Seniors – See the other side of a thumping
The second game for University Blues’ mid-season finals series was against Old Xaverians. After over-coming one 2009 Grand Finalist last week, the Blues faced the reigning premiers on Elsternwick Park, the home of VAFA football. Two forced changes to the Blues saw Albert Weddell make his debut for the seniors, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Henry. Weddell was thrust into the action earlier than expected as Tom Girdwood went down with a shoulder injury then interim captain Matt Torney was knocked into Aussie Joe Bugner’s ‘Green Room’.
Obscure references aside, Torney was carried from the field looking distinctly unwell leaving Blues’ spectators concerned for his well-being. These two injuries threw the Blues’ plans into disarray and Xavs were able to quickly add a couple of goals to be on top at quarter time. The Blues were down by 22 points as Coach Kanis urged all players to work themselves into the game. Al Austin was one who heeded Kanis’ words, running all over the ground to spoil and take timely defensive marks. Dirk Heinz ably assisted his defensive team mate as the Blues were able to limit Old Xaverians’ scoring in the second quarter to only three goals. However, some sloppy forward entries and poor attacking strategies meant that Uni Blues were only able to kick one for the quarter. At the main break, the Blues were down by 35 points and Xavier looked to hold all of the aces. Supporters gathered in the bowels of the grandstand to help themselves to a cup of tea and discuss the events unfolding. More than one supporter was heard to mutter that the afternoon teas at the Pavvy contain a far better spread and nothing can beat a Grandma Heinz sausage roll. Players returned to do battle once more but it was the boys from Kew who were on top. Instead of stealing ski gear, the men from Xavier stole the game from Uni Blues by tackling hard and pouncing on mistakes and loose balls. One heartening aspect from a Uni perspective was the return to the field of Torney, in the unfamiliar role of full-forward. Pat Smith (two goals) was released from his usual key forward role and roamed around the ground collecting possessions. Paul Butko was winning plenty of the pill in close and using his pace well. But these players could not win the game by themselves. Xavs added five goals in the third to the Blues’ two behinds. The game was done and dusted by the final break but in true warrior style, players had to resume their hostilities for a further 30 minutes. The final quarter was the only quarter won by the Blues as the added three goals and a touch of respectability. Xavs ran out winners by 64 points. Charles Slattery was dangerous all day with his smooth skills and speed, while Jack Watts battled very hard in the ruck continually putting his body on the line. For the first time this season, the Blues were on the end of a belting. Having handed out plenty in the last couple of weeks, it was a harrowing feeling. The loss makes the double chance difficult for the Blues as they are eight points adrift of second place with only three games to play. Next week, the Blues head to Harry Trott Oval in the final installment of the triumvirate of matches against fellow 2010 finalists, Old Collegians. It promises to be another exciting game of Premier football.
University Blues: 6 – 8 – 44
Old Xaverians: 16 – 12 - 108
Best: A.Austin, C.Slattery, P.Butko, J.Watts, D.Heinz, P.Smith
Goals: P.Smith 2, D.Nicholson 1, T.Muhlebach 1, B.Millard 1, B.McConnell 1
Reserves – Tenacious but over-run at the death
The Mighty Uni Blues Twos faced off against their opponent in the previous two Grand Finals. The Blues came away with the spoils in those two games but could not get over the line today. There were nine forced changes to the side that accounted for De La Salle the week before meaning Coach Maddocks had to create a side that would knit together on the day. Some astute selections saw the Blues burst from the blocks kicking three of the first four in the opening stanza. The first goal came within a minute, demonstrating that the Blues were in the hunt. Tom Foott was rucking beautifully, giving first use to his fleet of runners. Tom Maddocks was marshalling troops and defending stoutly in the back half but it didn’t stop a late goal from Old Xavs right on the quarter time siren. The Blues went in a goal up but feeling good about the pattern of play. The second quarter began with similar intensity and attack on the ball with both sides not giving an inch. Will Hartnell was playing cleverly as a makeshift full-forward and kicked his first to give the Blues some breathing space. However, Steen Balodis was taken from the field with a broken collarbone after a collision and things turned sour for the Blues. Xavs were able to quickly add three and make the Blues look harried in a poor ten minutes before the bell went for the major break. As both sides re-grouped in the rooms, Xavs lead by eight points. The third quarter was crucial in the context of the season and both sides knew it. The game went up in pace as players threw themselves in to contests with reckless abandon, Hamish Rankin and Brant Laidlaw lead the way in this regard for Uni. The Blues peppered the goals and drew back level thanks to Simon Gilbertson’s second. Xavs were able to steady with a couple of their own and the difference at the final break was only seven points. Spectators were enthralled by the brilliant spectacle unfolding and a hot last quarter was expected. Unfortunately for the Mighty Uni Blues Twos, Xavs were able to get the first couple of goals to put the game out of reach. Bennett Merriman continued to try his best to bring the Blues back and Foott continued to battle manfully in a solo ruck display. It was to no avail as the men in red and black were able to run out 27 point winners and carry some extra confidence for the remainder of the season. The loss to Blues makes things very interesting in Premier Reserve football. Old Melburnians are on top with 13 wins while Blues, De La and Xavs round out the four, all on 12 wins. A crucial three rounds await.
University Blues: 7 – 5 – 47
Old Xaverians: 12 – 7 – 79
Best: H.Rankin, T.Foott, Tom Maddocks, B.Laidlaw, W.Hartnell, B.Merriman
Goals: S.Gilbertson 2, W.Hartnell 2, N.Hardie-Grant 1, J.Eastman 1, R.Kennedy 1
Thirds – Outclassed in dirty day on the Main
More information to come.
University Blues: 2 – 1 – 13
Old Xaverians: 22 – 12 – 144
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Under 19s – Fly the flag in outstanding win
More information to come.
University Blues: 11 – 10 – 76
Old Xaverians: 9 – 10 – 64
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