Three Successive Losses Mean Finals Hopes Now Gone

Seniors:

Three successive defeats have consigned Prahran Assumption to the ranks of also-rans in VAFA Division 1 for 2014.

Mathematically finals are still possible, but realistically a two game gap between Prahran Assumption and fourth team Old Geelong and the fact the Two Blues are yet to play the top three teams for a second time say it won’t happen.

Unlike the lamentable efforts against out of contention Yarra Valley and Whitefriars, last Saturday Prahran Assumption brought their A grade for effort to the table in the battle for fourth place v Old Geelong at Como Oval.

Unfortunately despite a freakish scoreline of 10-0 early in the third quarter, effort was not enough.

There was a gulf in class and as the game progressed the tall timber of Old Geelong proved crucial in the absence of key defender Liam Hunt .

The Two Blues led at the the first two breaks and extended their lead to 17 points early in the second quarter.

Then after an arm wrestle for 10 minutes with neither team able to score, Old Geelong broke the deadlock with three quick goals.

Even so Prahran Assumption held a one point lead at half-time and early third quarter goals to John Grigg and a long snap shot from John Robbins gave the Two Blues a handy 13 point lead.

But Old Geelong slammed on the next five goals to take control by three quarter-time.

Grigg kicked his fifth goal in the first minute of the last quarter to spark hope of a revival.

But Old Geelong soon replied and after a Blayne Dempsey goal finished with the final three goals of the game.

For the two Blues Daniel Anglin was tireless on ball while ‘Junior’ Vuli was the pick of the defenders.

Prahran Assumption returns to Toorak Park on Saturday to take on bottom-of-the-ladder Melbourne High School Old Boys. 

Collingwood defender Lachy Keeffe will be guest speaker at the pre match luncheon.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 5-0 8-0 10-1 12-5 (77)

OLD GEELONG 3-2 7-5 12-7 16-9 (105)

Goals: Grigg 5, Sleight 3, Robbins, Maya, Dempsey, J Hogarth

Best: Anglin, Donahoo, Grigg, G Hogarth, Vuli, Sleight.

Reserves:

Second spot on the ladder was the prize for the Two Blues Reserves after an inspiring win over Old Geelong, for so long the benchmark club in Reserves football.

Apparently Old Geelong was undermanned, but nonethless co coaches Josh Ancrum and Ash Parsons deserve enormous credit for the spirit shown by their players.

A six goals to nil third term split the game open with Jon Rice kicking four telling goals.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-2 5-8 11-9 12-13 (85)

OLD GEELONG 4-1 6-2 6-2 9-5 (59)

Goals: Rice 5, Cupples 3, Ellis, T Candy 2

Best: O'Hare, Kerr, Bremner, Dean, Ellis, Rice.

Club XXIII:

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 4-2 7-5 13-5 13-5 (83)

MASALA 71-3 2-5 3-7 7-12 (54)

Goals: Myres, Farrell 2, O'Connor, Cullen, Storer, Gaskell, Copping.

Best: O'Connor, Ryan, Cullen, Berger, Myres, Morton.