BLOODS GET UP IN THRILLER

A great win by the senior side has kept our slim finals aspirations alive. The U/19s finished their season with a narrow loss while the Reserves, undermanned again, found the second half tough going.

It was blowing a gale at St Bernards on Saturday, with the southern end favoured by a 5/6 goal wind. This, and the hard surface made for trying playing conditions. Games against the Snowdogs are always gripping affairs and this was to be no different. Sam lost the toss and the home side had first use of the wind. But we held our own in the quarter, with Laz back to his lively best and Lil doing well in the ruck. The backline was holding tight although a couple of late goals probably flattered St Bernards. Chis was being a nuisance and Fordy was providing a focal point in the forward line.

We started the second quarter needing to take full advantage of the conditions. And an early goal to Vossy was just the tonic. The boys were showing they had come to play and there was no question of their desire. We managed to kick five goals for the quarter, with captain Sam getting amongst the goal scorers and Dan Brown winning plenty of possessions across the centre. St Bernards, like us managed two goals into the wind, aiding by some "unusual" umpiring decisions. So we went into the main break, two points in arrears.

The Premiership quarter was one of our best for the year. Dogged defence and good running football was interspersed with youthful enthusiasm from the likes of Liam Donnelly and young Case. We managed three goals for the quarter - the same as the side kicking with the wind. Frogga was continually winning that hard ball while, Nathan Holloway was also beginning to have an impact.

So the throng in the outer looked forward to the last quarter with the taste of victory very close. The first goal was going to be important and fortunately it was us that scored it - albiet after about eight minutes of pressure football. St Bernards were having a crack however and again the next period was intense. It must be said the skill level on both sides did drop off as the intensity picked up and lethargy began to play a part. Vossy was once again proving a great target and the return of Browny after a knock to the nose, helped restore some order.Importantly all players wanted to be a target which was great sign. Al Johnston, Morro and Rhys Johnston tooks some great marks across the half back line to thwart the home side. Finally Laz ran into an open goal and it looked like we had broken the backs. But two quick goals from St Bernards had them back in front and this was at the 21 minute mark. Mary was going to have her work cut out today as it was going to go down to the wire. Set shots, admittedly from a long way out and snaps were just missing and at the 27 miute mark we had been unable to claw back the lead. But we were doing the attacking and finally Mr T Brown roved the ball beautifully and slotted from about 65 metres out (it was a strong wind alright!!). So back to the centre for a vital ball up. Fortunately there was only time for the ball to have a brief foray into our half forward line before heading out to the wing - and then that eery sounding siren out there rang for the Mighty Bloods. Mary you beauty!!

The young guns led the way again with Al Johnston going really well at CHB, while Lil and Liam are showing that they are going to be part of a great following division for the club. It was an even spread of goalkickers in another great win for the club. 

OLD HAILEYBURY

Goal Kickers: L. Siapantas 3, K. Ford 2, S. Langford-Jones 2, A. Brown 2, L. Donnelly, J. Muir, B. Voss, N. Holloway
Best Players: A. Johnston, M. Lillie, L. Donnelly, S. Langford-Jones, D. MacKenzie, F. Mohammad

RESERVES

OLD HAILEYBURY

Goal Kickers: T. Gill, D. Korlos, B. Langford-Jones, G. White, S. Mayes
Best Players: N. Criticos, N. Harrison, S. Mayes, B. Langford-Jones, T. Gill, P. Silberer

Under 19s

OLD HAILEYBURY