Seniors – KO’ed By A Slicker Outfit
In the Preliminary Final in 2009, the University Blues took on De La Salle in a match that proved to be epic. The Sallians were the victors then, but could only overcome the Blues in extra time. During the 2010 season, De La Salle won at the Main Oval but in their most recent encounter the Blues were the victors on Elsternwick Park. Due to these exciting and varied results, supporters were understandably excited as to what might unfold during the 2010 1st Semi Final between these two sides.
The Blues started the game with greater intensity and were moving the ball well. The game was mostly being fought in the Blues half of the ground, as ever-green Mark Paterson and his understudy, Ben McConnell, won the hard ball and deftly moved it forward. Captain Andrew Lowcock made a welcome return to the Blues’ side and he marked strongly a couple of times in the forward 45m arc to give the Blues a target. Despite a number of chances, the Blues could not quite convert enough to get on top. De La Salle came back late in the quarter with a couple of goals of their own to keep things pretty even as the siren sounded for the quarter time break. Only eight points separated the two sides but the Blues were the ones making the play.The Blues began well in the second quarter but De La Salle gradually got on top. Paul Butko was playing a great game showing excellent speed both with his ball use and with his feet. Mick Monteith was doing his best to dash from defense as he baulked and twisted his way forward. As the quarter wore on, De La Salle forced some goals through to give themselves some momentum. Al Austin went down with an ankle injury that was to unbalance the Blues’ backline. At the main break, De La Salle lead the Blues by 10 points. It looked to be another exciting game between these two sides.
A high scoring third quarter had the crowd on its feet. De La Salle burst out of the blocks kicking the first couple before the Blues returned fire with three of their own. Pat Smith was working very hard up the field and took a solid mark up forward to convert one of these, while Ed Clark was also providing a safe pair of hands across the half forward line. De La Salle then upped the ante to finish the quarter with ten goals. The Blues kicked six of their own and weren’t out of the game. But as players gathered in their huddles at three quarter time, De La Salle looked to hold a few too many of the game’s aces.
De La Salle improved throughout the game as their players ran and spread well, and gave fast a precise handballs making the Blues’ players work hard to tackle and defend. The Sallians kicked the first of the final quarter to make life very difficult for the Blues. Both sides then hung on for five scoreless minutes as the Blues increased their intensity to kick their way back into the game and De La Salle hung on, unwilling to concede their significant advantage. After this gripping period, the game looked too far gone for the Blues to come back. Pat Hayes and Quinton Gleeson kicked goals to give some hope but De La Salle were too good, kicking the remaining goals in the game to run out 57-point winners.
An exciting season ends for the Blues with players ruing missed opportunities. Coach Kanis thanked players for their efforts and the help of his assistants, Chris Reid, Nick Holland and James Hayter. There are also a myriad of others who put in astounding efforts over the season and should be thanked. Hope now lies with the Blues Twos as they look for premiership glory. The Blues’ seconds begins their finals campaign next Sunday at 11:45am against De La Salle.
University Blues: 14 – 15 – 99
De La Salle: 24 – 12 – 156
Best: P.Butko, P.Smith, B.McConnell, E.Clark, M.Paterson, M.Monteith
Goals: J.Watts 2, A.Lowcock 2, S.Chadwick 2, P.Hayes 1, Q.Gleeson 1, C.Slattery 1, T.Muhlebach 1, D.Nicholson 1, E.Clark 1, P.Smith 1, M.Paterson 1
Thirds – Fall At The First Final’s Hurdle
A stop-start season halted for the final time for Uni Blues Tertiary Team. Some early-season momentum dissipated due to some forfeits and a decent Old Melburnians thirds team halted some late-season momentum. The match began with very high intensity as the ball was whisked around the ground by both sides. Derry Hayter was attacking the ball with intensity and setting the standard for the Blues. The defense of both sides was very tight, limiting the scoring opportunities. Jason Clifford typified this for the Blues, as he contested strongly across half back and often mopped up. At quarter time, OMs had the slight advantage having kicked two goals to the Blues’ one.
After the short break, the game broke open slightly. First, Old Melburnians rushed forward twice to extend their lead, before the Blues had their best patch of the game. A slightly altered forward structure saw Will Hartnell go deep toward the goal square, and he did not disappoint. Two quick goals from him and a brilliant goal from Clifford while hemmed in on the boundary saw the Blues take the lead for a short while. The opposition replied with one of their own and another after the half time siren to restore their lead going into the long break. Still only a single goal was the difference as players gathered in the rooms to be inspired by their coaches.
The third quarter has a reputation as being the premiership quarter and although this remains to be seen, Old Melburnians certainly did their chances no harm with a superb term. Dave Marshall worked very hard for the Blues and tried to lead them out of a tough spot. However, he alone could not stop the five goals that OMs scored. Jack Heinz continued his run of good form, presenting well and running hard. The Blues got two goals back to limit the damage and to give themselves hope going into the final quarter. The difference at the final lemon break was 25 points.
After some final inspiration from Coach Baumgartner the Blues headed back out looking to put their stamp on the game. A goal from Heinz gave hope but it ended up being the only major the Blues could manage for the quarter. Ollie Lade played a solid game across half-back and mopped up well but OMs added another three to run out 37 point winners. The Blues played with desperation and endeavour in this elimination final, but some poor disposal and disappointing execution of structural plans was costly. It ended an exciting season for the Blues’ Thirds who were understandably very upset by how their season ended. Coach Baumgartner was stoic in defeat and should be congratulated and thanked for his efforts. Also very important to the team were Tim Wilmot, Bob Girdwood, Dave Phefley and the multitude of runners, water boys, boundaries, goal umpires and other helpers. Thanks very much for a great season and GO BLUES!
University Blues: 8 – 10 – 58
Old Melburnians: 14 – 11 – 95
Best: D.Marshall, J.Clifford, J.Heinz, O.Lade, W.Hartnell, D.Hayter
Goals: W.Hartnell 3, A.Christensen 1, J.Heinz 1, D.Marshall 1, B.Hutchison 1, J.Clifford 1
