Two Blues lament

WE have seen this movie all too often this season.

Prahran, competitive for three quarters, followed by a capitulation.

That is what transpired on Saturday  after the Two Blues registered  a 17th successive loss in VAFA Premier C Grade on Saturday this time at the hands of Mazenod

What more can you say after a creditable first three quarters and a scoreline of 3-5 to 9-5 dissolved after a final term conceding 10 goals and a 19-6 (120) to 4-9 (33) result.

The Two Blues showed all the traits of a team mentally and physically beaten.

Coach Ash Lever summed its up succinctly-“we mentally gave up.”

Mazenod needed to win to ensure it remained in Premier C Grade and played accordingly with verve and running power.

By contrast the Two Blues, despite holding sway in clearances, repeatedly turned the ball back to the opposition and simply lacked the polish to compete.

The first quarter was a scrap with stoppage after stoppage. Matthew Clifford kicked the first goal of the match after 14 minutes. It proved to be the only time Prahran led.

But a 1-1 to 2-2 quarter time scoreline was put into perspective when Mazenod, kicking with the breeze added five answered goals.

For the Two Blues Riley Hogan was industrious all day, skipper Rory Brodie tried his heart out and teenager Gus Alekna showed promise to say he has a bright future.

PRAHRAN 1-1 1-2 3-5 4-9 (35)

MAZENOD 2-2 7-3 9-5 19/6 (120)

Goals. Clifford, Plaza, Hogan, Simonetta.

Best Rory Brodie, Ryan Smyth, Gus Alekna, Riley Hogan, Patrick Ribbands, Otto Langtry-Kierce.

RESERVES

IT wasn't pretty but Prahran kept its finals hopes fllickering with a gritty 14 point win over Mazenod.

A Joel Hume goal after the siren flattered the margin with the game in the balance for the previous 10 minutes.

Prahran now moves to 36 points in fifth place on the ladder behind AJAX on 38 points which lost to Beaumaris. The scenario now needs Prahran to win v Marcellin and rely on AJAX to lose to PEGS.

PRAHRAN 2-2 2-4 4-7 7-12 (54)

MAZENOD 1-3 1-6 3-4 5-10 (40)

Goals. Perez 2, Hume, Graham, James, Morschel, Hebblethaite 1

Best.  Michael Woods, Angus Perez, Jackson Partridge, Thomas Beddison, Matt Hughes, John Panagiotaros