The OMFC had 5 wins on Saturday, headlined by an impressive effort from the Senior XVIII at Gordon Barnard Reserve.  Despite former Geelong Full Forward Kent Kingsley bagging 7 goals for Old Camberwell, it was the more even effort across the full 22 that saw OM’s score what was in the end a resounding victory.  Despite dominating the scoreboard, OM’s never quite put the Wellers away, and with just 4 goals separating the sides at 3/4 time, there were some nervous onlookers. A strong six goal to two final quarter snuffed out the challengers, and a 10 goal victory was recorded.  Straighter kicking could have produced a massive win, with OM’s dominating with 38 scoring shots to 16, but this was an excellent way to respond after the disappointment of the loss to Blacks.  A scan of the goalkickers and best players also shows healthy signs for the second half of the season, with Simon Beaumont and Tom Seccull combining well with 8 goals between them.

OMFC looked strangely out of sorts on Saturday.  Against an opposition that had won just three games, we never got our A Game going, and despite a couple of patches of good football in the first half, went into the long break 3 points behind.

In front of a good crowd who had come to see a contender for the Top 2 on a weekend devoid of AFL football in Melbourne, the majority of the crowd was waiting for the OM’s to come out and blow Blacks away in the second half.  What they saw was a Blacks outfit that pressured OM’s at every contest, and moved the ball with purpose with the wind, kicking goals from all angles to establish a 7 goal lead at ¾ time. 

Whilst the true believers still clung to the prospects of a fast finish with the wind at our backs, it is very hard to turn on top form when you haven’t been at your best for more than half a game, and Uni Blacks outscored us into the breeze to run out emphatic winners.  Tom Seccull was a standout at Centre Half Forward, presenting all day and marking everything that came within reach.  It was our first loss on the Junction, and the form of the past month needs to be turned around quickly to avoid dropping back within reach of the chasing pack!

  

In somewhat of a blessing, St Bernards and St Kevins both dropped games they were expected to win, and we have retained second spot on the ladder.  

What has happened is that the race for a Top 4 position has tightened, with Ormond, Blacks and Haileybury all staking realistic claims on a finals berth.  

Reserves: OMFC 12.15-87 d Uni Blacks 6.5-41

Click on the Match Reports Tab for Up-to-Date Ladders.  With three OMFC sides holding down top spot and the Firsts in Second place, its a solid reminder of the club’s current strength.