Seniors – Come away from perfect ground with correct result
As players and supporters rolled into Marles Playing Fields, they were greeted by the sight of an oval that looked in as good condition as a golf green. Kudos to Old Trinity’s greens-keepers, who managed to have two ovals in excellent condition. The day wasn’t quite as perfect but as the game unfolded, Blues fans did not mind one iota. Old Trinity started the game well, trying to monopolise possession but the Blues looked to have the answers. Charles Slattery was moving perfectly around the open spaces, somewhat reminiscent of the big grounds over in SA. Jack Watts and Andrew Lowcock were ominous up forward as they looked to stretch Trinity’s defense. When the siren sounded at quarter time, the Blues were up 22 points to 9. The second quarter unfolded in a very similar manner, three goals to the Blues and one to Trinity. Ben McConnell was working typically hard around the ground, particularly on the centre pitch area. Matt Torney was continuing his stellar season, rebounding the ball from half-back in his usual indomitable manner. At half time, Uni Blues lead the game by 24 points. Reasonable, but not enough as far as the players in the blue and black thought. They came out in the third quarter looking to stamp their authority on the game and that they did. They piled on six goals to one to take charge in a hard-fought game. Watts and Lowcock both converted, while Ed Clark also took some strong marks and kicked a pair obviously enjoying being back in the main game. With Old Trinity in arrears by 55 points at the three quarter time break, the final quarter had spectators asking how much the Blues could win by. 72 points was the answer as the Blues added another five to Trinity’s one. Sam Chadwick got amongst the action, kicking two while Lowcock and Watts added their third for the game. Mark Paterson continued his amazing career with another bullocking and skilful display. Despite a young child taking away from his gym time, Paterson remains one of the premier onballers in amateur football and is a constant headache for opposition coaches. In summary, another week, another big win by the Blues who are forcing some opponents to look over their shoulders in the run to the finish line.
University Blues: 15 – 15 – 105
Old Trinity: 4 – 9 – 33
Best: A.Lowcock, C.Slattery, J.Watts, M.Paterson, M.Torney, B.McConnell
Goals: J.Watts 3, A.Lowcock 3, S.Chadwick 2, E.Clark 2, M.Paterson 1, D.Gregory 1, M.Torney 1, T.Stainforth 1, T.Muhlebach 1
Reserves – Win by over 100 points as opponent go goal-less in second half
The Mighty Uni Blues Twos continued their run of form against a hapless Old Trinity. The game started in unfamiliar fashion as Trinity’s open forward line caught the Blues out and Trinity were able to get the first goal of the game. Uni Blues were able to quickly respond through Bennett Merriman who evened the ledger. From there, the Blues were never headed. Al Lyon and Tom Girdwood lead the way with great desperation and ball use. Still, Trinity continually chipped the ball around to a loose man to frustrate the Blues and deny them opportunities to control the game. In addition, the Blues defenders were often caught chasing the ball leaving the Trinity forward line open for attack. For these reasons, the Blues went in at quarter time only one goal up, three to two. Coach Maddocks implored his defenders to set up behind the ball and not go kick-chasing. Also, he asked for increased attack on the ball. The Blues obliged, lead by Jackson Brooke and Albert Weddell who both continually won the hard ball from stop-plays and pumped the ball forward. Brooke also snuck forward to kick the first of his three goals, a superb snap from the pocket to give the Blues momentum. Andy Christensen was also finding the pill, and he kicked the first of his four goals. After half time, Trinity did not give a yelp, failing to score a goal as the Blues piled on thirteen. Girdwood kicked five in a best on ground display showing great leadership and experience. On the other hand, Christensen kicked four goals and was second best in only his second game in the Blues Twos. James Van De Pol showed dash off half-back and is very slippery to tackle, even on dry days. J-Pol also used the ball well in setting up a number of forward thrusts. Steen Balodis is another fine user of the ball and difficult to tackle with his speed, and he was able to sneak forward to kick three goals. A 121 point win was the result and nothing less was expected from a rampant Uni Blues outfit. The Blues need to maintain the momentum through these cold weeks as there are bigger fish to fry later in the season.
University Blues: 21 – 18 – 144
Old Trinity: 3 – 5 – 23
Best: T.Girdwood, A.Christensen, A.Lyon, J.Brooke, A.Weddell, J.Van De Pol
Goals: T.Girdwood 5, A.Christensen 4, J.Brooke 3, S.Balodis 3, B.Merriman 2, T.Maddocks 1, J.Clifford 1, D.Vincent 1, J.Eastman 1
Thirds – Take the points in a walkover (again)
For the second week in a row, the opponents of the Uni Blues Tertiary Team forfeited the game. Despite a bright training session at Trinity, Coach Baumgartner didn’t hide his disappointment. The forfeit could cost the Blues crucial percentage in the lead up to the finals. Officials could not confirm that Trinity forfeited due to the fear of coming up against Boomer’s outfit but suspicions remain. The forfeit is further embarrassment to the VAFA who implemented the Thirds competition in 2010 and are looking to phase out the Club XVIII competition. The premier Club XVIII competition was not struck with forfeits and grounds were often in superior condition to the parkland that some clubs are forced to play on in Premier Thirds. In a further disappointment, next week’s opponent, Old Brighton, forfeited today and things are not looking good for next round. If this occurs, the Blues will have had three forfeits in a row and then a general bye meaning that they will have played one game of football in seven weeks. Not exactly an ideal football season.
University Blues: 0 – 0 – 0 (win on forfeit)
Old Trinity: 0 – 0 – 0 (lose on forfeit)
Best: N/A
Goals: N/A
Under 19s – Get bumped from top four by rival
To come.
University Blues: 5 – 6 – 30
Beaumaris: 11 – 14 – 80
Best: TBA
Goals: TBA
