MATCH REPORT – Rd14 2010
EAGLES SURVIVE A SCARE AT KNOX
By Peter Booth
SENIORS FINAL SCORE
VERMONT 12-9-81 def KNOX 10-12-72
We trailed for 3 quarters but got there in time on. The Eagles are now half a game outside the 5 with Blackburn being beaten and Norwood drawing against lowly Lilydale. Unfortunately we are suffering from a low percentage – as much as 16% less than teams around us. With 4 rounds to go Blackburn, Norwood and Croydon have tough matches ahead so our fate is in our hands.
2 changes with Papillo back from overseas and Tim Johnson playing his first senior game since the Grand Final. Carmody was out injured and Matty Smith was omitted.
Conditions were cold, rainy and muddy, the perfect setting for an upset.
Greig was again the punters pal with first goal via Cotchett. Mullett kicked our second and Greig kept us in the game with 2 wonderful long goals from the boundary. The backline was working overtime with Knox getting numerous inside 50 entries.
At ¼ time they led 4-4 to 4-1.
The second term was a real struggle – it took 10 minutes before Knox scored the first goal. Greig kicked his 4th at the 18 minute mark via Henley. Knox had gone inside 50 29 times to 10. Millhouse, Cullen and McCarthy were doing a great job restricting the oppositions scoring. Knox goaled after we failed to nail 3 tackles. Bardon goaled then Mullet goaled via Geraghty. At ½ time we were not convincing as they led by a goal 7-9 to 7-3. Better players for the half were Mullett, Cullen, Millhouse, Nummy, Greig, Cotchett and McCarthy.
It was a low scoring 3rd quarter. They kicked 2-1 to 1-3 as we were getting back into the contest. Our goal came from Cotchett. At ¾ time they led 9-10 to 8-6.
Froud, who struggled all day eventually broke loose with a running goal after a wonderful block by Henderson. We were getting killed in the ruck all day. A goal to Knox and they led by 11 points. Froud goaled via Spriggs then from a long way out Froud found the post. When Henley goaled at the 23 minute mark we hit the front for the first time since the 1st quarter. Minutes later Mullett stepped to the plate and booted a 55 metre goal to seal the win. Knox fans were bitterly disappointed as they are battling the wooden spoon. Better players for the half were Mullett, Cotchett, Millhouse, Bardon, Mendes, Kelly and Henley after a slow start. A couple of things I should mention in relation to the fighting last quarter – Hendo’s big heart – Papillo’s valuable 5 or 6 possessions and Froud picking himself up off the floor for his 2 goals.
Kelly has had a good couple of weeks.
Goalkickers – Greig 4, Mullett 3, Froud 2 with singles to Henley, Cotchett and Bardon.
Best Players – Mullett, Cullen, Cotchett, Millhouse, Nummy, Kelly, Bardon, McCarthy, Greig and Henley for his 2nd half.
Possessions – Henley 39, Mullett 32, Bardon 28, Millhouse 27, Nummy and Cotchett 25, Cullen 24, Kelly 23 and Spriggs 21.
1% - McCarthy 16, Spriggs 10, Mendes 10, Henderson 9 and Bird 8.
Coach’s Comments – We were gutsy in the last quarter – They murdered us inside 50 – Knox had a real dip – the conditions suited them.
RESERVES FINAL SCORE
KNOX 13-12-90 def VERMONT 3-6-24
We are in real danger of missing out on the finals. Good to see Lachie McKernan back after a pre season in jury. We kicked 1 goal for the first half Frankish via Dore. We tried hard but they had the better squad. At half time they led 6-6 to 1-2. Better players for the half were Cameron, McInerney and McDonald.
McInerney booted our only goal in the 3rd quarter via Bull. At ¾ time they led 11-9 to 2-4. It was a pretty even last term with Knox kicking 2-3 to 1-2. Our goal came after Humphrey unselfishly gave off to Dore – but there was little or no joy. Better players for the half were McInerney, Quon, Dore and McDonald.
Goalkickers – Singles to Frankish, Dore and McInerney.
Coach’s Best Players – Bull, Frankish, McInerney, J.Bird and Dornauf.
Coach’s Comments – We lacked direction – they were cleaner with their use of the ball – we had no forward targets.
COLTS FINAL SCORE
VERMONT 26-19-175 def KNOX 2-4-16.
The colts really came to play and scored a whitewash – congratulations to the coaches who stepped in for Graeme Hocking who was interstate on business. It was a wonderful team effort with 14 players kicking goals. At half time we led 13-8 to 1 goal. Better players for the half were Woolard, Lawlor, White, Symes, Yousef, Barry-Murphy and Thompson.
After the break we added 13-11 to 1-4 to completely overwhelm them. I noticed there was no fancy stuff – despite being well infront we stuck to the game plan and didn’t become smart. Better players for the half were Woolard, White, McAuley, Barry-Murphy, Pretto, Lawlor and Johns.
Goalkickers – Jiohns 3, Sonsie 3, Smith 3, Pretto 3, Strachan 2, Williams 2, McAuley 2, Barry-Murphy 2, Thompson 2 and singles to Symes, , Lawlor, Cooper and Woolard.
Coaching Staff Best Players – White, Lawlor, Woolard, Smith Barry-Murphy and Pretto.
INVICTA PLAY OF THE DAY – PAT LAWLOR for his courageous mark running with the flight of the ball in the first quarter.
Acting Coach Comments – That’s how we know you can play – the intensity and work rate was fantastic – we just have to believe in ourselves – we were all part of a fantastic win.
Last Modified on 26/07/2010 12:07
