Two in a Row for Two Blues
Seniors:
Following a determined win against Old Mentonians last week, Prahran Assumption made it two in a row against Glen Eira at Packer Reserve on Saturday.
Seeking to remain in contention for September finals action it was imperative that the Two Blues build both confidence and percentage against their lowly placed opponents. With dry conditions prevailing, it was a chance for the strong combine to achieve both, adding pressure to the sides currently holding positions above them.
Kicking into a stern breeze, Prahran Assumption were determined to start quickly and following the first bounce the Two Blues pushed forward with John Robbins collecting the ball at half forward and registering the first major within 45 seconds. Shortly after, Edward McDonald converted truly after a strong lead and the lightening start continued.
With Matt Wall and Blayne Dempsey providing good run through the middle of the ground and James Musster showing his explosive speed across half forward the prospect of an old fashioned blowout was on the cards.
However Glen Eira, pressed to limit the damage and with physical pressure closed up the contest to register a couple of goals. Iliesa Vuli continued to demonstrate his field kicking skills, feeding off the aerial prowess of Stephen McIntyre across halfback to set up many forward entries in the latter part of the quarter. This resulted in goals to Adam Sleight and Patty Harris and at the first change PAFC held a 2 Goal break.
With the wind at their backs the Two Blues pressed to extend the advantage in the second stanza. Not to be denied, Glen Eira clogged up the contested areas, dropped extra players into the backline and frustrated their more skilled opponents. After a highly desperate and physical 15 minute period, Adam Sleight took a solid mark against three opponents to steady the ship. Quick snaps from Paul Donahoo, John Robbins, Adam Simpson and a goal on the run from Eddie McDonald allowed Prahran to head to the sheds to collect their thoughts holding a comfortable 44 pt lead.
In the second half, it was all one way traffic. Dan Anglin's clean possessions in congestion began to produce results. With forward thrusts being more constructive, the third period enabled Prahran Assumption to break the resistance of their subdued opponents. The highlight of the term was Adam Sleight, turning back the clock, to take a soaring pack mark. A six goal term into the wind showed the class of the powerful Two Blue unit and with their opponents out of muscle, the Two Blues coasted to a 97 pt win.
A home match at Assumption College Kilmore against Bulleen Templestowe looms as a clutch game to stay in finals calculations next week. Bulleen Templestowe, who defeated PAFC in the Division 2 Grand Final last year, now find themselves with relegation a possibility due to recent results. All supporters are urged to make the trip north as we continue to drive towards September action for the third year running.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 4-4 9-6 15-7 19-14 (128)
GLEN EIRA 2-4 2-4 3-5 4-7 (31)
Goal Kickers: P. Harris 4, A. Sleight 4, E. MacDonald 3, J. Robbins 3, A. Simpson, P. Donahoo, R. Pascoe, T. Maya, M. Wall
Best Players: B. Dempsey, R. Pascoe, J. Musster, M. Wall, I. Vuli, L. Hunt
Reserves:
With a determined approach towards keeping their faint finals hopes alive for 2013, PAFC reserves gained a percentage boost with a 20 goal demolition of GLEN EIRA.
A highlight was Liam Shellard who was immovable at Full Forward bagging a lazy eight goals and Spider registering his first major for the Blues. An excellent team performance ensured that confidence will be high heading into this week's huge game at Kilmore.
Currently 2 games out with 3 rounds to go, the reserves fate will rely on some upset results going our way and attempting to heavily defeat 4th placed Bulleen Templestowe on Saturday.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 24-19 (138)
GLEN EIRA 4-1 (25)
Goal Kickers: L. Shellard 8, J. Hogarth 3, T. Candy 2, M. Sampson 2, L. Burton , J. Rice , A. Hall , M. Laverty
Best Players: T. Webb, L. Shellard, A. O''Hare, J. Hogarth, M. Laverty, L. Oliver
Club XVIII:
In the battle for 2nd spot on the ladder, the Prahran Assumption Clubbies defeated St Bernards by 34 points. With only 1 week of the home and away season, it looks almost certain that the Clubbies have grasped the double chance on offer come finals.
In windy and difficult conditions at St Bernards, the Two Blues were on the back foot defending against a howling gale. There was a lack of system in our defence and our overall play as St Bs dominated to kick 5.1 to our solitary behind. Crispin Myres and Chris Morton battled manfully down back. Con Faraci and Nick Koehler were drifting into the back half to lend a hand where they could. But we just couldn't get our hand on the pill and when we did we didn't use the ball well.
After a spray from Coach Brett Lewis, the Clubbies clicked into gear and slammed on 7 goals and kept St Bs scoreless for the quarter. Craig Berger started to find space in the forward 50. Mark Ploenges and Jason Storer started to accumulate possessions and drive the ball forward. Gerry Ryan was taking control in the ruck. A 14 point buffer to the Clubbies at the long orange break.
The third quarter was the critical quarter of the game as the boys really threw themselves into the contest. In defence we managed to keep St Bs to only 2 goals. Equally importantly we managed to push the ball forward and snaffle 2 goals ourselves thanks to some explosive efforts and strong marking by Berger. Clubbies up by 11 points and coming home with the wind.
The Prahran Assumption lads didn't rest on their laurels as they look to put St Bs away. Brett Michael, Henry Fried and Peter Derbyshire added majors and Craig Berger kicked another couple to make it 8 for the day. Mick McKenna, Daniel McGrath and Bill Neasey continued to run and drive the ball forward. Jay Parry and Damien Gungerich teamed well and proved formidable in defence. Another 5 goals by us in the last term put the game beyond doubt and effectively locked away 2nd spot heading into the finals.
In the final home and away game of the season, this week we play at home against co-tenant De La Salle which will also mark the opening of the new pavilion at Darling Park. De La will be out to ensure they make fourth spot (there is a remote chance they will drop out if Old Geelong have a massive win over Monash). The Clubbies will be out to get another win under the belt before we play Old Xavs in 1st vs 2nd in the first week of the finals (on Sunday 11 August).
Prahran Assumption 14.5-89 def St Bernards 8.7-55
Goal Kickers: C. Berger 8, M. Ploenges 2, H. Fried 2, B. Michael, P. Derbyshire
Best Players: C. Berger, G. Ryan, M. Ploenges, N. Keohler, H. Fried, D. McGrath