The Seniors were led out by Tristan Coles who played his 100th game for the club on the weekend. Colesy is a terrific clubman who has only missed one game in his six at the club, so it was a fitting tribute. The skippers won the toss and kicked with the wind in the first quarter. It was clear early that the game was going to be a battle of the defences. Matt Mitchell was lively early while Ridgy was enjoying the freedom of running on the ball. We probably didn’t take full advantage, with our noses just in front at the break. But all goals were quite scrambly, suggesting goals could be scored into the wind with the right attitude.
The second quarter was similar although it began to open up a bit. OMs had the height advantage, so we were reliant on an attacking game, with a run on at all cost attitude. Our approach was working but probably just got let down by some disposal. But unfortunately, height is hard to defend and the hosts managed to score goals from strong marks. But the boys, led by Gledders and Nashy were providing a terrific contest.
The third quarter was where we needed to get back into the game. And while we persevered, we could not exert enough scoreboard pressure. OMs were restricted to the one goal, but we were only able to add one to our scoreline. This clearly indicates that the game was played between the half back flanks and it remained a tight encounter. The stormclouds were fast approaching, suggesting the weather gods were going to ensure it remained a good hard fought contest. Stowey was loving the conditions and the contest , while Pop was getting plenty of the ball.
The last quarter was tight but you got the feeling that the OM outfit were just starting to get on top as their ascendency amongst the “talls” came to the fore. We managed two goals into the wet draft but it wasn’t going to be enough as OMs were able to add three goals themselves.
Best players on the day were co-skipper Gledders and tagger Stowey who both seemed to love the contest. Secc again rucked tirelessly, while Pop and Ridgy were really constructive. Loved the game of Nashy who was hard at the ball all day.
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: M. Mitchell , T. Coles , L. Pinot , M. Meehan , T. Ridgway , J. Nicolopoulos
Best Players: P. Gleadhill, M. Stowe, J. Nicolopoulos, M. Seccull, T. Ridgway, L. Nash
The Reserves were gallant in their loss to OMs. It was only six points the difference at half time but unfortunately fitness took its toll in the second half, especially in the last quarter when kicking into the wind. Richard Mathers continued his good form, while Nick Leonidas roved well all day. Nick kicked a couple of goals himself, while Will McTaggart also bagged two majors.
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: N. Leonidas 2, W. McTaggart 2, R. James , A. Floyd , R. Mathers
Best Players: R. Mathers, N. Leonidas, D. Mackenzie, A. Vitolins, W. McTaggart, C. Ferguson
After losing the toss and having to kick into the wind, the U/19s were up against it. The opposition took full advantage, skipping away to a six goal advantage. And while the boys remained more than competitive for the rest of the game, it was a bridge too far.
Ben Traiger-Haig was terrific all day, ably backed up by Julian Conte and Hamish Melville.
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: J. Conte 2, D. Opanayaka , J. Reid , M. McKinna , I. Saraswat , H. Melville , B. Traeger-Haig , K. Hartnett
Best Players: B. Traeger-Haig, J. Conte, H. Melville, S. Perera, S. Somers, M. McKinna
Last Modified on 06/08/2013 22:36
