Two Blues left to rue slow start

STRAIGHT kicking for goal has always been a key factor in deciding football matches and never has there been a better example than the Prahran Assumption v Old Camberwell clashes this season.

In their first round clash Old Camberwell posted 8-22 to the Two Blues 13-8 in what has been its only defeat of the season.

Fast forward to last Saturday and the scorelines were Old Camberwell 14-6 to Prahran Assumption 10-12.

If that reads as Old Camberwell being the more skilled team last Saturday it would be spot on.

In truth this game was all but over at quarter-time when the home team, out for revenge, blitzed the Two Blues with a six goals to one opening salvo into the wind.

For the rest of the match the Two Blues more than held  their own but time and again their foot skills failed them with several costly turnovers.

In contrast Old Camberwell made an art form of running the ball out of defence with a string of pin point passes using the wide expanses of Gordon Barnard Reserve to its full advantage.

When the pace of the game slowed and stoppages increased the Two Blues held sway with their superior physical strength 

The start of the second quarter was revealing with the Two Blues kicking the first four goals from Callum Wilson (2), Adam Collett and Tony Mirabella.

That gave the Two Blues belief they could match the ladder leader.

Suddenly in 12 minutes the margin had been reduced to six points but Old Camberwell steadied with the next four goals.

The Two Blues made another charge to open the third quarter with a brace of goals from coach Matthew Boland but Old Camberwell again rallied to post the next three goals.

Considering the haphazard ball movement the four goal return from full-forward Mirabella was all the more meritorious.

Skipper James Musster, despite some close checking , was outstanding.

The Two Blues are all but assured of a finals berth despite the defeat and play their last home game for the season v Oakleigh next Saturday.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-1 5-3 8-8 10-12 (72)

OLD CAMBERWELL 6-0 10-2 13-4 14-6 (90)

Goals. Mirabella 4, Wilson, M Boland 2, Collett.

Best. Musster, Clifford, Podmore, Mirabella, Simonetta, Wilson.

RESERVES

A reality check with a 101 point thrashing at the hands of the likely premiership winner.

An eight goals to,one first quarter was the sign of even worse to come.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-0 1-1 2-2 5-4 (34)

OLD CAMBERWELL 8-3 10-4 18-8 21-9 (135)

Goals. Campbell 2, Taylor, M Capra, Panagiotaros.

Best. Noonan, Mahaims, Plaza, Rhodes, Fyfe, Quinn.

THIRDS

A 40 point win for the Thirds, their third victory for the season.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 13-13 (91)

MELBOURNE HIGH SCHOOL 7-9 (51)

Goals: C. Berger 5, J. Greaves 4, J. Baldey, T. Beddison, G. Scott, N. Gouin
Best : J. Greaves, C. Berger, J. Marshall, J. Williams, T. Beddison, C. Kerrison