:: Seniors Report - By Lurch.
The OMs had a 67 point loss at home to St. Bedes. The loss was a minor victory. Last time the teams met, St. Bedes prevailed by an embarrassing 137 points over an undermanned Dark Blues. Last week St. Bedes beat then-ladder leader Old Essendon by 117 points to lead the ladder. The OMs’ smaller loss proved they gave their all against a vastly superior team.

The OMs’ first quarter was a triumph, keeping St. Bedes in check. But for some inaccuracy they could have been in front at quarter time. In the second quarter St. Bedes showed why they are almost certainly destined to win this year’s B grade premiership with a 7 goal quarter, whilst limiting the OMs to a sole point. However, it was a significant improvement on the last second quarter the two sides played, when St. Bedes scored 70 points.

The OMs stepped up in the third quarter, curtailing St. Bede’s attack, and improving their own, but it was the last quarter in which the Dark Blue flag was flown, with 5.1 to St. Bede’s 5.3. No loss is satisfying, but the OMs did well against a team bound for A Grade that has had a number of 100 plus point margins this season.

"Funky" Farquharson was given a big job to do on Ben Phibbs, who had kicked 10 goals against the OMs in their last meeting, and who has had a number of high-scoring efforts this year. In recent weeks Funky has made a timely return to his 2006 form, and he had a best on ground performance in almost completely shutting Phibbs down. Phibbs only managed 2 goals, whilst Funky managed one himself.

Junior Prowse yet again led the OM’s defence with a rock solid performance that has been hardened by being under siege so many times this year. The OMs’ defence lost young Grammar gun Ben McKie (OM 2005) to the forward line where he kicked two goals, as did Rocket Rod Matthews, who also did a top job when thrown on the ball in the final quarter. Ed Wilson’s efforts were excellent throughout the game, cutting a swathe through the opposition with his hardness and toughness. Chris Righetti, a former classmate of McKie, and one of a number of promising talented, tough and enthusiastic boys to come up to the OMs from the School in recent years, again put in a spirited performance. Another of this bunch who has established himself as an inspirational and tough crowd favourite was Bennison, who again had to tackle for two in the absence of Will Kiel.

With two games remaining, the OMs must win at least one and possibly both games to stay in B Grade, as the finals are now out of reach. Go to Melbourne University this Saturday to see them take on University Blacks. With the last game being against Ajax, the ladder below shows how close the competition remains.

Tags: Andrew Prowse, Chris Righetti, Ed Farquharson, Ed Wilson, Rod Matthews, Tom Bennison