Two Blues Final Quarter Fade Out a Mystery

Prahran Assumption showed why it is last on the VAFA Division 1 ladder and relegation bound after a demoralising 12 point loss loss to Brunswick NOBS St Pat's at Toorak Park on Saturday.

Seemingly with all the momentum following a four goals to one third quarter, the Two Blues folded meekly.

When the visitors upped the ante, the Two Blues' 10 point was quickly overhauled, adding a solitary point in the final quarter.

The finale was a total reversal of roles in the round two clash between the two teams at St Pat's College, Ballarat. On that occasion the Two Blues trailed by two goals going into the last quarter after ceding control with a poor third quarter.

But a Pat Harris four goal cameo gave the Two Blues a brave away from home win.

Both games featured a rash of skill errors, symptomatic of two bottom of the ladder teams but the closeness of the scores meant it was a intriguing contest.

The visitors held sway for the first half with an edge in skills while the Two Blues battled manfully to stay in touch thanks to the defensive efforts of John Simonetta, John Stocker, Blayne Dempsey and Tim Webb.

Adam Sleight and Tom Keaney held sway in ruck duels, but with Harry Taylor effectively tagged the visitors had the edge in clearances.

A goal late in time-on by Josh Hogarth narrowed the Two Blues half-time deficit to eight points.

Alex Simpson opened the third term with his third goal which was quickly answered following a rare blunder from a kick-in by full-back Stocker.

The Two Blues then seemed to take control late in the third quarter with successive goals from skipper James Musster, Hogarth and Jack Matherson. Which only compounded the mystery to explain the last quarter fade out.

The 11-12 (78) to 10-6 (66) win by Brunswick NOBS St Pat's means it can now avoid relegation with a win against Old Paradians next week.

For the Two Blues it is back to Toorak Park for the last time for the season to take on likely finalist Therry Penola.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPION          2-2  6-2  10-5  10-6 (66)

BRUNSWICK NOBS ST PAT'S  3-2 7-4   8-7   11-12 (78)

Goals: A. Simpson 3, J. Hogarth 2, J. Matherson 2, T. Keaney, B. Adams, J. Musster

Best: J. Stocker, J. Simonetta, J. Musster, T. Webb, J. Hogarth, A. Simpson