The Mighty Blooders travelled across to the Don Rd Sports Complex in Healesville on Sunday in a bid to qualify all three football sides for the 2009 Division 2 Grand Finals. Each final was a torrid and physical affair with no easy contests. Our boys eventually prevailing in all matches to set up all 3 teams with a chance at premiership glory !
U18s 2nd Semi Final v Seville
Congratulations to the Under 18 boys for a very solid first final. You could sense the boys were switched on before the game and ready to do their bit to set up a historical three teams into the grand final.
Blake Walter was inspirational at full forward, kicking 9 of 13 goals (he was a late inclusion after being taken out of the seniors to replace poor old Hollywood who broke his leg on Friday playing volleyball).
As usual, Blakes reading of the ball in flight and timing of his body work was impeccable and he was dominant down forward. Up back as usual, our half back line of Dawson, Beattie and Lazdins was almost impenetrable and was the springboard of many forward thrusts.
Wally, Dom and little Arnie (who's getting better each week) were solid and reliable on the full back line.
One major contributor to our very solid win was the work of our "mosquito" fleet- Brin Owen, Mitch Meadows, and Lukey Van Leirop were all magnificent and had numerous valuable touches for all four quarters.
Our captain Owen Raszkeiwicz showed once again, why he is rated (by many including myself) as the best player in the competition, with another best on ground performance.
One more win to go boys to create a very special piece of history, lets make sure we train hard !
RESERVES 2nd Semi Final v Yarra Glen
The Reserve side marched into what will be their first ever grand final appearance last Sunday with a strong 35 point win over a pumped up Yarra Glen side.
The win in blustery conditions was most encouraging, as it was very much a team performance with all players contributing. Standouts were Brent Green & Tim Wall who took on the heavy work against many of the physically strong Yarra Glen players, whilst Frankie Maaskant & Simon Leone who were ‘in & under’ the packs all day. Lloyd Tanzen & Paul Simmons also impressed with their composure under pressure.
There is a great deal of pride within the Reserve side this season, which is one of the key reasons they have got this far.
More of the same is assured in two weeks time.
SENIORS 2nd Semi Final v Kinglake
Olinda seniors played Kinglake in great conditions at the very large Healesville oval and what a game it turned out to be.
A great start saw the Olinda boys getting an early break and up by 30 points nearing the end of the first quarter. A determined Kinglake hung on and got a couple back nearing the end of the first quarter and at the first break, Olinda up by 22 points.
The second quarter was tight with neither side giving the other any respite and at the long break Olinda led by 24 points.
Both sides come out fired up after half time and once again, an arm wrestle between the 2 sides ensured that the crowd who payed the $12 entry fee were given value for money. Both sides conceded little as the score board showed a marginal difference between previous quarters with Olinda up by 22 points.
With a weeks break the prize for the winner, and both sides wanting this break to rest some sore bodies, the Olinda boys had the kitchen sink thrown at them. To our credit, we fought the game out and showed our supporters that all the faith they had in us was justified. Victory by 23 points.
Great finals match and one of the most exciting I have been involved in. A great team effort !
Last Modified on 01/09/2009 15:44