Robbins Inspires Commanding Round 2 Two Blues 43 Point Win

Seniors: 

A touch of magic from John Robbins deep in time-on of the third quarter proved a defining moment in Prahran Assumption's round 2 win over Bulleen Templestowe in VAFA Division 1 on Saturday.

Despite dominating most of the general play in the first three quarters, there was a decided nervousness among Two Blues supporters when the Bullants made a third quarter surge.

In round 1 the Two Blues coughed up a four goals lead that eventually led to a demoralising 10 goals defeat.

But the Bullants brave resistance was all but snuffed out when Robbins, 50m out on the boundary line kicking into a stiff cross wind, goaled.

A scoring avalanche followed in the last quarter as the Two Blues slammed on 7-6 in the first 20 minutes with the Bullants scoreless. 

Robbins with four goals was at his mercurial best slotting long goals on the run almost at will on a day where the strong cross wind made conversion a challenge.

At a typically windy Elsternwick Park, Prahran Assumption set up its win in the first quarter restricting the Bullants to 1-4 kicking with at least a four goals breeze.

The Two Blues kicked the first five goals of the second quarter taking advantage of the wind.

Deep in time-Prahran Assumption seemingly had the game safe holding a 33 point lead despite conceding a rash of free kicks .

But two late goals to Bulleen Templestowe and a further four goals in the third quarter narrowed the lead to three points and supporters began to have visions of last week’s second half capitulation against North Old Boys/St Pats.

Enter Robbins and that telling goal.

For the winners on baller James Musster was outstanding while young ruckman Tom Keaney against showed considerable promise.

Up forward John Grigg (three goals), Adam Sleight (three) and Pat Harris (two) were constant marking threats to complement Robbins.

Captain Jack Matherson and Trent Rogers led a frugal defence while recruit John Panagiotaros was effective in a blanketing role on Bullants playmaker Kristian Cherbakof.

At times the Two Blues showed slick ball movement but there is still considerable room for improvement with the return of last year's best and fairest Matt Wall eagerly anticipated after the Easter break.

Bulleen Templestowe has been a long time arch rival, especially after a heart breaking 2012 grand final defeat, and the Two Blues have now won their past three encounters.

There will be no VAFA games over the Easter break.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-2 7-9 9-11 17-15 (117)

BULLEEN TEMPLESTOWE 1-4 4-6 8-8 11-8 (74)

Goals: Robbins 4, Grigg, Sleight 3, Harris 2, Maya, Simonetta, Musster, Panagiotaros, Adams.

Best: Keaney, J Matherson, Panagiotaros, Rogers, Musster, Robbins.

Reserves:

Despite a massive personnel turnover from round one the Prahran Assumption Reserves held on grimly to maintain its unbeaten record.

The Two Blues led all day but Bulleen Templestowe finishing strongly with 3-4 in the last quarter to the Two Blues solitary point.

The win was set up veteran Hus Pitts and Tim Webb who was inspirational on an on ball role.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 3-4 6-6 9-6 9-7 (61)

BULLEEN TEMPLESTOWE 1-1 3-2 5-3 8-7 (55)

Goals: Cohalan 3, Candy, Hocking, Ellis, Freeman, Williams, Rice.

Best: Webb, W Candy, Cohalan, Kenny, Hagen, Talbot.