:: Seniors Report - By Lurch.

The return game against St. Kevin’s was played at their old school on a cold, rainy day. In the game against them in Round 1, the Dark Blues triumphed by 12 goals. The team fighting for the Dark Blue on Saturday lacked 11 players from that victorious team, including such handy players as Jono Miller, Jake Berry, Ned Morrison, Tom Bennison and Matt Wright. Notwithstanding the personnel changes, the OMs took it up to SKOBs, but ultimately and inexplicably succumbed during the third quarter. It was the game that got away.

The OMs did everything right in the first quarter, and played the wet conditions perfectly. It is a long time since 7 goals straight have been kicked in an opening quarter by the Old Melburnians, and that this was done in atrocious conditions was particularly admirable. The second quarter was less spectacular or convincing, but the OMs extended their lead slightly, and SKOB heads were lowering. At half time, the OMs looked like the team that should have been in SKOBs’ fourth position on the ladder.

At half time the Old Melburnians talked earnestly about what needed to be done to win the second half. Unfortunately, the talk did not translate into action. SKOBs had undoubtedly copped a spray at half time, and came out firing. The third quarter was their time to score 7 goals straight, despite the ground becoming increasingly heavy. SKOBs’ No. 16 was particularly effective in front of goals.

Our ever-reliable and capable defender, Andrew “Junior” Prowse, did not take to the field during the third quarter due to a neck injury. Dean Osmond was outgunned by his taller, heavier, and stronger opponent, despite Dean having his own SKOB Bronx cheer squad urging him on.

The ball was rarely getting near the OMs’ forward line, and the midfield was doing little to ease the pressure on the embattled OM defenders. James Mitchell left the field with a hamstring injury, and the scoreboard kept ticking over. Scores were level late in the third quarter, but SKOBs were relentless and were in front by 7 points at the last break.

The tide had turned so totally that the 7 point margin seemed psychologically insurmountable, and this was not assisted by SKOBs kicking more goals early in the quarter. However, the Dark Blues were not finished. Junior Prowse bravely returned to the field. Steve “Gabba” Galbraith, in the Seniors for the first time this year, ran in from the wing and scored a crucial goal. Ty Menzies then had a run, passed cleverly to Rod “Pies” Matthews, and he scored his fifth goal to reduce the margin back to 8 points, with little over 4 minutes remaining. Scotty Kennon then had a crack, but shanked his shot without scoring. SKOBs then goaled again to put the game beyond doubt.

The names of the best players speak for themselves, with Sam Playfair yet again being amongst the OMs’ best and most reliable players. Unfortunately they had too little support. Although some big names continue to be missed, the OMs who took the field on Saturday played well enough to build a commendable lead by half time, and showed that they were capable of winning the game. That they did not is almost totally inexplicable, but the bye next weekend will give them time to think about what it required to ensure such a winning position is never surrendered again.
As Lurch left the ground to drive to NSW for dinner and to relieve the frustration by shooting some Finley ferals, he noticed that the temperature was an icy 8 degrees. As satisfying as the kick from a .375 H&H may be, there is no better kick than victory for the Dark Blue. Let’s get back that winning feeling after the bye.

Tags: Ed Farquharson, Rod Matthews, Sam Playfair, St Kevins, Ty Menzies, Will Kiel, Will Panton