Hammer blow to Two Blues finals hopes

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION lost its third home game match for the season on Saturday in a hammer blow to its finals hopes for 2022 in VAFA Division 1.

Going into the match the Two Blues were six points outside the top four in fifth place taking on sixth placed Old Camberwell.

But after a tight first half the Two Blues were outclassed by a slicker Old Camberwell who kept the home team under pressure all day to post a comprehensive win 10-8 (68) to 5-9 (39).

While the home team more than held their own in the clearances for some reason they seemed to lack cohesion, were leaden footed and their disposal was sub standard against a cleaner, classier rival. 

In a low scoring first quarter the Two Blues held the edge with constant forward 50 entries but only one goal from Matthew Clifford.

The Two Blues regained the lead 2-5 to 2-2 with a Tony Mirabella left foot snap off one step 10 minutes into the second quarter .

That would be the last time the Two Blues led as Old Camberwell added the next three goals, one from a 50m penalty.

There would be no third quarter revival with the Two Blues held goalless while Old Camberwell added a further four majors.

Last quarter goals to Shaun Chapman, Clifford and James Gottschalk was a case of too little too late.

“Not up to it today’,  was the summation of coach Brett Dickinson who lamented the string on uncontested marks logged by the visitors.

The previous Saturday against Therry Penola many of the Two Blues had off days yet were able to rally for a win.

But as Dickinson pointed out when too many players have bad days against a quality opponent it spells defeat.

 

Exceptions were co skipper James Musster who was tireless on ball and wingman Jesse Waters enjoying a consistent season.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-3 2-6 2-7 5-9 (39)
OLD CAMBERWELL 2-1 5-3 9-4 10-8 (68)
Goals. Clifford 2, Chapman, Mirabella, Gottschalk.
Best. Musster, Clifford, Waters, Simonetta, Podmore, Brodie,

RESERVES

A brave effort after a first quarter wipeout.

Four successive goals in the second quarter was encouraging and matched a classier opponent for the last three quarters.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 0-0 4-2 6-2 8-2 (50)
OLD CAMBERWELL 6-6 7-13 11-15 14-18 (102)
Goals. Cibiras 3, Hann 2, Taylor, Jack Matherson, Martin.
Best. Woods, Cibiras, Martin, Mahains, Walter, Juricic.

THIRDS

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 2-3 3-4 4-6 6-9 (45)

ORMOND 1-5 2-5 4-6 7-7 (49)