MATCH REPORT – 2009 QUALIFYING FINAL
BALWYN v VERMONT
By Peter Booth
FINAL SCORE
VERMONT 11-11-77 def BALWYN 9-21-75
It will go down as one of our great wins. In soft conditions after overnight rain the game was played at ground level in the first half which suited Vermont but in the 3rd quarter Balwyn took the game above ground level and looked dangerous with their tall marking players. In the last quarter it was a slog which we eventually won. We will now meet Croydon in next Saturday’s 2nd semi final.
It was overcast at Bayswater but the rain held off and there was little breeze. Morse made a welcome return from injury Henderson and Nummy came back in. Matt Greig was out injured with McKernan and Debney missing out.
The Tigers scored first quickly followed by Morse who was playing across half back. We had plenty of entries inside 50 and again we were inaccurate. We tended to over use the ball in defence which caused a few turnovers. Millhouse kicked our second goal from a brilliant snap. I thought at this stage our teamwork was better. Balywn also were inaccurate in front of goal. Mullett was playing a fine captain’s game and Froud was off target early. At ¼ time we led 2-6 to 1-6.
Balwyn scored first after the break but then came an absolute gem. McCarthy ran off half back and passed beautifully – he kept running -received the handpass back and delivered with precision to Froud who goaled. During this period Henderson applied a couple of really strong tackles. Dore, who proved to be the inspiration of the day goaled but the Tigers replied. Rushton goaled via Henley to give us a 10 point lead at ½ time. Better players for the half were Mullett, Henley, Ross, Bardon, Stephen, Morse and McCarthy.
At half time Balwyn decided to use their marking power and take the game above ground level. They kicked 2 goals in 2 minutes and at the 9 minute mark they goaled again. Froud kicked his second but the Tigers quickly replied. The signs half way through the quarter were not good. Our midfield dropped their intensity and pressure. A Balwyn defensive error allowed Millhouse to goal via Mendes but again the Tigers replied. Cotchett marked on the siren and goaled via Stephen to get us within 8 points at the final change. Mullett, Dore, Mendes and Ross were terrific during the 3rd term.. Balwyn kicked 5-7 to 3-1 for the quarter so they really dominated.
A stirring – n o pulling punches speech by David Banfield inspired players and spectators alike. Stephen got the first clearance and Froud goaled within the first half minute and it was game on. Mendes work rate was phenomenal as usual and when Mullett goaled we led by 4 points. When Stephen goaled via Henley we led by 10 points but there was still 8 minutes to go. The Tigers missed a couple then goaled to get within 3 points. A couple of big highlights during this period were a strong defensive punch by McCarthy and a bruising tackle by Robbie Ross. In the tense final minutes we held on the progress to the 2nd semi final.
Better players for the half were Mullett, Mendes, Ross, Henley, McCarthy, Dore, Morse, Papillo and Nummy.
Goalkickers – Froud 3, Millhouse 2 and singles to Cotchett, Mullett, Stephen, Morse, Rushton and Dore.
Best Players – Mullett, Ross, Mendes, Henley, McCarthy, Stephen, Morse, Dore and Bardon.
Possessions – Mullett 35, Henley 30, Mendes 26, Stephen 24, Bardon 22, Ross and Morse 17 and McCarthy 14.
1% - McCarthy 17, Mendes 12, Mullett 10 with 8 each to Dore, Papillo and Waller.
Coach’s Comments – It was outstanding and enjoy the moment. The midfielders ramped the ball up in the last quarter – we are the real deal and you know it.
Last Modified on 31/08/2009 14:26
