:: All Stars Report - By Thomo.

Heading into the last game of the regular season the equation could have not been more simple; Win or draw against Prahran and the All Stars woiuld retain second position on the ladder and a double chance in the finals. As the Stars had not defeated this Prahran outfit since 2001 the task at hand was not going to be an easy one!

The opening quarter was a sight to see as the All Stars jumped out of the blocks with relentless running and fierce tackling. Against a larger and more experienced opposition the Stars appeared unfazed by the task at hand and this showed with a two goal to zero first quarter. The second was very much a duplicate showcase of the first quarter with the Stars showing their hunger by being first in at every contest. Stu and G were devasting around the stoppages whilst the relocation of Tandy to the Ruck appeared a stroke of genius as the Stars continued their attack holding a slim but handy two goal lead at half time.

The second half was at times a spiteful contest as several Prahran players lowered their colours in an attempt to rattle the Stars style of play. One dirty player in particular lashed out at Eddy Wetts with a clenched fist earning himself a red card and report. While tempers had flared in the third quarter the Stars had still managed to hold its two goal lead by the last change through the boots of Hursty and Pipes.

Kicking against the wind in the last the Stars were able to get their hands on the ball but were unable to finish off in front of goal. After several key misses by the forward line Neddy soon found his measure kicking a beauty of a snap to send the Stars three goals in front with eight minutes left to play.

Believing the game won the Stars had let down their guard opening the gate for three late goals by none other than Craig Hutchinson. While his goals were kicked from no further than one metre out directly in front nevertheless Hutchie had somehow managed to claw Prahran back into the game.

Before the Stars had time to recollect themselves the scores were level. Tension turned to horror as the next clearance went Prahan’s way. Silence had engulfed Oval 1 as the loose ball could be seen bouncing dangerously in Prahan’s forward line. Luck however was on the All Stars side as ten metre’s out Hutchie gathered, pivoted (siren sounded) and snaped through what would have been a decisive and winning goal had it been kicked one second earlier.

The All Stars had got away with robbery securing second spot on the ladder and a double chance in the finals by a mere two percentage over Prahran. The Stars season objective had been completed but last quarter complacency and poor goal kicking almost cost us everything. Now only time will tell if the Stars are a geniune Premiership contender or not!

Lastly i would like to thank all our supporters who have braved the elements this year to come down and cheer us on. For all those who have not yet been able to make it down we would dearly love your support during the finals. For details of where the All Stars are playing please refer to the home page of the OMFC website.

Tags: A. Bains, H. Tomlinson, O. Ward, Prahran, R. Galbraith, S. Wettenhall, T. Ironmonger