The OMs ventured out to Carey’s Bulleen sports complex to take on an Old Carey side which had a mathematical chance of making the finals, and a desire to avenge its defeat by the OMs at the Junction Oval. The OMs sought to make Old Carey miserable for the second time this season, and secure their place in B Grade for 2009. It was the Carey boys who emerged unconvincingly triumphant.

 

The first quarter saw a tough defensive battle by both sides. The OMs had the ball in their forward 50m for much of the quarter, but, frustratingly, could only manage points. Carey scored a goal either side of this long effort on the offensive, but it was not until after the siren went that Morrison, who had the ball, calmly slotted the OMs’ first goal. He had a busy day at the office, seeing action all around the ground, and was amongst the OMs’ best.

 

Millsy slotted the OMs’ first of the second quarter, and when Picken, in his second senior game for the OMs after coming up from the reserves, ran in to score his first goal the scores stood at 22 to 21 in our favour. The game was willing at times, and when Prowse copped a hit in the face which left him in la la land, he was given a free kick, but his opponent escaped any sanction. A long series of free kicks in Carey’s favour came to an end when Bennison tackled his Carey opponent in the OMs’ goal square and scored from point blank range. In a déjà vu moment, the OMs found themselves with the footy, having a shot at goal after the siren. Hawkins had it from well outside 50m, and, whilst it made the distance, it hit the post.

 

Up by three points at half time, the OMs were not playing to the same very high standard of the previous week, but it had been good enough to this point against a team which had not seemed serious about pursuing a possible finals berth. After the break, Carey came out firing, having made up its mind to aim for the top four. It scored first before Wilmoth ran in to score what would prove the OMs’ only goal of the quarter. Carey then broke free at the centre bounce and scored a retaliatory goal. From here, Carey took charge of the third quarter, and the OMs were unable to counter Carey’s new-found vigour.

 

Down by 21 points at the final change, the OMs had what looked like a near-insurmountable deficit in the context of a game in which goals had been hard to score. It looked like there was little hope of those goals being found when both sides had a very lengthy defensive battle during which Carey scored four consecutive points which could and probably should just as easily have been goals. They were let-offs for the OMs, who seized the opportunity, with Captain Turner taking possession and kicking to Riggers, who scored the first goal of either side for the quarter, with about half the quarter gone. The score was now 65 to 46. It had been very tough to score, with the OMs’ forward line flooded with Carey players, making clean and successive possessions virtually impossible. Hawkins then received a free kick in front of goal, and his straight kick closed the gap, 65 to 52. Carey responded with a goal, but when Wilmoth picked up the contested footy, swung around, and snapped a great goal, the scores were 71 to 59, and the OMs had momentum. However, it was all too late, as the siren surprised everyone by sounding soon afterwards.

 

It was a disappointing loss, as the first half showed it was a very winnable game. It was lost in the third quarter when Carey scored several easy goals and could not be checked. Equally, though, Carey’s victory was unconvincing, and it was not enough to put it in finals contention.

 

The OMs’ mosquito fleet again did sterling service across the middle of the ground, with the light Davis running on air, Morrison yet again showing off his great skills, and Wilmoth getting amongst the scrimmages and showing flashes of brilliance. Barclay Dixon recently returned after a long battle with OP, and, as he has played more games, his timing has improved and he has begun taking some impressive marks. It was Prowse’s second game back after a lengthy absence with a groin injury, and his tough, skilful and uncompromising play and defensive skills were back on display. The wiry but indefatigable and clever Russell worked hard at both ends of the ground, and was unlucky not to have a goal to his name. 

 

The OMs play their last home game for 2008 this Saturday against second-placed St. Bernards. It will be a tough game, but the OMs at home have produced some of their best football, and particularly so when their backs have been to the wall. Come and support them at the Junction.