MATCH REPORT – Rd3 2010
By Peter Booth
SENIORS FINAL SCORE
NOBLE PARK 27-14-176 def VERMONT 7-9-51
We were completely outclassed from the opening bounce. A fine day on an excellent surface – there were no excuses. It was the club’s biggest loss in history bettering the previous record set in 1970 by 22 points. It was pointed out after the game that we beat Noble Park by a similar margin 2 years ago and they turned that result around the next time we met. Matt ‘Maggot’ Smith spoke to the players before the game as Grant McCarthy was about to break his club record of 130 consecutive games. There were 2 changes with Henley out suspended for 3 weeks and Papillo who withdrew late with a stomach complaint. Dell’Aquilla and McInernet come in. On the positive side – Mark Griffiths returned to footy with a best on ground performance in the reserves and Mark Cullen will return next week. Parker, Mendico and Henderson will soon be pushing for senior selection.
For the record Siciliano kicked the first goal for the punters. Ross played his heart out as usual with contributions coming from McCarthy, Rushton, Mullett and Froud who was our only forward. Mendes showed courage coming back after a heavy knock. Bardon was useful early before his foot gave way again.
Noble Park led by 59 points at ½ time and by 98 points at ¾ time. Congratulations to them and if they continue in that form they will be right up there.
Goalkickers – Froud 2 with singles to Siciliano, Greig, McInerney, Cotchett and McCarthy.
Best Players – Ross, Mullett, McCarthy, Rushton, Froud, Mendes and Nummy.
Possessions – Mullett 28. Bardon 21, Ross 19, Siciliano 19 with 15 each to Rushton, Cotchett and Mendes.
1% - McCathy 10, Mullett 7 and 6 each to Nummy and Della’Quilla.
Coach’s Comments – It was the worst way to celebrate a milestone game. David paid tribute to Grant McCarthy about his dedication to the club – the extra things he does and the way he responds if he is beaten by an opponent. David told the players at no stage during the game was there a sign that things would turn around. Today was a big shock – we did not see it coming – it was a miserable day.
RESERVES FINAL SCORE
VERMONT 6-19-55 def NOBLE PARK 7-9-51
A Fighting win by the reserves with Kieran McAuley and Jarod Kealy coming up from the colts. The ranks were boosted by the return of Griffiths and Mark Cullen who coming back from injury. NP had a 4 goal breeze in the 1st term and it took them 11 minutes to score. Griffiths took a screamer then helped Geraghty to goal. We were well satisfied at ¼ time with NP leading by 2 points 1-3 to 1-1.
Mark Griffiths was playing an exceptional game. He goaled via Parker then goaled again. NP undid our good work with 2 late goals. At ½ time we led 3-7 to 3-4. Better players for the half were Cullen, Griffiths, Geraghty and Bull.
Griffiths kicked another 2 goals in the 3rd term. Bordin came into the game and wes lively across half forward. Parker kicked a late goal to give us an 11 point lead with the breeze in the last quarter. NP kicked the only 2 goals of the last term as we added 8 behinds – just enough to get home by 4 points. Bordin was again good in the last quarter. Better players for the half were – Griffiths, Bordin, Parker, Quon and Henderson,
Goalkickers – Griffiths 4 and singles to Geraghty and Parker.
Coach’s Best Players – Griffiths, Parker, Quon, Geraghty, Henderson and Cullen.
Coach’s Comments – Good to win a close one after our string of narrow losses last year. We lost composure towards the end. Jeff singled out Trent Parker who really stepped up and thanked the 2 colts boys for their efforts.
COLTS FINAL SCORE
VERMONT 13-8-86 def NOBLE PARK 8-10-58
We had a 4 goal breeze in the opening term and made the most of it. Moss goaled via Cooper then Sonsie goaled via Davidson. Our tackling and pressure was good – it had to be as they were a well drilled side. Sonsie was off early with an injured finger. Burmeister goaled via Thompson then Williams goaled on the siren. At ¼ time we led 4-3 to zero.
Burmeister goaled after Castersen copped a heavy knock. NP kicked it’s first gol at the 9 minute mark. We had plenty of the play into the wind but turnovers proved costly. 2 more goals to NP and it was game on. At ½ time we led 5-3 to 3-0. Better players for the half were Smith, Johns. McCafferty, Thomson and Moss.
We kicked 5 goals to 2 in the 3rd quarter. Strachan goaled via Yousef then Williams kicked another long goal. Sonsie returned from his hand injury and goaled. The 3rd quarter was a more even contest than the scoreboard showed. McCafferty kicked a brilliant long goal on the run then Sonsie booted his 3rd. At ¾ time we led 10-7 to 5-4.
When Sonsie and Pretto goaled early in the final term the result was ours. NP added 3 goals to keep us honest then Sonsie goaled after a strong mark. Better players for the half were Barry-Murphy, Sonsie, Pretto, Johnson, Johns and McCafferty.
Goalkickers – Sonsie 5, Williams 2, Burmeister 2 and singles to Pretto, Moss, Stachan and McCafferty.
Coach’s Best Players – Barry-Murphy, Johns, McCafferty, Strachan, Moss. Mendes and White.
INVICTA PLAY OF THE DAY – Connor McCafferty’s long run and goal in the 3rd quarter.
Coach’s Comments – Really good – let’s keep working on our skills – we slowed the tempo down in the last quarter – everyone played their role – it was a good team effort.
Last Modified on 03/05/2010 12:48