OMFC MAKE IT FOUR FROM FOUR
Saturday 19th September shall go down in OMFC history books as one of the truly great days in our history.
The pressure had been building for weeks - four minor premierships had been secured, and the two preceding weeks had seen the 3rds deliver a stunning premiership, followed last week by the Under 19’s. The weight of expectation on all was enormous as we entered the day with both Seniors and Reserves in the Grand Finals.
SENIORS
Having watched the reserves take out the flag, the scene had been set for an unprecedented season of success for OMFC. And the boys started like they meant business - kicking with the aid of a strong breeze the ball was pumped long and often into the forward line, but a somewhat disappointing return of 4.9 for the quarter left Trinity feeling as if they were still a chance of getting into the match. This was especially evident when they snuck forward through clever ball movement into a breeze that seemed to be getting stronger as the game went on, kicking 3 goals in a first quarter that would have had their fans and coaching staff extremely pleased.
Trinity then got their turn with the breeze, and OM’s managed to hold them for most of the quarter. This was turning into a classic arm wrestle, but late goals gave Trinity a 10 point lead at the long break.
The Premiership Quarter
The third quarter has become known in most football clichés as the premiership quarter, and for most of it on Saturday Old Trinity must have thought they were in with a huge chance of over-running OM’s.
With just 5 minutes left, scores were within a kick, and OM’s had struggled to use the wind to advantage, whilst Trinity had managed a couple into the stiff northerly. Finally, OM’s fresh legs, and Trinity playing one man down due to a send off, seemed to make a difference. Four goals in time on, including one after the siren by Hawk, and we were out to a handy lead at the last change. It was as though Trinity had the game within reach, but the very nature of our late rally took the wind right out of their sails.
What took place in the last term was an amazing reversal of the game to that point – OM’s booted six into the wind, whilst Trinity became the wasteful ones, scoring 2.5. A 46 point margin reflected the difference in the number of scoring shots and time in possession, with OM’s having peppered the goals 39 times to 23, however it really wasn’t until well into this last term that goals to Tom Paule and Simon Beaumont put the game beyond doubt.
Charlie Wilmoth stood firm in defence all afternoon, and Charlie Gardiner, Steve Greene and Simon Beaumont delivered with their experience when it mattered most. Will Harvey fought every contest like it was his last and kept OM’s in the game during periods where Trinity threatened to break away, and Marty Kennon was a solid contributor. Barclay Dixon took on Andrew Ramsden who always looked dangerous, but his win over the Trinity key forward was a huge contribution to the end result on the day.
OLD TRINITY 3.0 8.5 10.6 12.11-83
OLD MELBURNIANS 4.9 5.11 12.19 18.21-129
Goal Kickers: T. Paule 4, S. Beaumont 2, T. Seccull 2, M. Davis 2, J. Beaumont, J. Beaumont, W. Harvey, M. Hawkins, M. Kennon, S. Greene, T. Davis, A. Marangon
Best Players: C. Wilmoth, S. Greene, W. Harvey, B. Dixon, M. Kennon, S. Beaumont
Congratulations to Simon Beaumont who was awarded the Ian Cordner medal for best afield.
And finally, Congratulations to Mick Lovejoy and his trusty assistant Erwin for a job well done!
RESERVES
Mick Carty’s Ressies were a solid favourite to take out this premiership, but nobody dared underestimate Blacks who challenged all day and never let us get away.
After an even first half, where inaccuracy with the wind was a problem for OMFC, the OM’s 3rd quarter set us up for a great final stanza. Up by just 5 points at half time, every man on the ground was determined not to let Blacks build a lead with the wind in the 3rd quarter. Playing a great brand of running football, we attacked into the wind and managed to increase our margin to a 10 point lead at the last change. The defence had done a sterling job to repel countless Blacks attacks, and now the on balers and forwards had to bring the ship home.
OM’s put the game beyond doubt early, kicking three goals in succession to extend the lead out to 5 goals, before Blacks finished with a couple when the game was all but over.
Finally, Jenks and Gussy who were both in the side’s best players could revel in Premiership glory. The side was brilliantly led by Tim Horne, and Timy Cudlipp booted 4 majors and was also amongst the best players.
OLD MELBURNIANS 1.3 3.7 6.8 9.9-63
UNI BLACKS 2.2 3.2 5.4 7.4-46
Goal Kickers: T. Cudlipp 4, P. Kennon 2, E. Mitchell, T. Oman, A. Littlechild
Best Players: T. Horne, T. Cudlipp, P. Kennon, A. Waddell, C. Jenkins, T. Oman
Well done to all involved in the club this year.
Thankyou from the Committee to all who contributed.
Look out for photos loaded onto the website during the week.
And look out A Grade!
GO OM’s!
