Two Blues gallant but outclassed

SOMETIMES class will simply overwhelm a gallant opponent.

Such was the case in VAFA Premier C Grade on Saturday when Ajax flexed it’s muscle to hand out an 85 point win over Prahran, 16-19 (115) to 4-6 (30).

There was a glaring gap in class between a Premier C finalist in 2024 and last year’s Division 1 premiers.

Ajax was cleaner in ball handling and too big and strong in the air with pin point passing making life difficult for the Two Blues defence.

Despite the final scoreline the Two Blues had their moments.

In the first quarter the inside 50 count was 17 to 5 in Ajax's favour kicking with the aid of a southerly breeze was heroic,

Prahran’s tackled and harassed with intent and, aided by some inaccuracy from the hosts, restricted Ajax to just 2-6.

Max Milward posted Prahran’s first goal 13 minutes into the second term with a superb goal on the run from the boundary line.

At half-time the deficit was a respectable 25 points.

But the floodgates opened in the third term, Ajax piling on 6-4 to a solitary point.

Ajax's teamwork was first class, a sure sign this is team which has played together from their juniors days.

Highlights for the Two Blues were a spectacular high mark by Jackson Partridge which earned the plaudits of the crowd and an amazing volley soccer goal from Ethan Plaza in the last quarter.

Products from the Prahran Under 18s, first gamer Otto Langtry-Kierce and Gus Alekna in his second game also impressed.

Pre game Ajax staged a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony attended by players from both clubs and a large crowd.

Post match coach Craige Milward presented the club’s Anzac Day medal to Matthew Clifford who was tireless in an on ball role while Taz Spinks earned the Reserves Anzac Day medal, judged on the players who best exemplified the Anzac qualities of courage, resilience and comradeship.

The Two Blues return to Toorak Park next Saturday to take on St Bede’s Mentone.

PRAHRAN 0-1 1-3 1-4 4-6 (30)

AJAX 2-6 4-10 10-14 16-19 (115)

Goals. Plaza 2, Milward, Torney.

Best. Matthew Clifford, Riley Hogan, Diezel Brousse de Laborde, Patrick Ribbands, George Torney, Mackenzie Mayne.

RESERVES

A tough day at the office for the Reserves, decimated by the unavailability of up to 15 players from the senior list.

Goal. Phimister.

Best. Taz Spinks, Matt Hughes, Kyle Scott, Nicholas Phimister, Peter Ahern, Zachary Westhead

PRAHRAN 0-1 0-3 0-5 1-9 (15)

AJAX 4-5 9-7 13-10 15-11 (101)

WOMEN

PRAHRAN 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 (1)

ORMOND 5-4 8-15 15-18 18-26 (134)