Two Blues season defining win

THERE are regulation wins, emotional wins and season defining wins.

Lock in the latter category for Prahran Assumption’s 13 point win in an arm wrestle v PEGS at Toorak Park on Saturday.

PEGS, which mauled the Two Blues at home in round two, was fighting for a finals berth and played with finals like intent.

On a day where the tackling and pressure from both teams was A grade standard, the result boiled down to character and resolve.

After a three week break from playing the unknown was could the Two Blues maintain the momentum from their last start win over ladder leader Old Camberwell.

Pre match there was eerie feeling in the air.

Playing in front of an empty grandstand because of State Government imposed COVID restrictions there were, however, plenty of dog walkers taking an interest in proceedings.

Trailing by seven points at half-time the Two Blues lacked the energy and momentum  from the Old Camberwell game,

But the Two Blues refused to buckle as they had done some weeks earlier v Therry Penola.

The bottom line is Prahran Assumption is now three games clear plus percentage in fourth place after 10 rounds and ideally placed to play finals.

The Two Blues won 8-14 (62) to 7-7 (49) which rightly suggests goals were gold.

Callum Wilson’s first quarter contribution of 2-2 became more valuable as the game progressed.

Enter Riley Hogan.

On the occasion of Jonny Simonetta’s 100th senior game there were plenty of heroes but Hogan was the match winner.

Deep in time on in the third quarter with the scores level Hogan went back with the flight of the ball, took the mark, played on and goaled on the run.

Five minutes into the last quarter he snapped another goal which proved to be the last major of the day.

The Two Blues missed with three successive set shots but PEGS forwards also had the yips missing two regulation shots.

While Hogan provided the finishing touches skipper James Musster was at his tireless best on ball all day.

He was well supported in the clinches by Beau Adams, Zach Podmore and Matthew Clifton while ruckman Rory Brodie continued his stellar season.

The defence led by Joel Hume was outstanding limiting PEGS to just one goal in the second half.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 3-3 4-7 7-10 8-14 (62)

PEGS 2-0. 6-2. 7-4. 7-7 (49)

Goals. Wilson, Hogan 2, Clifford, Plaza, Collett, J Boland.

Best. Musster, Hogan, Hume, Adams, Collett, Simonetta.

RESERVES

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-1 3-1. 5-2 7-2 (44)

PEGS.      2-3. 3-7. 4-13. 8-15 (63)

Goals, Dempsey 4, Rhodes, Bowes, Henshaw.

Best. Quinn, Mahains, Heatley, Dempsey, M Capra, Lynch.

THIRDS

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

RICHMOND CENTRALS  2-5. 5-9. 6-11. 10-14 (74)