MATCH REPORT – 2009 PRELIMINARY FINAL
VERMONT v BLACKBURN
By Peter Booth
FINAL SCORE – VERMONT 15-16-106 def BLACKBURN 13-10-88
EAGLES SMOTHER THE BURNERS TO DEATH
I don’t think I have seen a game with so many desperate smothers and spoils as this one – heaven knows how many goals they saved. There were so many cameos for Vermont. Greig’s 4 goal return – McCarthy’s magnificent spoiling especially in the last quarter – defiant defence by our backline when all looked lost early in the last term and McLure’s fighting strength in the last 5 minutes at the centre bounce. Greig and Henderson came in for McKernan and Griffiths and Bardon was playing his 100th game. The wind blew from the north-west one minute then swung around to the east the next – both teams scored at both ends.
We had the breeze in the 1st quarter as Froud kicked our first goal after a defensive mistake. After 4 behinds Greig goaled via Henley, Ross and McCarthy. Blackburn kiced one into the wind which was priceless. When Stephen goaled we had kicked 3-8 then Papillo goaled to give us a 25 point lead at ¼ time – probably not enough. Robbie Ross had a terrific quarter. At ¼ time we led 4-8 to 1-1.
Blackburn kicked the first 2 goals of the 2nd term mainly through our poor decision making. Mendes and Mullet were getting plenty of the ball as Greig goaled via Papillo. Blackburn slammed on 3 goals in 5 minutes as scores drew level. We steadied and had a very good 8 minutes before half time - stemming the tide and picking up a late goal by Greig via Johnson. At ½ time we led 6-9 to 6-3. Better players for the half were Ross, Henley, Nummy, Mullett, Mendes and Papillo.
We had to produce a strong 3rd quarter at the scoring end. Mullett goaled within 30 seconds but again Blackburn replied upwind. Froud snapped a goal in mid air as we led by 20 points. Blackburn again looked dangerous as they moved the ball well into the wind – then came some match winning magic by our defenders – McCarthy’s smother saved a certain goal – I missed who smothered the next one but it was a goal saver. Stephen goaled via Mendes then Fyfe saved a certain goal with a wonderful smother. When Henley goaled via Stephen we led by 32 points which was probably a goal or two short with the Burners having last use of the wind. Things looked grim as Blackburn goaled then McCarthy again saved a forward thrust with a magnificent spoil. At 3/ 4 time we led by 26 points 11-15 to 8-7.
We got off to the worst possible start in the final quarter when Blackburn kicked 3 goals in 7 minutes and looked as if they would run all over us. Then came the Vermont resolve – Henley goaled via Cotchett – Stephen who had a terrific last quarte goaled via Cullen and Henley – Froud goaled via Nummy and when Cotchett goaled via Froud all of a sudden we were 30 points infront. Our backline was fantastic despite 2 belated goals by Blackburn. McCarthy figured in 2 fantastic spoils. A mighty win by 18 points and another grand final appearance. Better players for the half were – Mullett, McCarthy, Fyfe, Nummy, Stephen, Ross and Henley.
Goalkickers – Greig 4, Froud 3, Stephen 3, Henley 2 and singles to Cotchett, Mullett and Papillo.
Best Players – Mullett, Stephen, Ross. McCarthy, Fyfe, Nummy, Henley, Bardon and Mendes.
Posssessions – Fyfe 23, Stephen 22, Mullett and Bardon 20, Mendes 19, Nummy 18 and Ross 17.
1% - Mendes 15, McCarthy 14, Fyfe and Morse 9 with Stephen and Papillo 8 each.
Coach’s Comments – David Banfield praised the team effort for the week with the staff and reserves players who trained and today took stats. Thank you very much and cherish the moment.
Last Modified on 14/09/2009 12:10
