UNDER 19’s Grand Final Review
Old Melburnians verses Old Brighton
After our comprehensive win in the 2nd semi against Old Brighton and with a 3-0 record one might think that the game would be a walk in the park for the boys in blue.
Not so indeed as Old Brighton had done their homework and with some added inclusions looked a totally different unit to the one two weeks ago.
The game started at a frantic pace with Brighton pushing hard at the contest but it was the dark blue which opened up with Wischer and Bennett prominent early with some excellent forward play.
ANOTHER GOAL FOR SHARPSHOOTER BENNETT
The backline was also working well repelling a number OB’s raids with Yox, Maccioli, and Dunell providing plenty of good delivery to our forwards.
Steele was on top in the Ruck but Brighton’s rovers were hard to contain and Mattie Marangon, Slade, Webbie and Hatfield worked tirelessly to have OM’s go into quarter time with a 32 point lead.
1st Quarter : OM’s 6.2 OB 1.2
We opened up well again with both sides trading goals however after big “Al” crashed tackled an OB player the game changed with the umpire providing OB with a length of the field goal. We failed to compose ourselves for the rest of the quarter as OB made us pay on the scoreboard for poor decision making and lack of discipline. Our onballers and backline lacked any direction and with OB pushing hard saw them less than a kick down at half time. Juppie provided a great highlight kicking a beauty from 50 with Hayes busy picking up possessions across half forward.
2nd Quarter : OM’s 8.2 OB 7.3
The third quarter saw OB continue where they left off with 3 quick goals after the break and with the momentum with them OM’s looked in trouble and rudderless. It was also interesting to note that the wind had changed and had done a complete turn around now favouring the clubhouse end which OB were kicking to.
The coaching bench sensing the situation swung the changes quick and fast with Carter and Healy moving forward, Levy and Hywood onto the ball, and Jack Slade to CHF immediately saw results with OM’s slamming on 5 goals straight to arrest the impetus away from OB again.
Bennett, May, Armstrong and Carter were once again offering plenty of resistence along with plenty of support from Healy and Wischer.
With siren sounding with OB trailing by 21 points at the last break it looked like we had a real battle on our hands to fight off the rampaging OB’s who just wouldn’t go away. They say Grand Finals are won in 3rd quarters and the question was had OM’s done enough.
3RD Quarter : OM’s 13.7 OB 10.6
The signs were good early as the OM’s hordes roared with approval as Quennell kicked a belter from 50 yards it now appeared OB were starting to stagger. Little did we know that this only steeled OB’s resolve further to see them rally with 2 quick goals from the centre to again get within distance of the OM’s.
BEST ON GROUND SAM DUNELL REPELS ANOTHER ATTACK
With the Grand Final on the line both sides threw themselves into every contest with passion however the dark blue looked more composed as OB missed scoring opportunities and targets. The backline led by Yox, Maccioli, A Marangon, Dunell, MCoy, Stubbe and Healy pounced on these lost opportunities and pushed the ball with great gutso to a hungry forward line eager to receive.
3 quick goals to Hatfield, Bennett and Armstrong put the score beyond doubt and snuffed out the OB challenge. They were beaten but not humiliated and credit must go to them for a hard fought contest.
34 points was the difference in the end between these two sides but those that were there will attest to a great contest between worthy Grand Finalists.
The coach said it all at the end “it had been a long enjoyable journey that was filled with many ups and downs culminating in a fantastic day for not only the club but all players, officials and parents”.
FINAL SCORES: OM’s 17.11.113 OB 12.7.79
Goal Kickers: L. Bennett 6, A. Carter 2, A. Armstrong, M. Marangon, C. Wischer, T. Healey, S. Quennell, P. May, H. Jupp, W. Hatfield, T. Hywood
Best Players: S. Dunell, L. Bennett, P. May, H. Webb, A. Carter, J. Macciolli
Best Players: S. Dunell, L. Bennett, P. May, H. Webb, A. Carter, J. Macciolli
OM’s are now in A-Grade in not only the Seniors but the Under 19’s returning once again to the premier division in style with a premiership.
With 2 premierships (3rds/Under 19’s) now in the bag it’s now we hand the baton over to first the Reserves (v Uni Blacks) and then the Seniors (v Trinity) to rewrite the records books and bring home the bacon next weekend.
Go the Dark Blue!!
