Seniors – Take A Top Four Scalp
After a fortnight of disappointing results, University Blues returned to form with a hard fought win over St Bedes/Mentone at the Main Oval. The Tigers got the jump on the Blues early and lead throughout the first half. The Blues were finding plenty of the ball through Mark Paterson and Ben McConnell, but were having difficulty in finding an efficient route to goal. Each time the Blues got forward of half-way, the Tiger defenders brought the ball to ground and swept it away with a fleet of runners. This put pressure on the defence of the Blues, but they held firm largely due to first-gamer Tom Maddocks. Maddocks was brilliant in edging his opponent out of the contest and then taking a solid defensive mark. As supporters gathered in the bowels of the Pavvy to devour another outstanding afternoon tea at half-time, St Bedes/Mentone led by nine points. The Blues started to get moving in the third term with Mark McLeod showing that numerous trips around the country have not slowed him down. McLeod rolled around collecting the ball and disposing of it well to set up forward thrusts. The Blues had levelled the game by the final break with Jack Watts being a leading light in the forward line. He kicked two goals and took a number of telling marks to assert his influence on the game. In the final term both of Andrew Lowcock and Pat Hayes kicked their second goals for the game and the Blues began to develop a match-winning lead. Sam Chadwick, Sam Toulmin and Charles Shaw were also industrious in the 18 point win which marked the first time the Blues have beaten a fellow finals aspirant. The win sets up a crucial game next week against Old Carey. Both teams have the same number of wins and a similar percentage, and both are after fourth spot. Elsterwick Park. 2pm Saturday. Be there.
University Blues: 12 – 11 – 83
St Bedes/Mentone: 9 – 11 – 65
Best: J.Watts, T.Maddocks, M.Paterson, C.Shaw, M.McLeod, B.McConnell
Goals: P.Hayes 2, A.Lowcock 2, J.Watts 2, R.McMahon 1, J.Mugavin 1, B.McConnell 1, C.Shaw 1, M.Torney 1, M.Kilpin 1
Reserves – Rolling, Rolling, Rolling
The Mighty University Blues Twos took on fifth-placed St Bedes/Mentone in a tight game in which both sides had much to play for. The Blues were looking to lock in a double chance for the finals, and St Bedes/Mentone were fighting for the right to join the Blues in the final four. After a spiteful beginning in which Hayden McDonald was sent from the field, the Blues quickly kicked two goals. It was old hand Tom Girdwood that looked dangerous up forward as he set up scoring opportunities through smart play. But the Tigers hit back taking the game up to the competition leaders and making their opponents earn every score. The Blues set themselves a target of keeping St Bedes/Mentone goal-less in the second term, and thanks to some great defensive efforts from Tom Calvert and David Withers they achieved this. Both of Calvert and Withers gave away height and weight to their direct opponents but they were too skilful overall. At the half, the Blues lead by 25 points. As rain steadily fell, the chances of a Tiger comeback also fell. The wet and slippery conditions made scoring all the more difficult in the final term and the Blues retained their lead into the final break. Jack Eastman showed his skill with the wet ball, regularly disposing of it safely despite its soap-like qualities. Lachy Michell was another who was able to deal with the conditions as he slotted a pair of goals. In the final quarter, the Blues held firm to run out 24 point winners. Tim O’Hare kicked a couple of goals including a beauty from where the 45m line met the boundary and Andy Christensen showed good form leading into the International Rules competition. Another to play well was Jack Heinz and the Blues have another month to fine-tune their game plan in the run into finals.
