Both the Seniors and Reserves returned to the winners list on the weekend – the Seniors in a nail-biter and the Ressies quite convincingly. The U/19s and First XVIII both suffered losses.
With the social rooms being prepared for the night’s Casino festivities, the throng had to spend more time than normal in the great outdoors. I will come back to the Ressies but the Seniors were facing a desperate Old Ivanhoe side. We have had a few close games over recent years with their height and “in close” attitude contrasting with our outgoing athletic approach to the game. So there was a bit of apprehension around the ground, especially after another four changes from the previous game (including Colesy who made his debut last week). Unfortunately, for various reasons, we haven’t been able to get a consistent line up on the paddock.
The visitors in brown and white kicked with the aid of a 15 goal wind in the first quarter and so we did well to be only seven points down at quarter time. The boys were running the ball well into this zephyr but it was apparent early that their height was going to be a problem. Josh Alkemade at full back was giving away 23 years and inches! But he was being helped out where possible and the forward line led by Ridgy and Ferg converted at the appropriate times.
The second quarter was a bit of an emotional roller coaster. The wind had dropped of course by then. We had plenty of the ball and opportunities to convert but couldn’t quite get it through the taller uprights. They were dropping players back but when we got two consecutive goals we hit the front and normality was restored. But a couple of quick and easy breaks from the middle resulted in two goals for them and we went into the main break facing seven point deficit. We had kicked two goals six for the quarter while OI kicked three straight – whose home ground is this!! Gledders and Stowey had been great contributors for the half while Lill was battling manfully with their tall timber.
The third quarter didn’t start well and the deficit was a Greek like 23 points after a couple of goals from the visitors and it was crunch time. To the boys credit they clawed their way back into the game. Tim Lockwood was getting more involved. Pop and Gooda got the required goals to ensure we were still a sniff at the orange break. Again we had been inaccurate in front of goal but the boys were playing with plenty of spirit.
The last quarter began in dark conditions, and it was proving difficult to distinguish the teams – for me anyway. And while there were calls to turn in the lights, the umpires wouldn’t allow time to pump up the yellow balls. The arm wrestle continued, with us kicking with the aid of a two goal wind.
Old Ivanhoe kicked the first goal of the last quarter and the crowd became just that bit more subdued – leaving The Voice for Sunday night maybe. But Raff and Pop rallied as did Tim Lockwood who had a cracker of a last quarter. Pop had a shot which just missed but then Lachie Nash got a six pointer to increase the tension. With their height, every forward thrust of the brown and white was greeted with deep air intakes. But the defense was holding tight with “co” being oh so cool. (that’s Hammer). We were still finding it hard to break down their extra men in defense, but then Ferg got on the end of a constructive passage. He lined up 40-45 metres out (he will tell you hugged on the boundary) with a slight breeze giving him assistance. And of course he nailed it to put us in front for the first time in the quarter. With about 4 minutes on the clock, timekeeper Mary was even more popular and the seconds ticked by. The next centre bounce was crucial and we managed to force it wide and despite a couple of forays, the defenders were able to keep them out. Ridgy and Tim Lockwood laid a couple of great tackles to ensure the ball didn’t leave our forward line and we managed to hold on.
It wasn’t a classic but we take the four points and move on. The boys showed some character in that they fought it out the whole way and managed to snag the points. We have lost a few of these close ones so it was good to finally get one.
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
Q1PTS
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
Q2PTS
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
Q3PTS
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
Old Haileybury
|
3
|
0
|
18
|
5
|
6
|
36
|
7
|
12
|
54
|
9
|
14
|
68
|
Old Ivanhoe
|
4
|
1
|
25
|
7
|
1
|
43
|
9
|
4
|
58
|
10
|
7
|
67
|
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: C. Ferguson 3, T. Ridgway 2, T. Lockwood , J. Nicolopoulos , L. Nash , N. Gooda
Best Players: P. Gleadhill, M. Stowe, J. Nicolopoulos, N. Gooda, M. Lillie, T. Lockwood
The Ressies got back on the winners list with a resounding 55 point win. The win was set up in the first quarter when we outscored the visitors, despite kicking into a four goal gale. And while we didn’t set the world on fire with the breeze we were always doing enough. Fitzy was great in the ruck while Sam Casey was showing he was back to his classy best. Kighty was a rock in defence while Ash King was very busy racking up the possessions.
It was only 23 points the difference at three quarter time but the last quarter was all ours. Will McTaggert got amongst the goals and we were able to come away with a hard fought but solid win.
Brock’s boys are now a game and percentage out of the four and hence next week’s game against third placed Old Brighton will be a really good one to win.
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
Q1PTS
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
Q2PTS
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
Q3PTS
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
Old Haileybury
|
4
|
2
|
26
|
6
|
10
|
46
|
8
|
15
|
63
|
14
|
17
|
101
|
Old Ivanhoe
|
2
|
3
|
15
|
2
|
3
|
15
|
6
|
4
|
40
|
7
|
4
|
46
|
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: W. McTaggart 4, S. Ellis 3, S. Fitzgerald 2, A. Kight 2, L. Pitcher , S. Casey , T. Coles
Best Players: A. Kight, A. Mathers, E. Limon, A. King, R. Mathers, S. Fitzgerald
The U/19s were right in the battle at half time facing only a two point deficit. There was good intent in what had been a good even contest. But the visitors kicked four goals to our one and while the boys battled it out, the damage had been done.
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
Q1PTS
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
Q2PTS
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
Q3PTS
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
Old Haileybury
|
3
|
0
|
18
|
5
|
2
|
32
|
6
|
2
|
38
|
8
|
3
|
51
|
Caulfield Grammarians
|
3
|
1
|
19
|
5
|
4
|
34
|
9
|
9
|
63
|
13
|
10
|
88
|
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: M. Mitchell 4, J. Donnelly 2, N. Leonidas , J. Paul
Best Players: S. Nowlon, N. Leonidas, M. Mitchell, L. Pinot, J. Paul, S. Hall
After a slow start, the School First XVIII were unable to peg back the difference and ultimately went down by 24 points.
Last Modified on 17/02/2013 22:29