Demons impress in the wet
Originally published in the Dubbo Photo News
While codes across the region were cancelled due to poor weather, the Dubbo Demons impressed against the Giants in Bathurst claiming wins in two of the senior grades.
The Dee’s women were down on numbers but coach Peter Martinoli was beyond impressed with their performance. The teams played
14-a-side but the impact of fresh legs off the Giants bench kept them ahead throughout the game and finished 31-26 winners.
“It’s a tough ask to come to Bathurst and play 14 against 18 in a full game without any subs, and the girls still put their heart on their sleeves and gave everything their all, which is all I asked for,” said Martinoli.
“Belle [Heidenreich] didn’t miss a beat playing her first ever game. I asked her to do one simple thing and she went well above and beyond,” he remarked.
Kaitlyn Waldie and returning captain Emily Warner have again taken on leadership roles.
Martinoli sees these two having a major impact.
“Kaitlyn and Em lead by example week in, week out, and they showed that on the super wet George Park. They lifted their players when they needed it and took control of the ball at vital times.”
The coach says the experienced pair will be supported by Bec Wilde and Lauren Hazell as the team’s dedicated leadership group.
Martinoli is looking forward to this Saturday when the team runs out from revamped sheds.
“The sky’s the limit. We should have a few more players back in, plus a few extras who are available for home games.”
The Demons Men had supporters holding their breath during their narrow 55-53 win. Captain Dylan Fairall said the wet conditions favoured Dubbo helping the D’s take control of the game.
“It was very good to be back. It’s always a tough game against the Bathurst Giants in round one. In previous seasons we’ve struggled a bit there, but the wet weather suited our game and allowed us to really slow down the ball movement.”
Debutant Linden Savill was named best on ground for the match. He was one of a number who ran out in a Dees shirt for the first time.
Fairall said it was an important win away from home.
“We have a plan to simplify the game for a lot of our players. We’re engaging them in specific roles with specific targets to meet. Everyone did really well, we didn’t have any real deficiencies across the ground.”
The coach is also looking forward to more players at South Dubbo this week. This will also help the Tier Two team who are coming off an impressive 69-25 win.
A feature of the day in Bathurst was the Giants celebration of the lives of club members, friends and family, who were lost during the off season.
Players huddled together for a minute’s silence to remember Oscar Mann before unveiling ground signage displaying the much-loved member’s number, 27.
Zoe Peters (Giants Women, Will Sloan (Giants, Tier Two) and Linden Savill (Dubbo, Tier One) were awarded the Oscar Mann Medals for Best on Ground.
The Dubbo Demons host will host Orange Tigers and celebrate the opening of the newly renovated change rooms and the delayed “40 Years” milestone.