Seniors – Salute against Scotch
The University Blues senior team tuned up for their finals assault with a match at Camberwell Sports ground against a mid-table Old Scotch. The Cardinals were in a tricky situation with relegation successfully avoided yet no hope of reaching the finals. Despite this, they took it up to a fancied Blues and were looking likely to repeat the round 1 result. Uni Blues had some big ‘ins’ including Pat Hayes, Dan Nicholson, Jack Watts and Mark McLeod and were looking to continue their winning momentum into late August and September.
The first quarter was a tight affair, with both sides making forward forays that ended in goals. Sam Chadwick was looking dangerous up forward as he found himself with ball in hand and lined up at the big sticks. Charles Slattery was again displaying poise when he ran and carried the ball, benefiting his forwards. At the oranges, both side were locked together on 26 points apiece.
Both sides tightened up defensively in the second quarter with Scotch able to do so more effectively. The Cardinals limited the Blues to a solitary goal and were able to add two for themselves. However, the Blues’ players blamed their inaccuracy, which saw them add seven behinds for the single major. Mark McLeod was playing well after an extended break with a hamstring strain and teammates were delighted to see his agile frame moving around the ground. Another Mark, this time Paterson, continued to amaze supporters and fellow players with his Benjamin Button-esque display, as the veteran continually threw himself at contests to win the hard ball and feed out to his younger runners. At half time the game was very tight: Old Scotch by four points.
The Blues showed why they are more of a premiership threat than Old Scotch in the third quarter as they lifted their intensity to wrest the game from the Cardinals’ grasp. Jack Watts took some big grabs up forward and steered the ball through. Mick Monteith amazed with his ability to weave out of the backline while bouncing and selling candy. The Blues held Scotch by the throat at three quarter time after the men in the Blue and Black shorts kicked four for the quarter to Scotchies one.
The last quarter still promised to be an exciting one as Scotch looked to come back. The Blues, however, were to professional and held out to win by 19 points. Chadwick and Watts both added goals to finish with four each, and Pat Smith chimed in with a double. Paterson was awarded best afield in a stellar display but it was first-year player Monteith who was interviewed by the radio station. Clearly his flashy run and mop hair had caught the eye of the waiting media.
The win means little in the ladder positions as the Blues finished fourth after the home and away season. The Big Dance begins on Sunday when University Blues take on De La Salle at Elsternwick Park. 2:00pm. Be there.
University Blues: 14 – 16 – 100
Old Scotch: 12 – 9 – 81
Best: M.Paterson, M.Monteith, M.McLeod, J.Watts, S.Chadwick, C.Slattery
Goals: S.Chadwick 4, J.Watts 4, P.Smith 2, B.McConnell 1, E.Clark 1, D.Nicholson 1, P.Hayes 1
Reserves – Comfortably overcome plucky outfit
To sew up a top two position and the double chance, the Mighty Uni Blues Twos had to overcome Old Scotch on their own turf. Blues went in as short-priced favourites as some crowd pleasers in Tom Girdwood, Bennett Merriman, Tom Stainforth and Damon Byrne came back into the side. But Old Scotch were not about to make things easy for the Blues, and the men in red came out hard in the first quarter. Albert Weddell was working hard amongst the stoppages for the Blues and some stout defense from both sides meant it was a low-scoring quarter. When the first break came, the Blues lead 17 to 8.
The Mighty Blues Twos broke the game apart in the second quarter as they got their run and carry game going and weaved in and out of Cardinal defenders. Tom Stainforth was running as hard as ever while Al Lyon continued his outstanding season playing across half forward. Lyon again took some super-strong marks that defied his size but showed his ferocious attack on the ball. Big man Dave Paton was also marking and kicking goals up forward in an ominous sign. At half time, the Blues had piled on six goals to lead by 37 points.
After some choice Coach Maddocks words at the long break, the Blues only improved. Scotch were nowhere to be found as the Blues improved on their second quarter dominance. The Blues again kicked six goals but managed to limit their opponents to a solitary point. James Van de Pol was dashing from half back and he delivered the ball deftly to his two big forwards in Lyon and Paton. Chipping in with a pair of goals was regular fullback Tom Maddocks who had been released from his role. Damon Byrne also kicked two goals as he played his extracting part perfectly. As the siren sounded for the final break, the Blues lead by 74 points.
The foot came off the pedal ever-so-slightly in the final quarter but the Blues were still able to power away to a 91 point win. Small-forward Jack Eastman chimed in with two along with Stainforth and Ben McClure was able to slot one through in a fine game. Half of the team kicked a goal in the rout in a demonstration as to how potent this side has become.
The win cemented a top-two spot for the Mighty Uni Blues Twos and gave them a week off before their big 2nd semi final against De La Salle. The reigning premiers begin the finals foray on the 5th of September at 11:45am.
