:: Seniors Report - By Lurch.

This game completed the first round of B grade VAFA games for the 2007 season. It was a game which promised much, with the return of such handy players as Tom “Benno” Bennison, Ned Morrison, Marty Kennon and Tom’s Hawkins’ cousin, Mark.
Lurch would like to report that the Old Melburnians won – but, unfortunately, when the game was there to be won in the last quarter, Ajax wanted it more.

The first quarter was unfortunately notable for a clash of heads between Hamish Turner and an Ajax player. “H” was out cold before he hit the ground, whilst his opponent was able to stagger away. It was a reassuring sight to see H eventually drag himself to his feet, but his game was over. The Dark Blues had lost one of their consistently best playmakers and leaders.

The first quarter was very impressive, with Mark Hawkins providing a useful target. In the second quarter the OMs allowed Ajax to extend its lead, and this was perhaps decisive in the context of the game.

After half time, the Dark Blues returned to the field with greater purpose, and scored a string of goals that rattled Ajax, and saw the OMs briefly take the lead. Notable in the third quarter was the OMs’ best player, Benno, whose growing legion of fans watched him deliver a trademark smashing tackle to set up a goal, and follow it up minutes later with a goal of his own that brought the house down. Future opponents hope Benny Nicoll’s plan to have Benno take kickboxing lessons does not materialise, but in any case it would be like putting a spear on the end of a cruise missile.

The OMs’ running players had a big impact, with Josh Russo scoring a goal in the third quarter, and Will Kiel attacked Ajax with fervour and pace. Will “Shep” Panton was fired up as always, and working hard, whilst Ned Morrison made a very welcome return from injury to put his pace and pack work to good effect.

At three quarter time, it was clear Ajax was copping a spray, being only 3 points clear of the OMs. The OMs were fired up, and keen to continue their good work of the third quarter to bring about a long-awaiting victory. However, it was Ajax that burst out of the blocks, scoring two quick, easy, and demoralising goals that rattled the OMs, en route to scoring 6 goals for the quarter. Unfortunately the OMs did not meet Ajax’s fire with fire, and lost a game that was there for the taking.

After six weeks absence due to injury, Marty Kennon returned, bringing his welcome goal-scoring capability, and displaying it to the OM faithful in the form of 5 goals. There was no doubt that he was glad to be back, and to be doing his bit for the Old Melburnians. His little brother Scotty again had a big day out, covering most of the Junction Oval, and generally being amongst the thick of the action, setting up a few goals, and scoring one of his own.

Jake Berry followed up his great effort last week with another inspired performance in defence, with his strongest efforts perhaps being during the last quarter, when the play was against the OMs. “Junior” Prowse also played a very strong game at fullback, generally frustrating his opponent with the clever use of his body, and only failing against unstoppable passes.

This Saturday’s game against Caulfield at the Junction Oval is a critical game. The OMs sit second last on the ladder, but are under Caulfield on percentage alone. This week’s rain suggests that the drought is on the verge of breaking, and that must surely and hopefully apply to the Dark Blues too.

Tags: A. Prowse, AJAX, J. Berry, M. Kennon, N. Morrison, S. Kennon, T. Bennison