Well the day had to come when we would meet the other undefeated team in the competition. Both sides have taken all before them in the past weeks so the build up to this long awaited clash was always going to be significant.

Taking centre stage before the main game, a small crowd had formed at the Junction, more I guess to see Archer and Stevens perform later but nevertheless interested enough to get there at 11.30am to see the best two Under 19 teams in our section.

Ormond got away to a flier with 4 goals on the board before OM’s could muster a breath. Clearly the forfeit the week before had slightly taken the edge of the boys and with changes from the bench happening thick and fast OM’s needed to find some goals quickly to ebb the flow. We struggled to control Ormond’s run and hardness and it was not until some pressure was applied that we finally got on the board. At quarter time we were down a couple of goals but we had finished strongly and looked to be up and going. Players such as Sartori and Collister were showing plenty of leadership with Levy and Yox cleaning up the spillage at the back.

The next quarter was an arm wrestle as both sides struggled to gain the ascendancy. Our midfield in Oman and Harris along with Nestle were finally winning the scrimmages as we applied enormous pressure on Ormond’s backline. However missing 4 relatively easy opportunities on goal saw us go into half time 5 points down and in with a real chance. The backline had finally settled and with Oaten and new super kid Zayler finding some ball things were looking brighter. Stubbe was at his best also finding plenty of it and putting in one of those games that all coaches love.

Clearly both sides were in un chartered waters as either side had been challenged to the degree that they were today. With “job descriptions” handed out to all forward line players` at the break it was hopeful that things would turn around in the 3rd quarter on the scoreboard.

It’s funny how football is with OM’s kicking 5.0 for the quarter to Ormond’s 1.3. which clearly proved to be the difference in a game where opportunities were few and pressure at it’s highest from both sides. Zayler, Sartori, “wild man” Hughes and the laconic Breen took the Ormond forward line apart.   Myers had a great quarter along with Harris as they both dominated there areas. Oman was his busy self and with the elusive Dunell, Eaves and Churchovic mopping up anything on the ground our forwards found plenty of ball at last.
 
The last quarter was all OM’s kicking 4.7 to Ormond’s 1.1 as we appeared to be make all the running and if not for some poor kicking the result could have been greater than the 39 pts at the siren.
 
Nevertheless a fitting end to a very entertaining, at times physical match and undoubtedly the rematch will be just as hard fought as this one.
 
The Analysts