Two Blues Best Falls Short to Old Geelong
Seniors:
Sometimes your best just falls short as was the case with Prahran Assumption's gallant bid to topple VAFA Division 1 premiership favourite Old Geelong at Toorak Park on Saturday.
The neighbouring rivals are at opposite ends of the ladder but the 11-13 (79) to 15-8 (98) loss was perhaps the Two Blues best effort for the season.
Buoyed by the return of key play makers Matt Wall, skipper James Musster and Jamie Robbins the last on the ladder Two Blues went frustratingly close to a major upset.
After a hesitant start conceding the first four goals, Prahran Assumption struck back in the second quarter with full-forward Jack Matherson kicking four of his six goals.
The Two Blues momentarily snatched the lead mid-way through the second quarter but were mainly playing catch-up all day.
Old Geelong's superior skills were matched by the Two Blues tenacity, tackling pressure and running game yet the game looked safe with a 25 point three quarter-time lead.
But the Two Blues dominated forward 50 entries in the last quarter with inaccuracy in front of goal costly.
The mercurial Robbins who slotted three of the best goals seen at Toorak Park from deep on the boundary line more than 40m out, was on the culprits missing an easy set shot from 30m our directly in front.
Tellingly the 4-6 final quarter return was in contrast to Old Geelong's four straight goals.
Matherson, Wall , Robbins, Alex Simpson across half-back and Adam Sleight who reigned supreme in the ruck against the assortment of Old Geelong tall timber were the Two Blues best.
Clearly the Two Blues are on the improve after a mid-season horror patch, but wins on Saturday to Whitefriars and Brunswick NOBS means they are last on the ladder. The trip to Whitefriars next Saturday is a must win game to avoid relegation.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 0-4 5-5 7-7 11-13 (79)
OLD GEELONG 4-1 7-4 11-8 14-8 (92)
Goals: Matherson 6, Robbins 3, Wall, Marmo.
Best: Matherson, Wall, Simpson, Robbins, Taylor, Sleight.
Reserves:
A match winning eight goals second quarter gave the Two Blues Reserves a grip on third place on the ladder swapping places with Old Geelong.
In a remarkable turnaround from the first round 100 plus point shellacking the Two Blues blew the game open in the seconde term. Rick Ellis and Jon Rice were unstoppable up forward bagging 13 goals between them.
Despite tiring in the last quarter the Two Blues had the game safely won. They must keep winning, however, as fifth placed Therry Penola upset previously unbeaten St Mary's and lurk just one game behind and with a superior percentage.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 4-3 12-3 14-7 16-8 (104)
OLD GEELONG 1-3 3-5 7-7 10-11 (71)
Goals: Ellis 8, Rice 5, E Scicluna 2, Shaw.
Best: Ellis, Walford, Rice, Vuli, E Scicluna, Armstrong.
Club XXIII:
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 10-9 (69)
RICHMOND CENTRALS 7-7 (49)
Goals: Brooker 5, Farrell 2, Berger, Murphy, Gouin.
Best: Keohler, Faraci, Michael, Stone, Langford.
