Two Blues improved performance

DESPITE what the scoreboard read this was one of Prahran’s better performances in defeat at Toorak Park on Saturday.

Pitted against a well drilled Beaumaris the Two Blues burst out of the blocks with the first two goals of the game.

Riley Hogan crumbed a goal in the first two minutes and three minutes later Patrick Marks found first senior gamer Josh Stefanutti for a second major.

Beaumaris steadied and added the next four goals to take a 4-4 to 2-0 quarter time lead.

While the visitors had the game in control by then the Two Blues pressure rating was excellent and their skills an improvement on the previous week v St Bede’s.

In fact in the last quarter the Two Blues narrowed the gap to 28 points with successive goals to Jon Simonetta and two from Marks.

But Beaumaris steadied to quickly add the last three goals of the match to win 14-17 (101) to 8-5 (53).

Which was the story of the game, for while the Two Blues goals came mainly from industrious effort, the Sharks were more polished with their ball movement,

Among the positives Prahran was on top in centre clearance 13-5 thanks to the tap work of ruckman Billy Chapman, tackles were 66-42 in the Two Blues favour but the telling stat was the inside 50s count of 24 to 49.

So to cobble 8-5 with so few offerings was a creditable return with Stefanutti scoring three goals in an encouraging debut from full-forward.

The difference in talent at the two clubs was best evidenced by the fact Beaumaris was able to welcome back three VFL listed players on Saturday.

And two late withdrawals were replaced by two youngsters from their Under 19s, a luxury Prahran simply does not have.

Interesting to note Beaumaris' best player was small forward Jake Weightman, brother of injured Western Bulldogs star Cody Weightman.

Prahran, now last on the ladder, takes on undefeated Parkdale away next Saturday.

(Prahran players again wore pink socks as pictured in recognition of Breast Cancer Network promotion).

PRAHRAN 2-0 4-1 5-3 8-5 (53)

BEAUMARIS 4-4 7-11 10-11 14-17 (101)

Goals. Stefanutti 3, Marks 2, Clifford, Hogan, Simonetta.

Best. Mackenzie Mayne, Riley Hogan, Billy Chapman, Patrick Marks, Joshua Stefanutti, Diezel Brousse de Laborde

RESERVES

TWO last quarter goals were a welcome highlight in a lop-sided contest.

The high injury toll has had its effect on the Reserves who have struggled since resounding wins in the first two rounds.

PRAHRAN 0-1 1-1 1-2 3-3 (21)

BEAUMARIS 4-5 9-5 16-6 21-12 (138)

Goals. Juricic 2, Bach.

Best. Tully Loomes, Blake Graham, Peter Ahern, Thomas Beddison, Conor O'Sullivan, Matt Hughes.

WOMENS

COMPETITIVE effort from the women in their first match for premiership points considering the nucleus of the team are first season players.

Another fine morning at Toorak Park saw an even battle in the first half with Albert Park having more forward line entries and scoring opportunities.

With a few half-time tweaks along with some inspiration from our assistant coaches (Dr Sam and Mark) the Two Blues started an attacking running game from the centre bounce.

The highlight being a chain of handballs link up and a sensational goal from our running machine Phillipa Stevenson.

Our second half was a different story with more Prahran forward 50 entries and an off the chart tackle count. Our learning continues from losing.

Our improvement and determination in inspiring with a fast connecting game plan that is exciting to watch. 

Persistence and training pays off- we cannot wait for two weeks time.

Prahran has the bye this Saturday.

PRAHRAN 0-0 0-1 1-2 1-2 (8)

ALBERT PARK 2-3 4-5 4-7 6-8 (44)

Goal. Stevenson.

Best. Philippa Stevenson, Bridie Elith, Jessy Brown, Katy Perree, Millie Stonnill, Rebecca Rose.