PAFC Remain Unbeaten at Assumption
Seniors:
Determination, dedication and pure heart and character allowed Prahran Assumption to remain undefeated at Assumption College Kilmore on Saturday. The venue has been a fortress for the Two Blues, however as this game unfolded, it was a fortress under siege. Facing their recent arch nemesis Bulleen Templestowe, the clash was not one for the faint hearted, with the final siren seemingly frozen, like the conditions, in which the game was played on Ray Carroll Oval.
From the outset Prahran Assumption gained the ascendency in slippery conditions. Kicking with a 3 to 4 goal breeze, they were quickly on the board with John Robbins converting the first major within minutes of the first bounce. Early signs of a solid win were present, yet despite dominating general play for 15 minutes, PAFC appeared to be wasting their apparent advantage in general play registering 6 consecutive behinds.
Nathan Davey provided Matt Wall with the opportunity to convert the Two Blues second major in the latter stages of the quarter. A clean centre clearance then allowed Pete Cristoforo to gather and skilfully find John Robbins to convert his second major and extend the margin. With Bulleen Templestowe finding kicking into the breeze a challenge, Pat Harris was the recipient of a relayed free kick in the goal square and at quarter time Prahran Assumption held a commanding 32pt lead.
The question on everyone's mind at the first break was whether PAFC had done enough with the breeze, or whether inaccuracy would come back to haunt them. An early goal to Adam Sleight into the wind calmed many fears and with Dan Anglin, Ryan Costin, Iliesa Vuli and Ed MacDonald adding intensity and using their run around the ground PAFC looked firmly in control.
Bulleen managed to register their first major 10 minutes into the second stanza and suddenly with a new found emotion, the nature of the game turned quickly. Dominating centre clearances, Bulleen piled on 4 goals in quick succession and with the margin cut to 7pts the Blues were seriously on the back foot.
Needing to urgently restore the balance the blues forced the ball forward and a late soccer goal managed to right the ship. At the break PAFC held on to a tenuous 13 pt advantage.
The second half was one where every combatant was required to hold their nerve. Desperate to stay in the game against the breeze, Bulleen pressed hard and a highly physical battle of yardage emerged. With the Blues failing to gain any forward momentum, nervous supporters were relieved when a Liam Hunt clearance found John Robbins whose penetrating kick carried deep to Adam Sleight who converted his second. Only 22 Pts up at lemon time the game was up in the air.
In the last quarter, despite not registering a major, PAFC dug deep and for the most part hung on to a minor, yet seemingly comfortable advantage, considering the ball was in essence a piece of soap. With only 30 seconds remaining however, Bulleen narrowed the margin to 5 pts and an immediate centre clearance saw the ball forced deep into the Bulleen forward line. With almost half the players on the ground involved in a mad scramble in the Bulleen goal square and all spectators holding their breath, the siren finally sounded and Prahran Assumption escaped with a desperate, possibly, season defining win.
Fittingly, ex Assumption student Dan Anglin was presented the Ray Carroll medal judged best on ground after a sterling four quarter effort. Ryan Costin celebrating his 100th game for PAFC, should no doubt be proud, as the team's endeavours personified all the trademarks of the personal traits he brings to every one of his games.
Next week PAFC can replace Williamstown in the top four as they meet at Toorak Park. Their Finals aspirations are now well and truly in the hands of the Prahran Assumption Combine.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 4-8 6-8 9-10 9-12 (66)
BULLEEN TEMPLESTOWE 0-0 5-1 6-6 8-13 (61)
Goal Kickers: J. Robbins 3, A. Sleight 2, P Cristoforo, R. Pascoe , M. Wall, P Harris
Best Players: D Anglin, J. Musster, P Donahoo, J Robbins, E MacDonald, A Sleight
Reserves:
In the reserves encounter, the PAFC Combine closed to within a one game margin of the final four. With Bulleen Templestowe currently sitting in 4th place and being the only team vulnerable to miss finals action, the reserves completed a comprehensive demolition of their opposition winning by 51pts.
A greater intensity at the contest and a desire to work harder for longer was clearly evident as the difference between the two sides. Prahran Assumption had every player committing to each contest in the slippery conditions and the coaching staff applauded the desire and work ethic of all players in a very even performance.
Whilst still requiring a little luck to scrape into the four, the Two Blue Two's have shown, that at their best, they can mix it with any side in the competition. A win against Williamstown can see them on the same points as the fourth placed team and from there, as they say "the ball would be in their own court."
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 3-1, 8-3, 9-7, 12-12 (84)
BULLEEN TEMPLESTOWE 1 1, 3-2, 4-3, 5-3 (33)
Goal Kickers: J. Rice 3, R Ellis 3, J Ancrum 2, T Candy, L Shellard, C Marshall, A Dean
Best Players: O Hagen, T Matherson, A McMahon, A Dean, A O'Hare, N Haynes
Club XVIII:
In the final home and away game for the season, the Prahran Assumption Club 18 side locked in 2nd spot by defeating 4th placed De La Salle by 50 points.
We play Old Xaverians in the 2nd semi final on Sunday at Elsternwick Park at 2:20pm.
In front of the brand new pavillion at our home ground at Darling Park, the Clubbies put in a solid 4 quarter performance against a possible finals opponent.
Against the wind in the 1st quarter, Prahran Assumption battled manfully to keep the scores even at the first break.
After quarter time, the Clubbies started to kick away with a dominate mid-field and some strong marking targets up forward.
Nick Gouin was BOG and kicked 3 goals in a fine performance as a lead up forward. Skipper Sam Cooper returned to the side and slotted 2 majors. Peter Derbyshire and Daryl Edwards also managed 2 gaols.
Down back Crispin Myres and Brett Michael controlled their opponents.
In the middle, Damien Gungenich, Nick Koehler, Jason Storer and Con Faraci gave us first use of the ball and provided plenty of run and carry.
Prahran Assumption 13.8-86 def De La Salle 5.6-36
Goal Kickers: N. Gouin 3, S. Cooper 2, D. Edwards 2, P. Derbyshire 2, D. McGrath , P. Sheehan , D. Guengerich , N. Keohler
Best Players: N. Gouin, D. Guengerich, G. Ryan, C. Faraci, H. Fried, B. Michael