:: All Stars Report - By Bainsy.

The All Stars ventured to Camberwell to face the old foe ahead of the team’s major function for the year. A win would ensure a large evening so the boys were focused, albeit for reasons slightly off centre. While recent results indicated the Stars should start favourite, history shows that contests between these sides always remained close.

As it turned out these would prove true early. The Scotchies got out of the blocks quickly, dominating general play only to be let down by some wayward kicking. 1.4 and a couple out of bounds/not making the distance left the door open. A couple of late Tandy goals saw the Stars take a narrow lead into the first change. Coach Landrigan asked for more accountability and reiterated the likely slog the game would be, not helped by the muddy, heavy going under foot.

The second quarter saw a more concerted effort from the Stars with the midfield winning more footy and the forwards doing the job. Guesty was clever up forward, Cooper continued his run of goal scoring with some important possessions and Berman was just Berman. The Stars took a 19 point break into half time and were confident they had the upper hand in the unfolding arm wrestle.

When the Stars goaled again in the 3rd, most thought the game would be a blow out. To Scotch’s credit they continued to fight, scoring some important goals, despite another typically resilient effort from the stingy Stars defence. What the Stars had seemed to think would be an easy victory coming up, suddenly required one last big effort, the margin a slim 13 points at the final break.

To the start of the 4th and quick majors from Tandy and Cooper effectively put the result beyond doubt, a 25 point lead in a relatively low scoring game proving decisive. The remainder of the game went to script apart from some flaring tempers late. A Guesty bump caused some ire and before long there was 20 blokes in a scrap. No real damage was done other than to Scotch’s finals chances.

For the Stars we remain 3rd, now a game and slightly behind the Crocs and Prahran on percentage. With the bottom 2 to come in the next fortnight, it looms as a great opportunity for the Stars to set up their tilt at the finals.

Tags: Berman, Cooper, Guest, H.Tomlinson, Ironmonger, Old Scotch, Schofield