Seniors – Beat up Beach Boys

A cold mid-winter’s day did not deter supporters from arriving at the Main Oval to cheer on the Uni Blues against Premier rival, Old Brighton. The Beach Boys have not been having the best of seasons but were setting themselves for a big effort against the fancied Blues. The first quarter saw the foes go toe to toe with both sides taking many shots at goal. The Blues came away with the early lead as Tim Hunt and fellow speedster Dan Nicholson

were moving the ball at light-speed into the Blues forward line. The Blues looked to extend their lead in the second quarter by blasting away at goal as soon as they had their chance. This resulted in a fine seven goal quarter as goals were shared around. Quinton Gleeson was making a nuisance of himself in the forward line, along with fellow forward-line pest, Sam Chadwick. Old Brighton kicked three for themselves to keep the game interesting but the Blues lead by 39 points as supporters gathered under the spires for a cup of tea and a sausage roll. The third quarter saw a renaissance from the Beach Boys as they kicked four goals to the Blues’ three to give themselves a chance in the final quarter. Matt Torney was forced to work hard and mop up in defence, and Jackson Brooke accumulated plenty of the ball in a disciplined return to senior football. Unfortunately for Old Brighton, the Blues piled on another seven goals in the last to run out 63 point winners. Charles Slattery moved the ball superbly, while Pat Smith joined the Gleeson/Chadwick party as they all kicked three goals for the day. Nicholson, Ed Clark and Dave Gregory kicked two apiece on a day in which the Blues had 12 individual goal-kickers. It was another solid win for the Blues as they continue on their march to September. Coach Kanis was pleased with the day’s result as the Blues go into the second general bye in an outstanding run of form. Kanis will not be resting on his laurels as just the other side of the break sits a tough couple of games against the other top four sides.

 

 

 

University Blues: 21 – 12 – 138

Old Brighton:      11 – 9 – 75

Best: T.Hunt, D.Nicholson, M.Torney, S.Chadwick, C.Slattery, J.Brooke

Goals: S.Chadwick 3, Q.Gleeson 3, P.Smith 3, E.Clark 2, D.Gregory 2, D.Nicholson 2, D.Heinz 1, T.Hunt 1, C.Slattery 1, J.Watts 1, T.Stainforth 1, T.Muhlebach 1

Reserves – Put away opponents with inaccurate display

Another week, another multitude of personnel changes to the Mighty Uni Blues Twos but it mattered not, as they swept their opponents aside to the tune of 43 points. With players going up and down to the seniors, and up and down to the thirds, Coach Maddocks is looks at different faces each week as he gives his pre-game motivational oration. But despite the different faces, the result is inevitably the same. And so it was this week as 22 players in blue and black ran out to take on Old Brighton at the Main Oval. In the first quarter, players looked to be finding their feet as after the first twenty minute period it was all tied up at fourteen points apiece. Jame Van De Pol was demonstrating his dash and dare from half back, while utility Tom Girdwood was playing his role wherever asked. The second quarter saw a slight improvement as the Blues kicked three and the Beach Road team could only manage one. Jack Townley was presenting well deep in the forward line ably assisted by his hard-working centre half forward, Al Lyon. Lyon has been showing great leadership of this team both in his on-field exploit and with his voice. Inaccuracy began to set in for the Blues in the third term as they had ten scoring shots but only four goals. Old Brighton found themselves only four goals down at the final break and were looking to cause a distinct upset. In the final quarter the rot had set in for the Blues. They kicked an incredibly inaccurate two goals nine behinds but limited their opponents to only two minor scores. Albert Weddell worked hard to win the ball in the middle, and Bennett Merriman also collected many possessions and used the ball cleverly. Townley finished with three for the day and Nick Hardie-Grant chimed in with a pair. But Coach Maddocks will be impressing upon these young men the need for goal-kicking practice as better sides won’t let you get away with that many errors.

University Blues: 11 – 19 – 85

Old Brighton:      6 – 6 – 42

Best: J.Van De Pol, T.Girdwood, J.Townley, A.Weddell, A.Lyon, B.Merriman

Goals: J.Townley 3, N.Hardie-Grant 2, A.Weddell 1, R.Wilson 1, J.Van De Pol 1, A.Lyon 1, W.Girdwood 1, J.Eastman 1

Thirds – Deja vu as opponents don’t front up

For third week in a row, the opponents of the University Blues Tertiary Team did not assemble to do battle. Old Brighton were forced to forfeit for their second match running, in a further embarrassment to the VAFA. This forfeit leaves the Tertiary Team with four weekends in the middle of the season with no football, as next weekend is a general bye. It also means that the Blues will have only played one game in six weeks after factoring in the Queen’s Birthday weekend bye. Coach Baumgartner is understandably frustrated by proceedings but is endeavouring to put a positive spin on things. Look out whoever comes up against this side in a fortnight, as they will be foaming at the mouth in anticipation of playing a game of football for premiership points.

University Blues: 0 – 0 – 0 (win by forfeit)

Old Brighton:      0 – 0 – 0 (lose by forfeit)

Best: N/A

Goals: N/A

Under 19s – Share the points along with the home ground

For the second time this season, the Uni Blues Under 19s have shared the points with their opponents. This time, it was their College Crescent Rival, University Blacks. The Blues have a penchant for enjoying a close game and giving Coach Embling a few grey hairs, but two drawn games in a season is perhaps taking things a bit too far. A tricky wind greeted players, as the Blues had the better of the first quarter, kicking the only major as the Blacks were inaccurate and could only kick five behinds. Toby Cohen was collecting a lot of the ball, and Charles Shaw and Max Allen were looking ominous as targets up forward. The second quarter saw the game break open somewhat as both sides were able to kick four goals. The Blues had the slight edge at half time and were confident that Shaw and Allen would stand up over the course of the day. Llewyn Butler was continuing his good form and was using his voice to lift his team-mates. The third quarter was always going to be crucial in such a tight match and the Blacks had the better run, kicking three goals and going into the final break four points up. Jordan Birch was playing a sterling game, while usual suspects Angus Nice and Shaun Bryce were also proving to be critical mid-field movers. The final quarter was not one for the faint of heart as the Blues kicked two goals three behinds to the Blacks one goal five behinds to level the score at 59 points each. Neither side was able to break the deadlock as the final siren sounded. Both sides were inaccurate and had a multitude of opportunities and Coach Embling will be ruing this draw all week. Shaw finished with four goals and Allen three, but only one other Blue was able to trouble the scorers, Butler with a single goal. The draw leaves the Blues’ Under 19s in a difficult position in the lead up to the finals. They are in sixth spot and a couple of games adrift of fourth. Embling will need to have the junior Blues up and going for the next few crucial games in the run for finals football. Go Blues.

University Blues:  8 – 11 – 59

University Blacks: 8 – 11 – 59

Best: T.Cohen, L.Butler, J.Birch, C.Shaw, S.Bryce, A.Nice

Goals: C.Shaw 4, M.Allen 3, L.Butler 1