It was a dour affair at the Bentleigh Reserve as the hosts prevailed in the battle of the Demons. After a low scoring affair, Bentleigh finished 15 point the better. It was a swirly strong breeze that greeted the teams. Although favouring one end, it was not a great advantage. We had first use and a clever snap from Matt Campbell got us on the board early before Bentleigh hit back with a goal of their own. We suffered a major blow early in the second term when in form ruckman Danny Wilson was stretchered off, stretching our already thin big man department to the limit. A two goal to nil quarter for the bad guys saw them take a handy 17 point lead to the main break.
Below: Adam Nichols was among the best in his 100th game .
We hit back in the third term with goals to Gav Vassallo, David Ford and Brendan Ashman, allowing us to grab the smallest of leads at three quarter time. The hosts however had the last use of the breeze and proved irresistible. Seven scoring shots to one told the story of the last quarter. A five goal to four scoreline read more like a soccer match. The hosts had numbers behind the ball and the game was played largely between half forward lines. We were a long way from disgraced but need to use the ball better when in possession. When the opposition have numbers behind the ball it is a test of a players poise and vision, and it is an area we can improve.
Below: Lance Baptist clears
Jordan Wachter was terrific all day along with Matt Campbell, back to his best after a frustrating season with injury. Not surprisingly defenders Justin Doust, Kris Merz and Lance Baptist were among the best, along with evergreen Adam Nichols who was terrific in his 100th game for the club.
Below: Kris Merz takes on 2
Not even some inspiration from Dave Monaghan could save the reserves as they suffered a heavy loss against the pace setting Bentleigh. Shannon Brown was named best on ground along with Dylan Bramble, Luke Wenke and Lem Nguyen. Veterans Lukas Bray and Danny McKee also rowed their side of the boat.
Last Modified on 28/07/2013 11:53