TACKLE YOUR FEELINGS ROUND 8 – MATCH OF THE ROUND
MONASH UNIVERSITY UNDER 16 BOYS DIVISION 1
ORMOND v PORT MELBOURNE/SOUTH MELBOURNE COLTS
SUNDAY JUNE 05 – 1:00PM – EE GUNN RESERVE
After one of the most competitive games of junior football you could witness, the boys from Ormond and PMSMD couldn’t be separated on the scoreboard, finishing with a 52-52 draw.
Throughout a tight and high-octane game, for which most was goal for goal, a final flurry in the latest stages of the game looked as though the Bolts would steal a victory, however some staunch defending from the Ormond defence ensured both teams shared the points.
“It was (disappointing) for us, but today was a more consistent performance compared to the last time we played each other,” said Ormond coach Mathew Wood.
“They got the jump on us last time and to be able to be competitive with PMSMD this time around is a big step forward for us.”
In almost arctic conditions, with strong icy cold winds, the first half was played at lightning quick speed, as clean possession was paramount with both teams applying an enormous amount of pressure on the ball to add to the difficult conditions.
“We just try and focus on the (footy) basic’s and getting them right,” continued Wood.
“Good start, hands on the ball early and win contests early to build on”.
With Ormond’s depleted bench in the second half and the continued rough conditions, the speed of the game did slow marginly, however the intent at the contest didn’t waiver at all.
“Our midfield has been starting to tire since moving into Div 1, so we’ve been trying to add more rotations to help them run out games,” said Wood.
“But with no bench in the second half, and no other ruck option, it was hard to get those rotations in.”
As time begin to run out, a burst of offensive class, the Bolts booted three goals of the game, through both centre bounce clearance and chain handball through the corridor, to even the score.
In the frenetic final two minutes, the Bolts surged once again, but Ormond’s defence stood resolute against the continued offensive attacks.
“For us, its about improving each week,” said Wood.
“Three weeks ago, PMSMD beat us by about six goals, so that kind of improvement from our boys in a short space of time is a real credit to them.
UNDER 17.5 DIV 1 BOYS
Ormond 5.11.41 defeated by Port Melbourne/South Melbourne Districts 6.8.44
Another close contest at EE Gunn Reserve this weekend, this time with a PMSMD comeback snatching victory by 3 points. After a tight first quarter, the Monders went to work on the scoreboard, booting three unanswered goals to take a 19-point lead into the main break. However, the Bolts were able to flip the script in the third term, kicking four goals to one to take a 2-point lead into the final change, before sealing victory with the only goal of the last quarter. On a tricky day for forwards, PMSMD’s Jack Thiessen was the standout, with two goals.
Beaumaris 3.4.22 defeated by St. Peters Bulldogs 13.10.88
St. Peters Bulldogs has sent a reminder to the U17.5 Division 1 as one of the teams to beat, with a comfortable victory over fellow top four team Beaumaris. In a commanding display, the Bulldogs held the Sharks goalless for the first half, before cruising to victory number six on the season. Louis Nousis booted three goals for the Bulldogs, with Jack May and Ned Bodi also kicking two apiece.
East Sandringham Rovers 2.2.14 defeated by St. Bedes/Mentone Tigers 15.10.100
St. Bedes has firmed its grip on the top of the table, with a win over East Sandringham Rovers. After a competitive first half, the Tigers showed their class after the main break, storming away to secure the victory. League leading goal-kicker Luke Dunn was again a standout for St. Bedes/Mentone, this time with a bag of six to take his season tally to 35. Max Hoult also booted three goals for the Tigers.
UNDER 18 DIV 1 GIRLS
St. Bedes/Mentone Tigers 4.4.28 defeated by Prahran 5.7.37
Prahran are once again in the winner’s circle, this time with a win over St. Bedes/Mentone at Mentone Reserve. After a slowish start, the Two Blues worked themselves into the game to take seven-point lead into the main break. With the smallest of margins separating the two teams heading into the final quarter, Prahran were able to pull out a nine-point victory. Eloise Moore kicked three goals for the Two Blues, whilst Chloe Shannon kicked a couple for the Tigers.
Port Melbourne/South Melbourne Districts 5.10.40 defeated Cheltenham 1.1.7
PMSMD proved too strong for Cheltenham in their first meeting of the season at Lindsay Hassett Oval. A strong start from the Bolts in keeping the Panthers off the scoreboard in the first half set up its fourth win of 2022.
Beaumaris 3.2.20 defeated by Mordialloc – Braeside 5.8.38
Mordi-Brae have come back refreshed off the bye with a win over Beaumaris at Beaumaris Secondary College. In a back-and-forth game, with lead changes at every break, the Mustangs were able to kick the final three goals of the match to run away 18-point victors. Alexandra Stranger and Georgie Grubb both kicked two goals for Mordi-Brae, while Aimee Farrow booted all three of the Sharks goals.
East Malvern Knights 4.6.30 defeated St. Kilda City 0.8.8
East Malvern have bounced back and onto the winners list with a win over St. Kilda City at DW Lucas. Whilst both teams hit the scoreboard with regularity, the Saints inaccuracy did them no favours as the Knights continued to apply scoreboard pressure throughout the contest, with the win pushing them two games clear in top spot. Emily Gough kicked two goals in the win for the Knights.
Written by Zac Jennings
