Seniors - Heart-stopping 1st Semi-Final Win In Extra Time
University Blues had an amazing win over St.Bedes/Mentone in the 1st Semi Final at Elsternwick Park after the score were level when the siren sounded. The Blues went in as underdogs having never beaten the Tigers before, but won the elimination bout by 18 points after 10 minutes of extra time.
The Blues started well on a relatively still afternoon, with George de Crespigny kicking the first 5 goals of their score. It was a high standard game with the ball being moved swiftly around Elsternwick Park. St.Bedes/Mentone looked dangerous as they switched the ball into the centre square and shot at goal whenever in front of the centre circle. With increased pressure, many of the shots dropped short leaving Jack Watts to take some fine defensive marks. John Meagher and Al Austin wore their respective key forwards like gloves all day, allowing Dan Nicholson and Matt Torney to continually run out of defence and set up forward forays. With Dave Paton's day ending prematurely, de Crespigny provided a much needed target up forward and he ended the day with 9 goals in an unstoppable and irresistible performance. Needless to say, George won the UCLA t-shirt for his efforts. Despite Blues holding a 13 point lead at the 26 minute mark of the final term, St.Bedes/Mentone hung in there and kicked 2 goals 1 behind in the last 3 minutes to erase Blues' lead and level the score.
The siren sounded, hushing the vocal crowd and Jeremy Bourke entered the arena instructing both teams to swap ends for the first of two 5-minute periods of extra time. There was a sense of familiarity to this surreal stage for Blues players as many of them were behind the goals at the 2008 Club XVIII Grand Final which Blues won with superior fitness - maybe this was an omen! Sam Chadwick kicked his 2nd goal for the game early in extra time with the wind, allowing the Blues some breathing space. Matt Maltmann snapped another goal as the first period of extra time drew to an end. The siren sounded and the teams swapped ends yet again. Blues were now only 7 or so minutes away from an unlikely victory over a side they had never bettered. Mark Paterson continually bullocked his way clear of stoppages in a vintage display, inspiring the Blues. St.Bedes/Mentone kicked a point with the wind and the margin was reduced to 11. Blues pegged that point back to lead by 12 before the ball landed in de Crespigny's hands again 35 meters out. He speared his shot into the wind and pierced the uprights for an 18 point buffer.
The win means that the Blues take on De La Salle next Sunday at Elsternwick Park in the Preliminary Final. The game begins at 2:00pm but get there at 11:30am to watch the Mighty Uni Blues Twos take on Old Brighton in the early game. Go Blues.
University Blues: 15 - 11 - 101
St.Bedes/Mentone: 11 - 17 - 83
Best: G.de Crespigny, J.Watts, J.Meagher, A.Austin, M.Paterson, D.Nicholson
Goals: G.de Crespigny 9, S.Chadwick 2, T.Muhlebach 1, B.McConnell 1, M.Maltmann 1, M.Steinbach 1
