Round 10 - Saturday 27 June 2009 at Gordon Barnard Reserve, Balwyn.
OLD CAMBERWELL v OLD MELBURNIANS
SENIORS, by Lurch.
1ST Quarter: OMs 2.4.16 OC 5.0.30
2nd Quarter: OMs 10.5.65 OC 7.2.44
3rd Quarter: OMs 14.12.96 OC 11.2.68
Full time: OMs 20.19.139 OC 13.3.81
Goals: Simon Beaumont (4), Tom Seccull (4), James Beaumont (3), Will Harvey (2), Marty Kennon (2), Steven Greene (2), Charlie Gardiner (2), Michael Davis (1).
Best: Tim Horne, Tom Seccull, Angus Lapin, Tim Davis, Simon Beaumont, Lewis Haralambous.
The OMs trekked out to Balwyn, and played on the lower oval, having last year played on the upper dustbowl. Last year’s game was a loss which was notable for dust and biffo, neither of which was the fault of the OMs. This game was played in perfect conditions for football. The weather was mild and there was only a slight breeze at times.
After the terrible loss to Uni Blacks the previous week, the OMs had to win in convincing style to get their tilt at the premiership back on track. The first quarter was unconvincing and a bit reminiscent of the previous week, with too many skill errors and a lack of certainty. The only OM goals were kicked by Gardiner and Harvey. Simon Beaumont saw a lot of action, but was frustrated by a number of unfortunate decisions against him. At quarter time the OMs trailed by 14 points, and the Wellers were feeling confident. There was quite a bit of feeling between the sides, with shades of last year’s game.
The second quarter opened positively, with Seccull taking a mark and goaling. However the Wellers then found a man loose in their goal square and restored the margin. It was time for the Dark Blues to act. Greene scored, followed by Michael Davis, Kennon, and Harvey. The Wellers tried to attack, but were repelled in a long defensive effort which was broken when Lapin speared a beautiful pass to Simon Beaumont, who took a nice mark and goaled to silence the Wellers’ supporters. The Wellers scored their second and last goal for the quarter, after which a tough period of play followed, with many stoppages. James Beaumont eventually got free, picked up a loose ball, and goaled. Harvey marked the Wellers’ fullback’s kick-out, and got it to Turbo Timmy Davis, who passed to Kennon. Moose, who made a welcome return to the Seniors, then snapped to the top of the square. The ball bounced passed a Weller defender, and through for a fantastic goal to end an eight goal effort for the quarter. The Dark Blues had taken control of the game, and had done so in the quarter which has too often seen a lack of scoring.
There was no need for a halftime spray, so coaching panel member Erwin Leyden filled the change rooms with scented candles and the sounds of whales and rainforests. The third quarter began as the second had ended, with good play by the OMs. Harvey took a nice mark and kicked to Michael Davis who, despite being off balance, kicked beautifully to Simon Beaumont, who goaled. The Wellers kicked two goals before Greene pounced on a loose ball and goaled from 15m out. Wilmoth ran strongly out of the centre, and despite being knocked down after taking his kick, gave Simon Beaumont a chance to mark and goal. James Ray returned for his first game in the Seniors for a while, but an unfortunate turnover gave the Wellers a goal. Michael Davis ran with the flight of the footy while looking backwards, and took a brilliant mark. He kicked to Simon Beaumont, who passed to Gardiner, in a better position, and he goaled. Although the OMs slightly increased their lead this quarter, their 4.7 to 4 goals was frustrating, as the margin could have been so much greater.
The fourth quarter was one to enjoy, with the Dark Blues dominating and rarely allowing the ball to go near the Wellers’ goals. Early in the quarter, Lapin stylishly burst through heavy traffic with the ease for which he is known, and almost snapped a freakish goal. Seccull took a good mark and goaled. The Wellers kicked out on the full, and Millsy kicked to the top of the square, where Seccull marked and goaled. Lapin, despite falling backwards and getting the kick off his outstretched toes, sent a bullet pass to Simon Beaumont, who goaled. James Beaumont and Seccull then had a marking contest, which Beaumont won and celebrated with a goal. Seccull then beat Ed Mitchell in a marking contest and scored his third goal of the quarter. Panton missed an easy set-shot for goal. When the ball was kicked back in, Seccull was spoilt in the marking contest, allowing James Beaumont to pounce, snap, and goal. It was the OMs at their best, and it was very entertaining and satisfying. The only downside was the seven points kicked for the quarter, which could have contributed to a much greater percentage-boosting margin, but that the game was won, and won well, was satisfying enough.
Horne was adjudged the best of the OMs. He returned to the Seniors the previous week for the first time in quite a while, but was given little time to prove himself. Shown faith by the coaches, he repaid it with non-stop running and skilful play. Seccull’s fine form continued, and was improved with greater accuracy in front of goal. Lapin yet again impressed all with his speed, tenacity and skill, and Funky Farquharson, seeing him for the first time, returned to the Singapore Wombats with the realisation his place was well and truly taken. Tim Davis was yet again, as the Rev. Lovejoy has said in the past, a good bloke to have in a battle. He throws his slight frame into every contest, and his tenacity is his trademark. Simon Beaumont equalled his effort against Trinity, and would have bettered it had fortune favoured him. Haralambous was again handy both in the ruck and around the ground, and is becoming a consistent and reliable player.
Adam Marangon played his first game in the Seniors. He was a member of the MGS 1st XVIII of 2007 and the MGS APS premiership side of 2008. We wish him well and hope he will play a role in many more OMFC victories.
This week the OMs take on Ormond. Ormond was successful against the OMs at Ormond, and tall, strong-marking players were critical to their success. Ormond is sixth on the ladder and has surprised a few teams this year since coming up from C Grade. After a few recent losses, the OMs must reestablish a winning streak to develop confidence in the approach to the finals. Get down to the Junction Oval to cheer on the Old Melburnians.
