Two Blues lose no admirers

PRAHRAN may have lost its first away game for the season against undefeated Preston on Saturday but lost no admirers.

Indeed, if the Bullants are the yardstick of VAFA Division 1, and 11 successive wins suggests they are, then Prahran is not far off the pace.

Preston led all day at their temporary home of Barling Reserve but the dogged Two Blues kept at their heels throughout in a 13 point loss 10-11 (71) to 8-10 (58).

Coach Ash Lever lauded the team’s effort.

Disappointing to lose, but an example of what effort can produce in contrast to the lack lustre display v Kew the previous week.

More so when you consider the Two Blues had a staggering 26 players unavailable, many senior regulars, hence the Reserves forfeit. One of the promoted Reserves players for his first senior match was Archer Patterson pictured with teammate Pat Ribbands.

As gallant as Prahran was successive losses saw the Two Blues drop to fourth place behind Kew on percentage.

The Two Blues pressure rating never wavered all day and as ever defence was their cornerstone with Jayden Williams supreme at full-back.

What the Two Blues lacked was polish, their skills betrayed them at vital times not to mention successive 50 penalties in the last quarter in a lapse of discipline.

The game looked headed for a blow out when Preston opened a four goal lead in the second quarter.

But the momentum changed when Jackson Partridge goaled from 40m out in the boundary line. James Elwin converted from a Mackenzie Mayne pass and when an errant Elwin kick was marked and converted by Taylor Bamford the Two Blues had three goals in five minutes and it was game on.

The rest of the match was an arm wrestle with Preston unable to shake off the persistent Two Blues.

A goal in the dying seconds of the third quarter gave Preston a 21 point lead.

But when Partridge goaled from a courageous mark in the first five minutes of the last quarter an upset loomed.

A Preston goal thanks to a 50m penalty from an ill-timed Ethan Plaza spoil halted momentum before Partridge goaled again.

The final 10 minutes saw both teams squander chances. Preston missed three gettable set shots then Partridge and Brodie added points before time ran out.

The Two Blues possession game troubled Preston as did their clearance work where Ollie Burke, Rory Brodie, Patrick Marks and Mayne were industrious all day and Jake Stent-Powell racked up possessions .

PRAHRAN 1-3 4-5 6-5 8-10 (58)

PRESTON 3-3 6-6 9-8 10-11 (71)

Goals. Partridge 3, Bamford 2, Elwin 2, Marks.

Best. Rory Brodie, Oliver Burke, Taylor Bamford, Jayden Williams, Mackenzie Mayne, Thomas Cotter

RESERVES

FORFEIT by Prahran as it was unable to field a team.

Old Yarra was also forced to forfeit its Reserves game v Parkside.

WOMENS

WOMENS

PRAHRAN-COLLEGIANS had a tough game last weekend against the league leaders, Parkdale, but it was a much stronger performance than the week before. Our team was far more competitive, stayed in the contest, and showed greater effort across the ground. 

We lacked the depth of experience that Parkdale has and it showed up later in the game as the momentum continued to build for the opposition, and we felt that pressure build as the game went on.

Our new Irish recruit, Ciara kicked our only goal, which was a great moment!! We had plenty of possession and opportunities throughout the game, particularly in the first half. We held the ball in our half of the ground for much of the first quarter. The challenge for us was making the most of our forward 50 entries and creating meaningful set shots at goal.

If we can tidy up our setup inside 50, improve our delivery to our forwards and create immense pressure by chasing and tackling and closing down space; we’ll be much better placed to score more consistently in Division 3.

This week v Caulfield Grammarians gives us a real opportunity to get back on the winners list. With effort, intensity at the ball, and real purpose at training, we can give ourselves every chance to win our next game and build some confidence back into the group.

It has been a rollercoaster year, with a merger, plenty of player movement, holidays, and some long-term injuries making it hard to settle. The group is still pushing forward, and there is plenty to build on heading towards the back end of the year, and with players returning it should be interesting and exciting.

PRAHRAN-COLLEGIANS 0-0 0-1 1-1 1-1 (7)

Parkdale 2-0 3-0 4-2 5-7 (37)

Goal. Kelly.

Best. Mikayla Collins, Hannah Singleton, Trinity Meachem, Alice Leahy, Rhianna Klisura, Ciara Kelly