University Blues: 19 – 17 – 131
Old Scotch: 6 – 4 – 40
Best: A.Lyon, A.Weddell, T.Stainforth, D.Byrne, B.McClure, J.Van de Pol
Goals: A.Lyon 3, D.Paton 3, D.Byrne 2, T.Maddocks 2, T.Stainforth 2, J.Eastman 2, T.Girdwood 1, J.Townley 1, B.Merriman 1, W.Hartnell 1, B.McClure 1
Thirds – Solid win against fast-finishing opponent
Fears of another forfeit were put to rest as players from both sides arrived at the ground excited about round 18 action. With finals action all but assured for the Uni Blues Tertiary Team, their focus was on gaining match practice and winning momentum for the weeks ahead. After an enforced week off, the Blues began strongly in the first term. Blake Hutchison was taking some solid contested grabs in the forward line and Jack Heinz was presenting well and throwing himself into the fray. At quarter time, the Blues held a relatively comfortable two-goal lead.
Coach Baumgartner excited his players during his first break address, and the Blues responded with an amazing onslaught. While keeping Old Scotch to one behind, the Blues piled on five goals. Will McLachlan continued his fine late-season form. This premiership player has been likened to Brad Ottens or Clark Keating in terms of coming into form at just the right time of season. Rory Kennedy continued his fine season, running hard through the middle of the ground and looking dangerous when he snuck into the forward 50. At half time, the Blues lead a shell-shocked Old Scotch outfit by 43 points.
The Blues slowed up a touch in the third quarter as Scotch regained some confidence. Both sides kicked the same score but the Cardinals confidence grew. Dave Marshall, the spiritual leader of the Thirds, was working hard around the packs, feeding out neat handballs and tackling hard. Jerome Cubillo was looking dangerous around goal as he kicked two goals and sniffed around for more. At the last break, the margin had not changed but the feeling of the game had.
The final quarter saw an ill-disciplined Blues side allow Scotch back into a game that had already been played and won. Silly free kicks, 25m penalties, and talking back to the men in white cost the Blues as Scotch kicked a quick four goals. Steve Hanning tried his best to keep the ball moving forward for the Blues and they managed to hold on to a 22 point win. Hutchison finished with three goals for the winners and Heinz kicked a pair in his return to the Thirds. The win confirmed a finals place for the Blues and gave them some much-needed match practice and momentum as they have a crack at an exciting finals campaign. Get down to Elsternwick Park at 9:30am this Sunday to check out the Uni Blues Tertiary Team take on Old Melburnians.
University Blues: 11 – 12 – 78
Old Scotch: 9 – 10 – 64
Best: W.McLachlan, J.Heinz, B.Hutchison, R.Kennedy, S.Hanning, D.Marshall
Goals: B.Hutchison 3, J.Cubillo 2, J.Heinz 2, P.Pavli 1, R.Kennedy 1, D.Assouni 1, S.Hanning 1
Under 19s – Slow start costs Unders a Finals chance
The Junior Blues needed to win and another result to fall their way if they were to slip into fourth place and have a shot at finals glory. Unfortunately they could not salute despite putting up a strong showing against Old Scotch. The Cardinals came out all guns blazing in the first term, hoping to win and lock away second position and a double chance. They kicked three goals to the Blues one in the first term and lead by 9 points at the first break of play. Jared Edwards continued his strong form as he looked to inspire his teammates toward September glory.
Scotch were putting on a clinic in the first half as the added another four in the second quarter, showing why they were in the top two and not the Blues. However, the Blues were not to be denied and improved their efforts on the back of mid-fielders Angus Nice and Shaun Bryce. Nice is an unbackable favourite for this year’s Under 19 Blues Best & Fairest, getting in the best for an astounding 15th time in 18 games. Nine of these times, Nicey has been adjudged in the best three Blues on the ground. Bryce has also been no slouch, getting in the best in almost half the games he has played. Despite their efforts the Blues were still down by four goals at the main break.
In the second half, Charles Shaw lead a Uni Blues revival as Coach Embling’s men gave it one last shot for the finals. Shaw marked everything forward of half-way and showed his aggression and strength when the ball was in dispute in a best on ground display. He also slotted four goals to kick the Blues back into the match. After an inspiring third term, the Blues found themselves only 15 points in arrears going into the final term of the home and away season.
The Blues kicked three more and Bryce added his third as they came back hard at a nervous Old Scotch. But a couple of steadiers for the Cardinals saw them run out eight point winners and leave the Blues languishing in fifth position. Will Cunningham and Toby Cohen were other solid performers for the Blues who ended up missing out on fourth place by just half a game and some percentage.
It was an exciting, rollercoaster season for the Uni Blues Under 19s and their coach Matt Embling. All players, coaches and support staff are to be congratulated and thanked for making the Blues community proud. Well done! Go Blues.
University Blues: 10 – 10 – 70
Old Scotch: 11 – 12 – 78
Best: C.Shaw, A.Nice, S.Bryce, J.Edwards, W.Cunningham, T.Cohen
Goals: C.Shaw 4, S.Bryce 3, H.Hanlon 1, M.Allen 1, J.Birch 1
