Two Blues Claim Second Place on the Ladder
Seniors:
Second place on the VAFA Division 1 ladder was the reward for Prahran Assumption after a season best performance against Williamstown CYMS at Toorak Park on Saturday.
In the highest standard match of the season to date Prahran Assumption took charge with a seven goals to two second quarter.
A late third quarter rally by the visitors trimmed the deficit to 25 points but a Pat Harris mark and goal in time-on gave the Two Blues a buffer.
The Two Blues remained in control in the last quarter and Matt Wall extended the margin to a 34 point win with a goal after the siren.
The Two Blues are now unbeaten at home and a realistic top four prospect but its sternest test is still to come- the unbeaten Therry Penola away from home on Saturday week.
Last year Williamstown CYMS downed the Two Blues in both clashes so Saturday’s meeting was something of a litmus test for Prahran Assumption.
The visitors looked a slick outfit in the first quarter with its high marking, passing game looking threatening against the contrast of the Two Blues hard tackling, contested ball running game style.
The signs were ominous for the Two Blues after successive Williamstown goals gave the visitors a 14 point lead late in the first quarter.
But a quick reply from John Robbins on the left foot after a centre bounce clearance from Wall kicked started a stunning change of momentum . From that moment Prahran Assumption kicked 10 of the next 12 goals to open a match winning 33 point half-time lead.
Robbins with five goals and Harris with four were influential but came as a result of a constant hard won supply of the ball for the mid-field .
The frugal defence was led by Liam Hunt at full-back ably assisted by ‘Junior’ Vuli.
Although the Two Blues’ ruckmen Tom Keaney and Aran O’Hare conceded height and bulk they more than held their own with Keaney showing admirable poise under pressure for such a young player.
With no VAFA games over the Queen’s Birthday , the Two Blues will have a two week preparation for the first v second clash at Oak Park, hopefully to celebrate the 100th senior game for veteran on baller Paul Donahoo.
Such is the tight nature of the competition Therry Penola aside, a loss could see the Two Blues tumble from second to as low as fifth on the ladder.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 5-4 12-6 15-11 18-11 (119)
WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS 4-6 6-9 10-10 12-13 (85)
Goals: Robbins 5, Harris 4, Maya, Wall 3, Bremner, Pascoe,
Sleight, Laverty, Anglin.
Best: Hunt, Harris, Rogers, Robbins, Vuli, Anglin.
Reserves:
The Two Blues Reserves set the trend for the day with its best effort for the year to topple ladder leader Williamstown CYMS.
The game looked safe after a seven goals to one third quarter burst but three quick goals to the visitors quickly changed the momentum.
However, the Two Blues steadied and goals to Jon Rice iced the game.
The downside was the serious injury to Bill Candy who broke his lower leg in the second quarter.
Our thoughts are with Bill and the club will support him in his recovery after surgery on Saturday.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 3-2 3-4 10-7 13-9 (87)
WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS 1-3 5-6 6-8 10-9 (69)
Goals: Cupples 5, Rice 4, Ancrum 2, Delahenty, Dean.
Best: Kerr, Dean, Cupples, T Matherson, Rice, Ellis.
Club XXIII:
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 2-4 4-5 8-5 11-7 (73)
HAWTHORN 7-4 13-7 19-10 24-11 (155)
Goals: Berger, O’Connor 3, Myres 2, Gouin, Godeassi.
Best: O’Connor, Gouin, Guengerich, Keohlerm,Myres, Michael.