This week's report comes is bought to you by Buxton Real Estate in Hampton East.
After all the hype and the lead up, it was great to see the faithful at McKinnon and the sound of leather being whacked around. And it was a great opening game to the season. Blacks came with the expectation of being one of the top sides in 2010, while the Bloods were approaching 2010 with a younger side, sprinkled with some wise old heads.
Blacks got out of the barriers with Ishant like speed and were quicly a few goals up. But holes were filled and players "stopped" and while the quarter time deficit was 18 points, some sense of normally had been restored. The second quarter was played at a frenetic pace with Frogga getting plenty of the ball and Kritta making every Blacks player with the ball wish they didn't have it. It was a terrific quarter of football. Our forward line was functioning well, lead by Fordy and Browny was back to his cheecky best geting amongst the goal scorers. After kicking five goals for the quarter, we went into the main break with a small deficit but it was really anyones game.
The high tempo continued in the third quarter with Fordy leadin the way with some strong marks across half forward. Dougy was blanketting their wingman who had been a pest and Stef Erikson was holding the defence together well. The loss of Ferg early, was compounded when Gilly went off in the third quarter with a hammy problem. So stocks were getting a bit thin but the resolution amongst the players was apparent.
The throng looked forward to the last quarter and it lived up to expectations with the Bloods holding a none point advantage. Blacks got the first goal for the quarter and it was really game on! Jarrod McLauchlan (sponsored by The Bottom Line Building Company) took a couple of telling marks and key possessions as the visitors attacked. Vossy and new boy Comden were getting amongst it across half forward but we couldn't quite get the goals we needed. Then Browny stepped up and booted a major on the run while another new boy Whitey, cooly slotted to restore the lead. The visitors kept coming however as the game was played between the respective half forward lines. It was a highly absorbing game, played at high speed but in the right spirit.Unfortunately for us, Blacks just happened to have their nose in front when the bell went (after an amazing 10 mins of time on). The boys should be commended for their resolution after a slow start and the signs are good for the rest of the season. That level of commitment will take us a long way and with a big game coming up against old foes Rovers, we are going to have to keep showing it.
The Reserves went down against a polished Blacks side, but the scoreboard did not do the lads justice. If we had have taken our opportunities in the firts quarter, we may have been a lot closer. There is still plenty of work to do here but again the commitment was there and that will take us a long way.
SENIORS
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
OLD HAILEYBURY
|
2
|
0
|
7
|
2
|
11
|
4
|
13
|
7
|
85
|
UNI BLACKS
|
4
|
7
|
6
|
11
|
8
|
13
|
12
|
18
|
90
|
OLD HAILEYBURY
Goal Kickers: A. Brown 3, B. White 3, L. Siapantas 2, K. Ford , B. Voss , T. Chisholm , A. Johnston , M. Douglas
Best Players: N. Criticos, M. Douglas, A. Brown, B. White, D. Comben, J. McLauchlan
GOAL OF THE DAY - definitely goes to Browny whose skills were on show with a classic from the boundary line in the first quarter. Unfortunately I was inside getting my glasses when it happened but I am sure I will see more during the season.
MARK OF THE DAY - There was probably no standout but there were a number of exceptionally strong marks taken by the likes of David Comden, Jarrod McLauclan, Fordy and Hammer.
Earlier in the day Jay Mueller received a lot of laughs as he outlined how he managed to end up playing football at OHAFC. It was highly entertaining and we appreciate Jay taking the time out to be our special guest. Strauny put Lappas through the ropes, asking the hard questions of the new coach. It was a great way to start the day and thank you to all involved.
Last Modified on 12/12/2010 22:05