It was a battle crucial to both teams finals chances when Springvale Districts met with Murrumbeena on Saturday. With the disappointment of the Oakleigh match still smarting, we came out of the blocks well and looked dangerous early on. We had our kicking boots on as we piled on six goals one behind in the first quarter, allowing us to take a 17 point lead to the first break. The hosts hit back in when they posted a fourth consecutive goal from a free kick. Fortunately, the players were allowed some say on the match outcome and with Rob Johnston, Gav Vassallo and Ash Beasy on target; we were able to extend our lead to a comfortable 29 points. The third quarter continued much the same way as we played all over the hosts. Billy Athanosopoulos, Matt Thompson and Gav hit the scoreboard. We maintained our accurate kicking for goal and extended our lead to a seemingly unassailable 37 points.
Above: Matt Campbell with his head over the ball.
There would be a twist in the tale as the hosts finally found some momentum in the finals stanza. Our tackling pressure which had been exemplary dropped off and some quick clearances were converted. With a sniff of an unlikely victory the Lions would not be denied and we were forced to dig deep. Our hard running for the first three quarters had taken a toll with some lads playing on memory and determination only. A goal to Danny Wilson appeared a steadier but Murrumbeena hit back in lightening time to undo it and creep within three points. With one last effort we managed a centre clearance. A centering kick found Kris Thompson unmarked directly in front. With back passage valves puckering all round the ground he calmly slotted the sealer after wisely taking all the time he could.
Above: Danny Wilson was the dominant big man on the ground.
Whilst we could be disappointed with our final quarter, we had played very well up to that point. If we run out of legs it was because we had spent all our petrol when the match was there to be won. Our tackling and pressure was excellent, as was our kicking for goal.
Above: Jackson Bolch shows desperation.
We had many winners across the ground. Justin Doust was outstanding on their dangerous full forward. Leighton Ross was effective and both ends of the ground, Lance Baptist intercepted a number of the bad guys forward entries whilst Brad Dight showed that he belongs in senior football having acquitted himself well on a good player. Danny Wilson set a standard for himself in the ruck which he will continue to live up to, Rob Johnston contributed well in an unfamiliar role whilst Gav Vassallo was the most dangerous player on the ground and showed great leadership.
Above: Danny McKee and Chris Chalmers battled hard in the reserves.
The reserves were severely undermanned, even by our standards. Thanks to all the lads who helped out in our time of need. Chris Chalmers and Luke Dovaston tried hard but it was akin to holding the ocean back with a broom. Peter Ramsay, Sean Francis, Brad Wilson and Lukas Bray were among the best.
Last Modified on 21/07/2013 01:07