Sat 25th August- The travels continued this week as we ventured down Grimshaw St to meet Bundoora in what was potentially going to be the defining game of the year. Bundoora wanted to win to secure the double chance, while for ourselves it was a case of win and the last finals spot would be stitched up. What transpired is very hard to put into words that dont begin in "f".
The thirds were playing their last game for 2007 and Grant had them primed for a big one. With nothing but pride to play for the boys did well for three quarters. They stayed with Bundoora on the scoreboard with there being a small margin of 22 points the difference at three quarter time. Unfortunately Bundoora had a strong wind in the last quarter and the game was "blown" out. Highlights for the spectators came when Liam "Chisel" Hunt decided that playing thirds was so easy he didnt need to wear shorts, or underpants for that matter. In a tackle he thought he had broken Chisel kept running, only to have the Bundoora opponent dack him jocks and all right in front of the training bench. All Chisel seemed to be worried about was if I had the camera on at the time, (which I didn't). The next moment that will reamon with me involved Matt Blackburn who fought magnificently to beat three opponents in a genuine hard ball get, to then run into the open goal square and kick the ball full force into the post. Unfortunately for Blackers that was the last game of the season, so he has no way to redeem himself next week and will have to live with that miss all summer. And won't the boys remind him!
Hoffy's reserve team was playing to keep alive the chance of second spot on the ladder and the double chance. Having secured a finals spot last week with a come from behind effort, it seems the players wanted to give Hoffy more grey hairs and do the same again. This time the margin was tied to the wind, with Bundoora going into the last quarter with a three point lead and a healthy three goal wind. Things were not looking good, the boys seemed tired and out of sorts, but similar to last week, the last quarter produced gold. A six goal against the wind effort stopped Bundoora and gave Hoffy another well deserved win and probably aged him another ten years. I think that now officially makes him 100.
The senior game promised much, and in the opening minutes things looked like they were going to plan. Three quick goals and our players were dominating. Bundoora hit back with a couple of lucky goals due to poor checking and against the run of play, but by quarter time we had a 14 points lead and things were looking good. At this point I have no idea what happened. Bundoora had a 10 goal to one quarter to completely smash our finals chances, and not one of our players seemed to want the ball. Sitting on the sidelines watching the game was painful and embarrassing and is an experience I never wish to have again.
Jack ripped into the boys at half time, but the response was a wimper. Bundoora continued to dominate and the game and our finals were well and trully over. The last quarter produced a 10 goal to none effort in favour of Bundoora and Montmorency was beaten by a record score for Bundoora Montmorency games.
To have been beaten by 119 points is a complete embarassment and I can only apologise to our supporters and sponsors. Now is not the time to lay blame, rather it is now the time for redemption. I hope the players read this and can find something inside that will make them redeem this weeks effort. I know I have been gutted by this performance and I trully expect a better effort next week.
Last Modified on 29/08/2007 08:31
