Two Blues Season Ends in Anti-Climax

Seniors:

WHAT an anti-climax! The promise of a day full of suspense evaporated before the first bounce. When news filtered through that Therry Penola was ‘resting’ a host of their star players for the crucial clash with Oakleigh the game was up, there would be no VAFA Division 1 finals for the Two Blues, Therry Penola’s tactics virtually guaranteed Oakleigh a win, which to its credit duly delivered by more than 100 points, which boosted it to third place and consigned the Two Blues to fifth spot. On reflection home losses to West Brunswick and Oakleigh proved decisive. The Two Blues would have been worthy finalists but at least there is a good base looking to 2019. The first half on Saturday was eminently forgettable with the Two Blues energy levels all but running on empty. A 15 point lead against the competition cellar dweller was barely watchable with most supporters sneaking away to watch Winx score her 26th win in succession rather than brave the elements on a wet, windy day. A 4-6 to nil third quarter made the game safe, and with the season about to end with a whimper coach Ash Mills gave defenders Tim Webb and Joel Hume the chance to go forward and kick their first senior goals for the club which they duly delivered. On the subject of goals full-forward Jack Matherson kicked another five goals to give him 48 for the season and third on the Division 1 goal kicking ladder. One saving grace for the context of the match was the 150th senior game for captain James Musster. He was at his industrious best and with Dan Freeman the dominant mid-fielders on the park. Again the defence was a stand-out restricting Ivanhoe to 4-6 to cement their standing as the second best defence in the competition behind Hampton Rovers.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1-2 5-5 9-11 15-14 (104) d IVANHOE 1-1 3-2 3-2 4-5 (29).

Goals: Matherson 5, Musster, Webb, Hume, Bremner, Martin, Dickinson, Heeps, Whiting, Henshaw, Gottschalk.

Best: T. Quinn, J. Matherson, J. Whiting, D. Freeman, J. Musster, T. Webb

Reserves: 

A 15 goal romp for the Reserves and and a sixth win for coach Adam Hall and his teammates. Blayne Dempsey’s six goals gave him 48 for the season, second on the competition goal kicking list.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 6-2 9-5 14-9 19-10 (124) d IVANHOE 1-1 2-6 3-6 4-7 (31).

Goals: Dempsey 6, Luff 4, Hickey 3, Hayden Taylor 2, Walford, J Brereton, Hall, Lynch. Best. Donahoo, Dodson, Luff, Noonan, Capra, Dempsey.