Two Blues Run over Old Mentonians
Seniors:
In a clutch match to keep finals aspirations alive, Prahran Assumption faced inclement weather, slippery conditions and an opposition also determined to remain in contention for September action at Toorak Park on Saturday.
Coming off two losses, the Two blues were determined to start well at home, however Old Mentone were first to register a major shortly after commencement of play. Forcing the ball forward, in a game where yardage was imperative, the Two Blues adapted to the conditions and after managing a series of behinds, Tim Maya found Peter Christoforo who snapped truly at the 18 minute mark. Old Mentone bounced back with a late soccer goal and at the first break the game was in the balance.
Consistent rain made conditions difficult for both sides and two minutes into the second stanza, Peter Christoforo registered his second major after a good left foot pass from David Quirk. With Liam Hunt solid in defence and wet weather skill being shown by Dan Anglin and Paul Donahoo around the many stoppages, Prahran Assumption pressed to extend their advantage.
With the Toorak Park lights turned on, Brent Kenny converted a banana from the boundary to extend the Two Blues lead, however not to be denied Old Mentone closed the gap shortly after. With Adam Sleight marking well across the half backline, Prahran once again forged forward and Ryan Costin found John Robbins to extend the break to 10 Pts on the siren.
With a mantra for intensity to be harder, stronger for longer, the home team applied the acid test to Mentone in the third quarter. A Beau Adams conversion, followed by a Dan Anglin torpedo which cleared the congestion for Peter Christoforo to register his third major gave Prahran Assumption a match winning lead at lemon time.
In the final term, the two blues collective continued to demonstrate great heart and character and ground out an important win.
Still remaining four points shy of finals action, Prahran Assumption face the winless Glen Eira next week as they continue to press forward to contest their third finals series in succession.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-5 4-8 6-9 7-10 (52)
OLD MENTONIANS 2-3 3-4 4-5 4-7 (31)
Goals: P Christoforo 3, J Robbins 2, B Adams, B Kenny.
Best: D Anglin, S McIntyre, J Robbins, P Donahoo, I Vuli, B Field
Reserves:
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 5-10 (40)
OLD MENTONIANS 2-4 (16)
Club XVIII:
In a powerful performance, Prahran Assumption put an end to Old Geelong's finals aspirations with a 118 point thumping at Como Park.
Old Geelong weren't to be taken lightly and some of their recent form suggested they were on the march to the top 4.
But with Prahran Assumption keen to entrench their place in the top 4 and possibly challenge for a spot in the top 2 with a double chance, the lads were fired up for a big game.
With Brett Lewis back in the coach's chair and the return of key players Storer, Berger and Captain Cooper were vital in taking the Two Blues up a gear.
With 7 goals to 1 goal in both the first and second quarters, the game was pretty much over by half time with the Clubbies in front by 80 points.
The second half saw the boys take the foot off the pedal a little bit but it was still a fine 4 quarter performance.
Craig Berger was on song with 7 goals a dominate display from full forward.
Mark Ploenges probably had his best game for the year roaming the forward line and dominating the mid field and finished with 4 goals.
Damien Guengerich, Jason Storer and Luke Farrell amassed plenty of the pill.
The Clubbies this week face a big test against St Bernards (away) in what could decided 2nd spot on the ladder. Our final home and away game is the following against De La Salle.
Prahran Assumption 24.13-157 def Old Geelong 6.3-39
Goal Kickers: C. Berger 7, M. Ploenges 4, N. Gouin 3, S. Cooper 3, D. Guengerich 2, B. Neasey , D. McGrath , L. Farrell , D. Byra , N. Keohler
Best Players: M. Ploenges, D. Guengerich, C. Berger, J. Storer, L. Farrell