Stars strong against Prahran Assumption
A crisp Saturday morning greeted the All Stars as they prepared for their Round 8 clash against a traditionally strong Prahran side. There had been a number of changes to the team that defeated Uni Blacks the week before and in previous years this could have been cause for concern yet this is a Stars unit with much depth and resolve in comparison to years gone by and the fact that more than 15 first team members were absent only gave opportunities to guys thirsty for football and the challenge.
We started with the due aggression and commitment that had been demanded by coach Ant Voyage, winning the football on the ground and in the air as the likes of Will Christian and Andrew Ray burrowed in and under our rucks and fed it to runners Hugh Tomlinson and James Righetti. Our forwards were getting silver service and before long we began to capitalise on the scoreboard taking a 20 point lead into the first break.
In the tight huddle we addressed the fact that this was the level of intensity required to succeed at this level and applauded the commitment of guys who had previously been starved of opportunities in the side. The boys carried that level of aggression at the ball right through the second term and across every line we were well on top. Down back, Cam Bowie was having the game of his career with his run and carry while Jake Cullen and Louis Guthrie provided drive and hardness around the contests deep in defence. With the talented Owen Webb released to the field after several months absence from the side we started to pull apart our opposition and went to the main break well clear.
We set out to capitalise on our strong first half with a blitz in the ‘premiership’ quarter. The guys responded accordingly with Simon Arden and Theo Code proving immovable up forward while Angus Clark continues to develop into a real ‘X factor’ for the side contributing both in a tagging role and up forward.
Though there are a few lingering concerns with injuries, it was great to see Oli Carrol and Sam Buultjens take responsibility for the ruck work while Hugo Sampson has proved that he is more than capable both as a key back and potent forward.
We finished the game in much the same way as we began it, guys laying shepherds, numerous smothers and sticking their tackles which is a great sign of where we are at as we reach half way of our journey in 2011.
The Stars closed out the game 15.12.102 to 3.9.27 winners, a 75 point thumping in a fantastic team display.
We would like finally to thank Ed Tomlinson, Will Guthrie and Charles Tandy for their assistance with various duties on the day. Without that sort of support the team would grind to a halt so thanks guys.
Looking forward to Round 9.
Ant Voyage