The game against Caulfield Grammarians was going to be the make or break of both teams as they fought for the chance to avoid relegation. Haileybury was coming off a pretty good effort against Uni Blues and Caulfield were coming off a big loss to Old Carey. A win to Haileybury and a loss to Caulfield would have put them within ½ a game of each other and the momentum with Haileybury.
At Caulfields home ground there was a large crowd from both teams reflecting the importance of the game. Caulfield were kicking with a slight breeze and the intensity was on from the start. By ¼ time the scores were even at 2 goals 4 a piece.
The first half of the second quarter was all Haileybury. The intensity was high, tackling was ferocious and it looked like Caulfield were going to buckle under the pressure. At the 15 minute mark Haileybury lead 6 goals to 2 and the supporters were thinking positive thoughts. Then Caulfield kicked one followed by another and the bloods intensity started to wain. By half time the 4 goal lead had been whittled down to 4 points.
The third quarter started in great fashion from both sides as the coaches’ messages sunk in but it was Caulfield who scored first and suddenly they were running on top of the ground. The Haileybury pressure wilted and it became a one way street – the wrong way. By the end of the quarter Caulfield had kicked 7 goals 3 to 1 solitary point for the quarter.
At three quarter time there was anger and bewilderment as the gravity of the situation sunk in. Try as we did in the last quarter the best we could do was contain them which meant that Caulfield ran out 8 goal winners.
As a result of this relegation looks a distinct possibility unless there is a massive turn around for the rest of the season and Caulfield don’t win any more games.
It was difficult to find any highlights in such a poor result.
The reality is what faces us and we urge everyone to get round the players, coaches and support rather than blame – there are still 4 matches to go and the fighting Haileybury spirit needs to show through.
The reserves and Under 19’s were both soundly beaten.
Senior Results:
OLD HAILEYBURY
Goal Kickers: J. Nicolopoulos 3, M. Stowe , L. Nash , N. Gooda , M. Meehan
Best Players: H. McLauchlan , R. Johnson , M. Taylor , C. Povey , P. Gleadhill , J. Alkemade
Reserves:
OLD HAILEYBURY
Goal Kickers: W. McTaggart , T. Tyrell , R. James , T. Gill
Best Players: T. Gill , D. Mackenzie , R. Carroll , S. Ellis , C. Hill , J. Toy
Under 19’s
OLD HAILEYBURY
Goal Kickers: N. Tabe 2, W. Meehan , E. Sturrock
Best Players: N. Tabe , E. Sturrock , N. Hunter , D. Korbman , J. Mantell , M. Sturgess
** LUNCHEON THIS SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST - MEET PAUL HAMEISTER - A MAN WHO'S CLIMBED MOUNT EVEREST **
We've had some great speakers already at our Luncheons, including a Shadow Attorney-General, an Oscar winner and an AFL Premiership player.
But all would be in awe of our guest speaker for Saturday week's Luncheon. Old Haileyburian adventurer and mountaineer Paul Hameister has climbed Mount Everest as well as the highest mountain in all the other continents of the world bar one - and he's about to complete the set!
We think Paul might prove to be the most interesting speaker we'll hear yet, so make sure you book your place before the end of this weekend. RSVP to Peter Bowing on 0418 340 639 or at peter@pointahead.com.au. Or you can book online at http://www.clubdata.com.au/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=2104
Last Modified on 29/07/2014 17:16
