:: Seniors Report - By Lurch.


The Old Melburnians had a disappointing 96 point win against bottom-of-the
ladder Melbourne High School Old Boys on Saturday. “A disappointing 96
point win?” you ask. It should have been more….

The OMs went into this crucial game in 8th place – two places above MHSOB.
It was a “must-win” game, as the bottom two teams will be relegated to C
Grade in 2008. The Dark Blues had learned how to win again, with wins in
two of the three preceding games, which – but for a lapse of concentration
against St. Kevin’s – should have been three wins. A percentage-boosting
win was what was needed, and it was delivered.

The game was won in the first quarter, with an 8 goal blitz that left
MHSOB reeling. They would not come within cooee of the OMs’ first quarter
score. The OMs were slow to start in the second quarter, in part because
MHSOB were trying harder, but the OMs’ defence stuck solid. When the OMs
got back into gear, they made the game look like a training drill and
scored freely. MHSOB failed to score anything in the second quarter as the
Dark Blues enjoyed every minute on the field.

“Funky” Farquharson showed some of his 2006 form, with a goal at the
hotdog end of the ground that sent the footy into the passing traffic.
Mark Hawkins also showed glimpses of a return to form with his work around
the ground. When he goaled in the second quarter he had his own little
celebration, and tried hard to encourage the spectators to join him in it.
Ned Morrison was at the front of a pack of players, chasing the footy, and
was running in for a certain point, but, when almost on the line, screwed
the ball around for an amazing goal. Gus Waddell harmed his chances of
playing in a Seconds’ premiership by kicking two of his three goals in the
second quarter. It was undoubtedly one of his best games for the Seniors.
But for a late failed attempt on goal by the OMs, the score would have
exceeded 100 points by halftime.

The need for a percentage-boosting score was being met, but a truly
crushing, morale-boosting victory was what was desired. However, the third
quarter has not been the OMs’ favourite this season, and the scoring dried
up.

There was great disappointment amongst the OMs’ spectators when a
point was rushed to add to the MHSOB score for the first time since the
first quarter, and even greater disappointment when MHSOB managed a goal.
The OMs only managed three goals for the quarter, but increased their lead
to 100 points at the final break.

The last quarter was a lacklustre affair. The OMs had done the job in the
first half, and the intensity was gone. MHSOB outscored the OMs in the
final quarter. It was disappointing to see the 100 point margin fade away,
and the siren ended a game that had really ended in the first quarter.

Josh Russo was again to found in the thick of the action, and was in
excellent form. His hitting of targets in the first half was superb.
“Junior” Prowse and Sam Playfair again starred in defence, although they
would have relished the lengthy quiet periods when the ball did not come
within 50m of goal – a rare experience in 2007. The OM coaching team was
rather cruel towards the opposition by not only playing the two
tough-tackling Grammar red nuts – Kiel and Bennison – but also putting
both on the ground at the same time. Bennison was a bit rusty after
several weeks out, but Kiel shut down his opponent and wreaked havoc.
“Shep” Panton tore up the field with ceaseless running, and revelled in
his role in the Dark Blues’ victory. The grass on the wings will be
re-sown this week, as Owen Webb scorched it with his tireless running
game.

The percentage-boosting win shot the OMs from 8th to 6th on the ladder,
having five wins for the season with several other clubs. Had the margin
been slightly greater, the OMs could have moved into 5th place, where they
would have been three games outside the top four. Five games remain within
which to do this. The OMs play top-of-the-ladder Old Essendon Grammar at
Essendon Grammar on Saturday. OEG has lost once this year. In Round 3
they were unconvincing in beating a depleted OMs by 23 points. Be there on
Saturday in Dark Blue to cheer on the Dark Blues.

Tags: Andrew Prowse, Josh Russo, MHSOB, Owen Webb, Sam Playfair, Will Kiel, Will Panton