In those nature documentaries one always has a sense of impending doom for the deer when it’s being stalked by a tiger. Generally, the last we see of the deer its battered body is no more, the last of its ribs being taken away by a hungry cub.
On Saturday, the OMs were the deer, at least after half time.
Against a side lower on the ladder we were cast in the role of the hunted.
And for the first half we more than survived, we flourished.
We led at quarter-time by eight points, then stretched that advantage by another two goals by the long break.
We had found shelter. Haileybury, so it seemed, could not keep up with us.
Mark Handley, playing his first game for the club, was having a massive impact in the forward line. He led strongly, played in front, had sure hands and, most importantly, kicked accurately.
"I’m glad Tim Horne got me down to the club," sure Hands told a VAFA snout after the game. "I still haven’t met Tim yet but I’ve been told he’s quite a player."
Dean Osmond, conceding height and weight, was battling gamely in the ruck. He more than broke even in the centre and was effective around the ground.
"He was a big boy, but I’ve got a big heart. I’m not called Honest because I tell the truth."
Pete Kennon, in a rare appearance in the curtain-raiser, was running amok in the middle.
The second half was forgettable and could ultimately cost us our season.
Kicking against the wind, OH bagged three goals before we even had time to wake from our half-time slumber.
"It was deplorable," Jenks told Bunny by the canteen. "I’m shattered mate. We can’t throw away points like that."
We still led by eight points at the last change and victory was still ours if we could find another gear.
With only a few minutes left the lead was only two points. A rushed behind to OH made it one. Time was now running out for OH but the game was being played almost entirely in their forward line.
Then with almost the last kick of the day, OH did the unthinkable, a quick kick from 45 out giving them the goal they needed.
"It wasn’t meant to end this way," Stinga said to brother Ranga.
Insult was added to injury for Stinga when he found out later the windscreen of his car, parked astutely behind the goals, had been shattered by a stray ball. Whether it was the goal which caused the damage is still the subject of a stewards inquiry.
Thanks to Jozza for goal umpiring, Rocket for running the boundary and Willow and the two junior Matthews for running out water.
OLD HAILEYBURY 3.0 4.2 7.4 11.6-72
OLD MELBURNIANS 4.2 7.4 8.6 10.7-67
Goal Kickers: M. Handley 4, T. Code 2, J. Slater 2, K. Spies, M. Picken
Best Players: M. Handley, D. Osmond, P. Kennon, A. Scotford, C. Jenkins, T. Code
