Two Blues Get Pre Finals Lesson
Seniors:
Lessons learned are best taught before a finals series.
Which was the consolation for Prahran Assumption after its winning streak of 15 came to an end v Melbourne High School Old Boys in the final home and away match of VAFA Division 2 on Saturday. In a game of huge momentum swings the Two Blues burst out of the blocks with four goals in the first 10 minutes through Josh Hogarth (2) and Brett Dickinson (2). Often slow starters in recent matches, this was as impressive an opening the Two Blues had shown all season. The defence was water tight and at quarter time the score line of 4-2 to zero was a fair reflection of the Two Blues dominance.To supporters watching on this had all the hallmarks of another 'walk in the park.' Unfortunately it seems the players had similar thoughts. Both teams had key players missing so this was always going to a battle of mindsets rather than ability. Credit to MHSOB who gradually made inroads into the deficit with their short passing game on their home ground taking effect to trail by five points at half-time.MSHOB opened the third quarter with a goal, quickly answered by Dickinson's third mark and goal. Then four unanswered third quarter goals gave MHSOB control. The first 15 minutes of the last quarter was a grim battle with the Two Blues answering the challenge and dominating inside 50 entries but unable to kick the crucial goal. Finally Hogarth delivered from a long set shot and when Tom Quinn reduced the margin to six points the Two Blues had momentarily taken the momentum again. But a late goal to MHSOB clinched a deserved win.
The second semi-final v West Brunswick now beckons with the venue to be announced late Sunday or Monday.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 4-2. 6-2 7-6 9-8 (62) lost to MHSOB 0-0 5-3 10-5 11-8 (74).
Goals: J Hogarth 4, Dickinson 3, Simpson, Quinn.
Best: N Costin, J Hogarth, T Freeman.
Reserves:
A remarkable turnaround saw the Two Blues extend their winning streak. Half-way through the third quarter MHSOB was in total control with Prahran Assumption barely entering their inside 50. But suddenly the Two Blues slammed on four goals and two more to open the last quarter made it six unanswered goals and a meritorious win. The second semi-final v West Brunswick awaits .
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 12-3 (75) d MHSOB 8-10 (58).
Goals: James 5, Hutchinson 3, Sampson 2, Conlan 2.
Best: Conlan, H Taylor, J Taylor.
Club XXIII:
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 7-4 (46) lost to SOUTH MORNINGTON 16-15 (111).