The win propels Yass into second position on the competition ladder, marginally behind this week’s opponents Belconnen on percentages.

A scrappy, tough, congested game of footy arose from the opening bounce. Both teams found it near impossible to grasp the soaked, heavy leather ball. Ben McCallum, in his return match for the Blue and White, kicked the match’s opening goal after half-a-dozen players bludgeoned, kicked and punched the ball into the forward fifty.

Given the conditions, Yass managed to rack up an impressive five goals for the quarter. ADFA could scarcely get clean possession of the football and as a result found itself scoreless at the opening break.

Remarkably, conditions cleared up somewhat for the second quarter; it seemed as though our visitors from Melbourne brought the weather with them.

Yass’ forward line failed to fully assert itself on the scoreboard in the second stanza, kicking two goals five for the quarter. The backline however remained faultless, keeping their opponents scoreless for the second consecutive quarter. Dave Willersdorf continued to dominate the ruck contest, ably supported by welter-weight on-baller Daniel Smith and always consistent Ben Serafin

Half time – Yass led 7.7.49 to ADFA’s nil.

Just as all those present thought the weather might do everyone a favour, things backfired. Hefty winds and ominous storm clouds gathered. No storm could stop the dominant Roos though, who continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

ADFA’s extremely high fitness levels began to shine through late in the quarter. Their on-ballers strongly contested at the packs and during the stoppages. Once again the Roos’ solid backline did all and sundry to stop their opponents from even registering a lone goal.

Conditions beyond everyone’s control completely ruined the spectacle in the final term. Both teams scrapped, tackled and bumped for the footy in the slippery conditions.

In the end, Yass appeared to be hungrier and more determined. While the Roos’ dominance shone through, it must be said ADFA were far more competitive than the final score suggested.

Roos’ Coach Terry Lemon was pleased with his side’s persistence and determination in unfavourable circumstances. “It was a big effort, particularly on our part, given the treacherous conditions.”

Lemon remains convinced his side can still improve further. “There’s still too much individualism in our team. We need to come together as a unit more, particularly when we play the better sides.”

Best for Yass were: ruckman Dave Willersdorf, tough on-baller Daniel Smith, Captain Brendan Foran, backman Doug Watchorn and mid-field recruit Scotty Waters.

The Roos will find out where they really stand this weekend, when they take on fellow ladder leaders the Belconnen Magpies on Sunday at Jamison Oval.

***

Yass 13.12.90 (D Poidevin 4, D Willersdorf 3, L French 2, W Dunstan 2, B McCallum 2 goals) defeated ADFA 0.3.3