It was a long, hot day, but a day of success, learning and fun on the Barney Bus!

Firstly – a huge thank you to George for organizing the logistics, not just the bus, but helping with jerseys, getting all the Devils gear from storage and goal umpiring all day. Thanks George!

Game 1 v Composite Team
Austin, Houston and the Devils all provided a number of players to the composite team playing under the Austin alternate colors. The Devils went in with a game plan and executed this as well as we ever have, with plenty of rebounding from the backline, run through the middle and scoring shots to run away winners. Special mentioned must go to Will and Orry, leading a large group of goal kickers with 4 each. The midfield led by Sobes was exceptional, Tyson, Coombs, GGG and Smithy doing a great job winning clearances. The whole backline stood up, making it difficult for the Composite team to get close to the goals, shutting down their respective opponents and delivering the ball out to our runners. Brian and Craig were a formidable combo in the ruck, rotating often keeping the opposition on their toes but also ensuring both were effective beyond just the tap outs. There were plenty of other performances that could be mentioned, however it was a true team effort with every person in the squad of 24 doing their job and doing it well.

The Devils who played on the Composite team also played some great footy – mentions to Justin who rucked well all over the ground and Pipes who has a tank on his and tackled relentlessly.

Final Score
NTX Devils 15.6.96 def Composite team 1.1.7
Goals: Will L (4), Orry (4), Gleeson (2), Bassy (2), Maglite, Kyle Bass and Will M.

Game 2 v Houston
We thought we were a chance going in to this one, however and simply put, were outplayed by Houston all over the ground. It was night and day the difference in performance game 1 to game 2, with Devils game plan seemingly forgotten. The link up play, handballs and crucial 1%ers like shepherding were down, while getting beaten to the ball by opponents and bombing with panicked kicks were up resulting in plenty of turnovers.

Houston did have the breeze in the first half and used it effectively, scoring 5 goals to our 0 going into the break. They came out of the blocks again in the second half adding the first goal but then we played a little more our style and added 2 (both from Will) to their 3 in the remaining minutes.

The comments above have nothing to do with the fact guys were trying, but we were playing like a collection of individuals, not a team, and there were some great individual efforts from John, Orry, Kyle, Hatton and others. In the end however, we were beaten by our opposition around the ground and will chalk this game up to continued learning.

Final Score
Houston 8.7.55 def Devils 2.1.13 (scores to be confirmed)
Goals: Will Lyon (2)

Women’s Game:
The Devils contributed 5 females to the Houston team to take on Austin – the largest female group to ever represent the club! Ash, who never wanted to play contact footy, was out there almost all the game in her first and was put on the best female players in Texas. Liv was her tough self, earning praise from the Texas Heat coaches and players. Cill played her first game since juniors and was played everywhere – in the ruck, across the forward and backlines. Jess showed grit, racking up plenty of possessions and pushing the team forward again and again and last but not least, Jezz, who put her body on the line consistently and had the bruises to show for it! With this group a core for our female team, and adding those who couldn’t make it on the day, I am very excited to see how quickly we can build a Devils Women’s team and have a competitive outfit!

Thanks again to Austin for hosting a successful tournament and all those supporters who came out or rode the bus – friends, colleagues, partners and of course most of the Wood family!

We’re back in Austin this weekend for a development game and what will surely be much needed experience and learning before a Saturday off before Regionals in Kansas City to wrap up our Spring Season. In just 3 weeks from now, you’ll all have nearly 6 weeks off for Summer so let’s put in 100% to finish out this month.

Final note – The Playing leadership group will be running training this week while I’m away. Monday will be recovery and skills focused and Thursday more game strategy and simulation. Bring a friend.

James
Coach