Seniors - Bow Out Gracefully In A Disappointing Loss

There was a sense of deja vu at Elsternwick Park as University Blues jumped out of the blocks early and George de Crespigny kicked 3 of the first four goals. Big George looked to be on his way to his second big haul in as many weeks. The Blues went into quarter time with a handy lead, however De La Salle were not about to let the season slip away easily. The

second quarter saw the Blues toiling into the wind. They did so manfully until late in the quarter when a couple of cheeky goals saw De La Salle gain some crucial momentum. Sam Chadwick (2 goals) kicked a brilliant left foot snap to ease the pressure. Matt Torney, in defence, played very well and worked hard to halt the momentum but De La went into the main break only 8 points in arrears. As supporters enjoyed the afternoon tea on offer, Coach Kanis plotted with his men to beat the Lasallians for the third time this year. The wind had increased over the course of the day and was going to be a crucial factor in the game. The Blues had the wind in the third quarter and needed to use it to advantage. Ben McConnell, Mark Paterson and Jeremy Mugavin (2 goals) won the ball from the centre and sent it forward where the forward line looked to create chances. Dirk Heinz marked well all day up forward while Andrew Lowcock kicked two timely captain's goals. However, the Blues did not make enough of their opportunities as De La Salle leveled the scores going into the final lemon break. Clearly a big last quarter effort was required into the wind if the Blues were to keep their finals hopes alive. De La Salle broke the deadlock and skipped away to a three goal lead. The Blues gradually wrested back control around the ground but they struggled to break through on the scoreboard. McConnell kicked a timely goal from a holding the ball decision as he tackled a player in the goal square who inexplicably went for a rugby-style try twice. It looked like the Blues could win at the death again. Unfortunately it was not to be as some crucial mistakes significantly cost the Blues as De La Salle ran out 17 point winners.

It has been an exciting year for University Blues Seniors who looked mediocre early but improved to finish the season third. John Kanis assembled a fantastic young squad of players, 47 of whom played senior football this year. Kanis was ably assisted by Chris Reid, Damien Guengerich, Rich Taylor, Nick Holland and Rich Moloney. Senior players will take a well-earned break before looking to begin their assault on 2010. Go Blues. 

University Blues: 13 - 10 - 88

De La Salle:        16 - 9 - 105

Best: M.Torney, D.Heinz, M.Lewis, B.McConnell, M.Paterson, J.Mugavin

Goals: G.de Crespigny 3, A.Lowcock 2, S.Chadwick 2, J.Mugavin 2, D.Heinz 1, B.McConnell 1, D.Paton 1,    M.Lewis 1

Reserves - Premiership Hopes Alive After Hard Fought Win

Despite a loss in the second semi final, the equation had not changed for the Mighty Uni Blues Twos: they still had to win two games to win the premiership. The first win now had to be against Old Brighton in a do-or-die clash in the preliminary final. The two sides looked evenly matched as they had both won at the other's ground during the home and away season. Coach Guengerich had the team champing at the bit at the beginning of the game. Captain Alex Suvoltos survived an accident before the game to deliver some inspiring words just before the first bounce. The first quarter panned out true to form, even. Old Brighton kicked a little straighter than the Blues to go into the first quarter 9 points up. The message to the Blues' forwards was simple, make the most of the opportunities. The second quarter demonstrated what this team is capable of, as the Blues initially pegged back the deficit then ran away to a 22 point lead at half time. Pat Smith was playing brilliantly, winning centre breaks, putting pressure on around the ground, and kicking a goal on the run from 45m. David Brady was hitting packs hard up forward, Steen Balodis was displaying his skill and speed, and Sam Roache was winning every contest he was near to. Mick Steinbach was speeding all over the ground and kicked two excellent goals. The Blues started the third quarter well, kicking the first goal into the breeze. But just as they looked to have a match-winning lead, the players took their foot off the pedal and Old Brighton raced back into the game. The defence was under siege as Old Brighton lifted their work rate and attack on the ball. Ben Mugavin took some timely defensive marks and Ben Millard played a close-checking game ensuring that the Blues went into the final break in the lead. A pulsating final quarter saw the lead change on a number of occasions. Every action counted and Tom Girdwood's (3 goals) precise kicking for goal was very much appreciated. Smith got things moving with a brilliant snap on the run, and Tom Stainforth kept talking and working as the Blues got over the line by 4 points.

The win means the Mighty Uni Blues Twos have booked themselves into the Grand Final next week at Elsternwick Park. At 11:30 on Sunday the Blues will be attempting to win back-to-back flags against Old Xaverians. It promises to be an exciting finale to the season and all supporters should not miss the opportunity to see these young men in action. Go Blues. 

University Blues: 11 - 9 - 75

Old Brighton:      10 - 11 - 71

Best: P.Smith, D.Brady, T.Stainforth, S.Balodis, S.Roache, B.Mugavin

Goals: T.Girdwood 3, P.Smith 2, M.Steinbach 2, L.Quin 1, D.Brady 1, N.Hardie-Grant 1, T.Fitzgerald 1