Gallant Two Blues two point loss in season opener

A gallant Prahran came up two points short in a tense season opener to VAFA Premier C Grade on Saturday.

Playing away at PEGS Playing Fields in Keilor Park was always going to be a challenging introduction to C Grade ending in a 10-7 to 10-9 scoreline.

A goal as the siren sounded by Matthew Clifford may have flattered the margin but there was still merit in defeat.

Coach Craige Milward told his players to fail by such a narrow margin considering skipper Rory Brodie and premier on baller James Musster were both out of the game before half-time was an outstanding effort in the circumstances.

The effect of the carnage will not be known until next Saturday’s home game v Parkside.

The Two Blues were left to lament a lack lustre opening which cost them a very winnable game.

Kicking with the aid of a three to four goal breeze Prahran posted the first goal after Mackenzie Mayne found Max Milward in the forward pocket.

But from then on PEGS pressure rating lifted and contributed to the Two Blues fumbling and finding forward line connection difficult.

A goal from Joel Hume on the siren left the Two Blues two points adrift at quarter-time with a sense of lost opportunity.

When Hume goaled again in the first minute the Two Blues had regained the lead.

But it was short lived as PEGS kicked the next three goals, two courtesy of free kicks.

An inside 50 count of 18 to 6 was reflective of PEGS dominance.

Three goals in the third quarter resulted in a three quarter-time lead of two points which was never going to be enough.

There was a flicker of hope when recruit Pat Marks kicked the all important first goal from a free kick inside seven minutes.

PEGS seemingly iced the game with three quick goals but the Two Blues persevered with Ethan Plaza and two more from Clifford to threaten a comeback win.

In the absence of ruckman Brodie, Shaun Chapman was a lone hand and rose to the occasion superbly.

First gamers Marks, Ryan Smyth, Josh Taylor and Diezel Brousse de laborde all had an impact and will only improve with the outing.

PRAHRAN 2-0 3-1 6-3 10-7 (67)

PEGS 2-2 5-5 5-7 10-9 (69)

Goals. Clifford 3, Marks, Hume 2, Plaza, de laborde, Milward.

Best. Shaun Chapman, Luke Gorman, Mackenzie Mayne, Jon Simonetta, Ryan Symth, Josh Taylor.

RESERVES

A dream first game result for new coach Jackson Partridge as his Two Blues delivered a 14 goal win.

Mandurah (WA) recruit Noah Hura was the stand out with eight goals to signal senior selection if the offing.

PRAHRAN 20-5 (125)

PEGS 6-2 (38)

WOMEN"S

A challenging start for the women's team in the first grading game in Division 3.

There were several lop sided results with the Two Blues scoring just one point in their first outing.

PRAHRAN 0-1

OLD CAMBERWELL 12-19 (91)