University Blues: 10 – 8 – 68
St Bedes/Mentone: 6 – 8 – 44
Best: T.Calvert, T.Girdwood, J.Heinz, D.Withers, J.Eastman, A.Christensen
Goals: L.Michell 2, T.O’Hare 2, T.Girdwood 1, J.Heinz 1, W.Hartnell 1, A.Nice 1, J.Maguire 1, M.Allen 1
Thirds – Consolidate Top Four Spot
After landing in fourth spot for the first time this season, University Blues Tertiary Team were looking to consolidate the position. Standing in their way was the lowly St Bedes/Mentone Tigers but the Blues had an ace up their sleeves. George de Crespigny made a famous comeback after retiring in 2009 and he kicked three goals in a solid game up forward. It is not since his days as an Under 19 in 1998 that de Crespigny has graced Crawford Oval but Coach Girdwood was pleased that he did. The Blues jumped the Tigers and kicked five of the first six goals of the game. This was crucial as ran fell in the second term making scoring very difficult on an already windy day. St Bedes/Mentone successfully attacked the ball and tackled, slowing the Blues up but the Tigers never showed that they would be able to mount a successful comeback. Will Robinson and Dan Gumley were solid as proverbial rocks in the backline. If ever the Tigers managed to kick the ball forward, it was the Blue pair that took a sound defensive mark to repel the attack. At half-time the Blues dried off inside, holding a 33 point lead. Mid-field runners Rory Kennedy and Mitch Pickering got the Blues moving again in the third term. They both collected plenty of the pill and kicked it forward toward de Crespigny. However, the third term was the Blues’ least effective as they could only add five behinds to their score. In fact, the Blues’ forward line pretty well ceased to function in the second half as the Tigers held the Blues goal-less after half time. It mattered not, the Blues ran out 24 point winners with Jared Crawford being instrumental as a ruckman and up forward. Aaron Harris played another good game, the second in a row for the courageous New Zealander. The Blues remain in fourth spot but will need to keep on winning to hold onto it when the home and away season ends.
University Blues: 8 – 11 – 59
St Bedes/Mentone: 5 – 5 – 35
Best: W.Robinson, D.Gumley, J.Crawford, A.Harris, R.Kennedy, M.Pickering
Goals: G.de Crespigny 3, O.Lade 1, J.Crawford 1, J.Clifford 1, J.Edwards 1, J.McArthur 1
Under 19s – Back On Winners’ List
After an incredibly tough couple of months over the winter break, the Junior Blues finally returned to form with a big win over bottom-placed Fitzroy. Coach Embling had his charges champing at the bit as they ran out, and the players delivered with an eight goal first quarter. Big Sandon James was fantastic up forward, marking balls, creating contests and kicking goals. He would finish the day with five. Rochester product Sam Driscoll enjoyed the wet conditions as he played his best game in the Blue and Black. The rot continued in the second quarter as the Blues added another seven to create a match-winning lead of 63 points by the time the half-time siren sounded. Sam Dalton joined the feast as he helped himself to three goals while Louis Wardle continued his run of form and added another two. After half-time, the game slowed up noticeably and the Reds managed to peg a couple back. The Blues answered but Fitzroy won the quarter slightly. It was no surprise to see Will Cuningham’s name amongst the best players as he was instrumental off a half back flank and through the middle of the ground. Ed McMullin kicked three goals and has been one of the more consistent Blues this season. It was great to see both of Cuningham and McMullin enjoying the win as they have been playing their hearts out in some demoralising losses. Fitzroy ran out the final term slightly better but the damage had been done long ago. The Blues were 61 point winners. Ed Long, John Visser and Driscoll also kicked two goals each in the route with Driscoll’s being a real highlight. The win restores some confidence into the young Blues and hopefully they can add a few more wins in the final couple of rounds. Go Blues.
University Blues: 22 – 14 – 146
Fitzroy Reds: 12 – 13 – 85
Best: S.Driscoll, W.Cuningham, L.McCann, E.McMullin, S.James, L.Wardle
Goals: S.James 5, S.Dalton 3, E.McMullin 3, L.Wardle 2, E.Long 2, J.Visser 2, S.Driscoll 2, D.Zambon 1, H.Hanlon 1, P.Mithen 1
