Two Blues Win Season Opener

Seniors:

A new season brings renewed hope as Prahran Assumption proved with a convincing win in the VAFA Division 2 season opener on Saturday.

The Two Blues found wins scarce last season but there was optimism an influx of recruits and some sound practice match form would lead to better results.

After a tense first half struggle against home side Eltham, the Two Blues overpowered their rivals to score a 51 point win.

For most of the first half it was goal for goal and Eltham looked the better team with its short passing game at times confounding the Two Blues.

But on a warm, windy day the effort was always going to take its toll and the Two Blues more direct play paid dividends.

The third quarter of five goals to one into the breeze proved the game changer.
Skipper James Musster was outstanding for the Two Blues, especially in the first quarter when he kicked the Two Blues' first goal and was the dominant player on the ground. Vice captain John Simonetta was dominant at half-back and chipped in with three goals as the Two Blues running game took charge. As expected Eric Kuret, the former Coburg VFL captain, was dominant at the stoppages with his handball to advantage a feature.

Encouraging for the Two Blues were the performances of first gamers Tom Atwell, who grew in confidence as the game continued at centre half-back, Tom Quinn who was energetic on a wing and Christopher Elliott classy with his disposal in defence.

A spread of 10 goal kickers showed the Two Blues had multiple scoring options with Josh Hogarth, Rick Saunders and Tim Maya lively all day.

No games over the Easter weekend then Prahran Assumption returns to Toorak Park on Saturday week for a night game starting 6.30 pm against Glen Eira.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 3-3 8-4 13-9 17-11 (113) d ELTHAM 2-2 5-4 6-4 9-8 (62)

Goals: Simonetta 3, Maya, Sleight, Saunders, Keaney, J Hogarth 2, Musster, Christopher, Taylor, Marmo.

Best: Atwell, Musster, Simonetta, Stocker, Kuret, Maya.

Reserves: 

A convincing 54 point win with plenty of encouraging signs from some well credentialled recruits set for promotion to the seniors.