Two Blues Predictably Unpredictable

Seniors: 

Prahran Assumptions season followed an unpalatable path with a costly loss to Yarra Valley in VAFA Division 1 on Saturday.

Loss, win, loss, win, loss is the sequence of results from the first five rounds.

The merit of the impressive win over Old Geelong the previous Saturday evaporated in the mud and slush at Donvale.

While the level of effort with tackle numbers up was commendable, the execution left a lot to be desired.

The Two Blues struggled for goals all day with their high marking forward line too top heavy for the conditions.

Inacurracy plagued the Two Blues with the scoreline at one stage in the third quarter reading 6-10 to 6-2.

Simply the dominance in forward 50 entries wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.

Only John Robbins threatened as a forward. He was the catalyst to a third quarter charge when the Two Blues turned a two point deficit into a 12 point lead in the opening 10 minutes and apparent control.

But Yarra Valley, buoyed by home crowd support, rallied and kicked the next four goals of the game .

The forward moves by Yarra Valley always looked slicker and more threatening and despite a brave defence led by Nathan Costin and Liam Hunt, the Two Blues could not stem the flow as Yarra Valley prevailed 9-12 (66) to 7-13 (55).

Clearly the absence of star on baller Daniel Anglin hurt, and with another five senior regulars out with injury the Two Blues simply lacked the skill level to compete with a desperate opponent.

This is a tight competition with undefeated Therry Penola on a different level, but all other nine teams on a similar footing.

Prahran Assumption is now fifth on percentage, but that is a flattering position given it is yet to play the ladder leader.

Coach Ash Mills told players he still had confidence the group could be finalists.

But the reality is the clash with Whitefriars at Toorak Park on Saturday suddenly looms as season defining.

Win, and finals are back on the agenda, lose and the relegation zone looms. 

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-1 4-6  6-11 7-13 (55)

YARRA VALLEY 2-0  5-2  7-5  9-12 (66)

Goals: Donahoo, Musster, Dean, Hogarth, Sleight, Wall, Robbins

Best: N Costin, O'Hare, Keaney, Donahoo, Hagen, Laverty.

Reserves:

A second half fade-out saw the Reserves tumble to their second successive defeat.

Scores were level at half-time with Yarra Valley adapted to the wet conditions better to draw away for a 28 point win.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 2-3  3-3  4-4  4-5 (29)

YARRA VALLEY 3-2  3-3  6-5  8-9 (57)

Goals: T Candy 2, Sampson, Radywonik.

Best: T Matherson, Kenny, Webb, Durnan, Talbot, Forbes.

Thirds:

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 11-13 (79)

MASALA 4-7 (31)