Round 2 – Blues come up short against fancied Lions
The Uni Main had it all on the weekend. Lots of wind, thundering downpours, a slippery surface and a high standard match. Unfortunately it didn’t have the 4 points for any of the Blues teams.
The massive storm during the Two’s match, combined with the “state of the art drainage” of the Main meant this match was going to be tough, tight and hard. The side who could be cleaner from the congestion would have a significant advantage.
SENIORS | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
University Blues | 2.2-14 | 3.6-24 | 7.7-49 | 8.7-55 |
Collegians | 5.1-31 | 7.5-47 | 8.7-55 | 15.11-101 |
Goal Kickers: D. Batarilo 3, C. Lappin 3, A. Cordy, C. Williams
Best Players: P. Hayes, C. Lappin, A. Cordy, D. Batarilo, R. Eade, J. Carr
The Blues started the better with a 2 goal breeze at their backs. After 10 minutes it was the Blues who looked the sharpest, dominating territory and they had the first 2 goals through Dan Batarilo. However, the Lions upped the pressure and with runners from behind got their trademark clean ball movement going. Before you could say “bring on ¼ time”, the Lions had 5 on the board and the Blues were down by 17 points at the break.
On queue the wind went up to absurd levels and the Blues were pushing to the Trinity end and into a 5-6 goal gale. After the Lions quickly kicked the first 2 goals of the term, a major deficit loomed ominously at the long break. However, with the first hands of Cordy and the work of Hayes, Eade and Carr in and around the contest, the Blues got back into the contest. The Blues showed that they can get dirty when it counts and kicked the only other goal for the term and arguably had the ascendancy in the contest when the siren blew.
The wind kept blowing and the Blues jumped out of the blocks after the break. Lappin continued to win his one on one battles with 2 early goals and the Blues had the momentum. However, the Lions are made of stern stuff and defended bravely for long periods. Late goals to Cordy and the freakish Batarilo meant the Blues went into the break a goal down, however for all the territory it arguably could have been more.
The Blues had it all to do on the last and it was important to deny the Lions opportunities to score. After a fierce early opening, Collegians began to open the Blues up as they chased the game. Multiple goals late in a match for the 2nd week blew the margin out and Collegians ran away deserved winners.
A 4 quarter consistent effort is a must in a competition such as the Premier Division. A tough two opening games against the 2017 Grand Finalists has seen the Blues in both matches for long periods but fall away late. The Blues have a chance to put it together when Old Melbournians come to the Uni next week.
In other matches, the young Blues Two’s continue to get to know each other, the Unders had their chances in a tight match on the Craw and the Thirds were outplayed by a strong Xavs outfit. Time for some points next week for everyone and to get the seasons moving.
BLUES TWOS | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
University Blues | 1.3-9 | 2.6-18 | 3.7-25 | 4.9-33 |
Collegians | 2.2-14 | 3.3-21 | 8.4-52 | 10.4-64 |
Goal Kickers: T. Baker 2, J. Mugavin 2
Best Players: L. Wardle, G. Carter, J. Mugavin, H. Macinnes, P. Gardiner, S. Carr
THIRDS | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
University Blues | 0.1-1 | 0.5-4 | 0.6-6 | 1.7-13 |
Old Xaverians Black | 4.2-26 | 6.4-40 | 8.8-56 | 9.9-63 |
Goal Kickers: J. Daniel
Best Players: J. Manera, R. Walker, K. Mahon, S. Gill, S. Sherlock, A. Gall
UNDERS | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
University Blues | 1.2-8 | 3.7-25 | 4.10-34 | 5.11-41 |
Old Melburnians | 3.4-22 | 5.7-37 | 5.10-40 | 8.13-61 |
Goal Kickers: M. Scales, S. Allen, S. Wylie, W. Stephenson, J. Humphrey
Best Players: N. Lanyon, T. Williams, C. King, M. Scales, T. Scotland, E. Johnstone