Blues Brief Round 18, 2009
Review - Last Weekend
Uni Blues' senior team held Old Ivanhoe at bay in a win on Saturday that keeps them in fourth spot on percentage and consigns the "Hoers" to B-Section next season. With the boys from Chelsworth Park fighting hard to avoid the dreaded drop, Blues were in control but never quite able to put a serious gap on the visitors with the final margin being 25 points. Last year's Woodrow Medallist, Jack Watts, was back to his best for Uni which also benefited from some sterling defensive work from Drew Solley, Al Austin, Matt Torney and Johnny Meagher.
Uni Blues' senior team held Old Ivanhoe at bay in a win on Saturday that keeps them in fourth spot on percentage and consigns the "Hoers" to B-Section next season. With the boys from Chelsworth Park fighting hard to avoid the dreaded drop, Blues were in control but never quite able to put a serious gap on the visitors with the final margin being 25 points. Last year's Woodrow Medallist, Jack Watts, was back to his best for Uni which also benefited from some sterling defensive work from Drew Solley, Al Austin, Matt Torney and Johnny Meagher.
It was largely one-way traffic in the early game with the Blues Twos prevailing by 83 points. Dr Gunga's table-topping outfit had eleven individual goalkickers, the most prolific of which was skipper-for-the-day and best-on-ground Tom Pryde. Tim "The Mule" Muhlebach staged a ruckwork clinic and lively performances from Brant Laidlaw and Steen Balodis also caught the eye.
Uni Blues' Under 19s could not overcome second-placed Old Xaverians on the Crawford but their string of recent results has been sufficient to secure them a berth in the finals series commencing on Sunday. Hugh Vickers-Willis battled well for the undergraduates, along with the likes of Ollie Robertson and Tom Fairbairn.
For a complete wrap of scores, best players and goal kickers, simply click: here
Preview - This Weekend
Just under five percentage points is all that currently separates Blues (in fourth spot) from Collegians (loitering below with intent in fifth place) as the teams head into the final round of home-and-away games. For Collegians, the assignment is Xavier at the Harry Trott. For Blues, a trip to play Old Scotch at Camberwell beckons. It goes without saying that JK's men need a victory to be guaranteed a role in the September action. Blues comfortably accounted for Scotch back in Round 9 and a repeat performance of that 50-point win should do the trick.
Just under five percentage points is all that currently separates Blues (in fourth spot) from Collegians (loitering below with intent in fifth place) as the teams head into the final round of home-and-away games. For Collegians, the assignment is Xavier at the Harry Trott. For Blues, a trip to play Old Scotch at Camberwell beckons. It goes without saying that JK's men need a victory to be guaranteed a role in the September action. Blues comfortably accounted for Scotch back in Round 9 and a repeat performance of that 50-point win should do the trick.
Scotch's reserves side has a somewhat shaky hold on fourth spot so will be serving it up to a Blues Twos team that has made winning its habit since early July. With selection headaches looming for Dr Gunga, his personnel will be keen to impress in what is the team's last outing before an appointment in the Second Semi Final.
Blues' Under 19s meet Old Scotch in the First Semi Final from 11:30 am on Sunday at the Trevor Barker Oval (Beach Rd, Sandringham - Map reference 76 F8). Blues were too good for Scotch when the teams met earlier this month on the Crawford. Coach Matt Embling will be priming his young charges to prevail again to ensure safe passage into the second week of the finals.
Go Blues!
Events
Sue and John North have very kindly offered to host a gathering of all Uni Blues players, officials, parents & supporters at their home in Camberwell following the Old Scotch game this Saturday. Full details here
Blue Bloods - Past Players - Blues in the News
It was great to see Norma McNamara back at Uni Oval on Saturday. This week's "Bolt from the Blues" recounts her arrival at the club as part of Alan Salter's "Coburg connection": here
It was great to see Norma McNamara back at Uni Oval on Saturday. This week's "Bolt from the Blues" recounts her arrival at the club as part of Alan Salter's "Coburg connection": here
Notes
Playing Uniforms: The VAFA has reminded clubs that they will be fined for players wearing "unofficial items including non-licensed jumpers (i.e. school jumpers), non-licensed shorts, taped numbers, black tights and cut off socks". All Blues players should ensure that they are stepping out in the correct kit.
Playing Uniforms: The VAFA has reminded clubs that they will be fined for players wearing "unofficial items including non-licensed jumpers (i.e. school jumpers), non-licensed shorts, taped numbers, black tights and cut off socks". All Blues players should ensure that they are stepping out in the correct kit.
Finally, a friendly reminder that you can keep abreast of all happenings in the world of University Blues simply by going to our website at
