The Weston Bears played out a scoreless draw against last season’s grand final winners Broadmeadow at Magic Park on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bears started with the same starting XI but Garry McDermott came on to the bench replacing the unavailable Michael Ryan. McDermott joined Thomas Sparre and Brock Oakley as fresh replacements, which were needed in the end. Weston started brightly and had their first real opportunity 16 minutes into the half when Jason Cowburn intercepted a back pass.
After having a touch Cowburn shot towards goal but didn’t get over it sending it over the bar. Five minutes later Connor Evans was left with only the keeper to beat but his shot hit the keeper and the ball went to safety.
“The first half showed the Bears were up for the challenge and should have taken a lead to the sheds at half time,” football manager Shane Johnson said.
“Playing on a chopped up and heavy pitch often made it hard work for the players in the going and in areas hard to hold their footing.”
The Bears lost Zac Sneddon in the 63rd minute through injury and he was replaced by Garry McDermott. Left back Liam Thornton missed with a header two minutes later with the keeper beaten but his attempt went just wide.
The Bears should have had Broadmeadow done and out but their wayward shooting really hurt them. Weston made a further replacement 25 minutes into the second half with teenager Thomas Sparre coming on for Jamie Subat. Minutes later Cowburn couldn’t keep his shot down after an effort by McDermott was rebounded off the keeper. Nathan Morris succumbed to injury as well with seven minutes left on the clock with Brock Oakley taking the park.
“In the end the Bears created enough chances to win three or four-nil but just couldn’t get the ball in the net,” Johnson said.
The Under-22s had their second draw in a row with a 1-1 draw with Jake Millsteed back from injury getting the equaliser. Weston’s under-19s lost 2-1 in a bizarre twist after leading 1-0 and seemingly on course for victory. Blake Roy scored in the fifth minute then missed another chance minutes later then Broadmeadow squared it up before half time.
The Bears had Brad Millar sent off with 15 minutes remaining then copped a goal with 10 minutes left. With only five minutes remaining the Bears received a penalty and a draw looked the likely result but Lachlan Nicol hit his shot straight at the keeper.
Last Saturday the four junior sides hosted Edgeworth in what was a mixed day. The under-17s’ frustrating run continued having a 2-2 draw with Brock Lewsam and Nick Hough the scorers, with Weston copping a last minute controversial goal.
Weston’s under-15s lost their first match of the year going down 4-0; the under-14s won 2-1 with Kurt Nightingale and Harrison Gordon getting the important goals; and the under-13s lost 3-0 despite working hard.
This weekend the Bears play Lambton Jaffas at Arthur Edden Oval with the seniors on Good Friday and the juniors on Saturday. The U19’s start the day at 11.45am Friday, the under-22s play at 1.30pm and first grade kicks off at 3.30pm. On Saturday kick-off times are: under-13s 10am, under-14s 11.30am, under-15s 1pm and under-17s 2.30pm.