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
Reserves - Disappointing 2nd Semi-Final Effort
The Mighty Uni Blues Twos were undone at Elsternwick Park by a slick Old Xaverians outfit. Continual skill errors cost the Blues as they were given a lesson in team football. Too often handballs and kicks from highly rated players did not hit their intended targets and the opposition were there to capitalise. Steen Balodis kicked 2 goals and was lively up forward along with Pat Smith, fresh from his trip overseas. Dan Carmody and John Wood were solid down back and performed reasonably on their opponents. Ben Millard worked hard across half forward and Nick Hardie-Grant found plenty of the ball on the large wings at Elsternwick Park. During the third quarter, the Blues got their running game going and threatened to run over the opposition. However, this was the only time that the Blues looked threatening and they did not play the game on their terms. Old Xaverians are the only side to have beaten the Blues in the last couple of months and a number of Blues players are champing at the bit to have another crack at them. But for the time being, the Blues' focus is on next Sunday back at Elsternwick Park where they will be giving their all in the Preliminary Final. Expect a much better effort at 11:30am next Sunday against the winner of the 1st Semi Final.
University Blues: 6 - 5 - 41
Old Xaverians: 14 - 6 - 90
Best: H.Rankin, N.Hardie-Grant, P.Smith, D.Carmody, B.Millard, J.Wood
Goals: S.Balodis 2, D.Carmody 1, B.Millard 1, P.Smith 1, J.Vickers-Willis 1
Under 19 - Bow Out Of Finals Race
University Blues Under 19s ended their exciting finals campaign against a big and solid De La Salle at Central Reserve. De La Salle went into the game favourites as they finished the home and away season on top of the ladder. However, the proud and plucky Blues were not daunted and went into the game expecting it to be tight. The Blues also went into the game with solid form over the second half of the season. The fairy tale did not come true for the Blues, as they went down by 55 points. It was a promising year for the Blues as they started inconsistently but gradually found form as the season wore on. As is often the case at Uni, players took time to understand each others' game and it was often hard work coming up against well-drilled school teams. But Matt Embling can be proud of his boys' efforts as Embling unearthed some talent that will represent University Blues for years to come. Also, a foundation has been laid that will see the Blues much better prepared in 2010. Well done boys, all at University Blues are proud of your efforts during the 2009 season.
University Blues: 11 - 10 - 76
De La Salle: 19 - 17 - 131
Best: J.Edwards, L.Butler, B.McClure, T.Foott, H.Vickers-Willis, T.Maddocks
Goals: J.Townley 2, T.Day 2, L.Butler 1, T.Fairbairn 1, W.Hartnell 1, A.Nice 1, A.Selleck 1, A.Weddell 1, J.Woolley 1
