jack Mc and Jack M played great defensive games despite missing a few recent matches and Josh, Ryan and Will D broke away for numerous good runs with the ball. Max, Louis and Aidan played their usual skilful games and Nicholas, Dan S and Dan M played with a great attack on the ball. Tough, gritty and determined was how you played today and that is the exact attitude we need to bring to the lightning premiership next week. With shorter matches and just a little bit of luck there is no team we have played this season we should not feel confident about playing if that same attitude is applied. Well done boys on a really good game. GO ZEBS!!!!!