Scores
Thanks to all of our secret scribes who have sent in match reports for the weekends games. Summarised results are below
Seniors || Westbourne 15.7.97 – Aquinas 12.13.85
Reserves || Westbourne 18.11.119 – Aquinas 11.5.71
Women || Old Ivanhoe 7.4.46 – Aquinas 3.2.20
U19s || St Bedes 4.6.30 – Aquinas 16.10.106
Seniors Match Report
The Senior team ventured out to play Westbourne away in all important clash. For those of you who don’t know where Westbourne is based — I certainly don’t blame you. The Old Grammarians do battle in the suburb of Truganina far away on the other side of the city from good old Bloods Stadium.
A 2-hour bus trip had the boys excited to come away with a much needed 4 points, wasting no time by jumping out to an early 3-goal lead within the opening 5 minutes thanks to some individual brilliance from Ash Naulty.
The home team were quick to respond however, kicking 4 unanswered goals to end the opening term 4-points ahead.
Westbourne continued on from their late 1st-quarter surge, booting another 4 unanswered goals at the hands of another Aquinas lapse. The Bloods kicked a much needed goal heading into the half time, yet trailed the home side by 21-points.
Westbourne didn’t lose any momentum during the half-time break, adding to their lead with 2 quick goals to start the second half.
Dissimilar from recent weeks when up against a side full of momentum, the young Bloods responded — lead by midfield brigade Anthony Mattioli, Philip Jurkovsky and club favourite Lachy Barnes in his first game for the season. Aquinas clawed their way back into the game, playing their best football in the past month to get within a reachable margin at 3/4 time.
Down to just 1 on the bench in the last, the Bloods threw everything at Westbourne with goals to Barnes, O’Loughlin and Jurkovsky in quick succession to get them within less than a kick from the lead.
Unfortunately it wasn’t enough for the luckless Bloods, as their spirited come-back was halted by 2 late goals to the Grammarians, eventually running away with a 12-point victory.
Another heartbreaking loss to Aquinas has seen the senior side drop to 3rd last on the ladder.
Spirits still remain high as the boys have two very winnable games in upcoming weeks, the first of which is against La Trobe University (who are yet to win a game) this weekend at home.
A big week on the track will see a strong Aquinas outfit hoping to end the current win-drought and kick-start our push towards finals.
Best of luck to young Harry Kerr who makes his senior debut in the forward pocket alongside older brother Jono who is playing the guts.
Reserves Match Report
The 2’s enjoyed the thrilling atmosphere of Westbourne Grammar Stadium, with the sun out and shiny fresh pink sherrins, it loomed as a day of promise.
Unfortunately it was anything but as we capitulated in the last quarter to lose by 8 goals. We were second to the ball and couldn’t contain the spread and forward run of Westbourne who to their credit played a very reasonable four quarters.
Our highlight was the third quarter where we were able to work our way back into the contest and find ourselves just 5 points down at 3/4 time.
It continued our strange last couple of weeks, losing to Canterbury, rolling the undefeated Glen Eira and now losing again.
We have a lot of work to do to get some consistent footy rolling.
Women’s Match Report
This week we took on Old Ivanhoe. The Bloods hungry for another win, saw determination as we took on the old girls.
Thankful for a new addition to the coaching team Old Collegians club veteran Nick Morrison-Story, provided the girls with great feedback and tricks of the trade, as we are still learning every time we take the field.
The Bloods only two points down into the second quarter, we were a fighting chance. Rhi ‘Hoofa’ Agostini, as the name suggests, booted a well celebrated goal, kicking the Bloods into action.
Steph Barnes with some very strong dukes resembling those of David Teaguuuuue and Sophie Matthys on the wing went for a run with both pieces of play resulting in important goals for the away side. Jess Cridland in full forward used great initiative goal assisting on both occasions.
The Aquinas women had a cracking third quarter, one of their best yet, seeing some glimpses of great plays, the team coming together to create great ball movement. Rach Mackay, Em O’Keefe and Erin Campbell in their newly found midfield positions, multiple touches of the footy, saw them all play one of their best making a impact down the middle. Sam Deaz was outstanding in the backline, reading the play well and creating space when pushing the ball forward.
Unfortunately we couldn’t finish how we started and look to look to ignite the passion and fight as we once saw in the Whitefriars praccy match.
Taking on Williamstown for the second time this year, this time at Bloods Stadium as the opener for the seniors. We won’t make the same mistake twice, and show those Willy girls what we’ve got.
U19’s Match Report
The Unders ventured out to Southern Rd Oval, Mentone to take on St Bedes who we’d never beaten in our 2 previous seasons.
It wasn’t long into the 1st quarter when Alex ‘Poppy’ Mantel slotted his first and the Bloods were away. The Bloods going in at 1/4 time 3 goals in front.
Our onball division of Grech who towered over the opposition ruckman and midfielders Noyes, Kerr & Reichart started to take control in the middle but the tight confines of Southern Rd made it difficult to score as St Bedes clogged it up to stay in the game.
The Bloods came out after 1/2 time and took complete control, with slick ball movement and tackle pressure totally overwhelming the young St Bedes outfit.
The 2nd half a feast for the forwards as Baxter 5 goals and Mantel 4 goals capitalised on the multiple forward entries.
In the end a 9 goal to 4 points 2nd half saw the Bloods home by 12 goals.
Best players, Baxter, H Kerr, Noyes, Crosbie and Livo with Dwyer and Costello also kicking 2 each.
E&S Women’s Player of the Week
Congratulations to this week’s E&S Women’s Player of the Week Sophie Matthys.
Sophie has been an integral part of the team since early in the pre season.
Playing predominantly on the wing, she uses her outside speed and booming left foot to great effect. She is also tough in the clinches and wins plenty of her own ball, often against much bigger opponents.
Sophie is also the grand daughter of long time club time keeper Harry Spiess.
Well done Sophie.
Functions
Our hugely popular $5000 Reverse Raffle is also happening again this year. Lock in June 16th to your calendars for what will be a massive night. Hopefully this year a premiership player doesn’t win it again and use the money to retire from football and move to London. Looking at you Guthrie.
We’ve also locked in the date for our mid season ball which will be held on Saturday July 14th at the Eureka Hotel in Richmond. Tickets will be on sale shortly so stay tuned.
Round 9
This weeks games as follows
Seniors || La Trobe University || 2:00pm at Aquinas College
Reserves || La Trobe University || 11:40am at Aquinas College
Women’s || Williamstown CYMS || 9:20am at Aquinas College
U19s || Mazenod || 9:20am at Central Reserve
Sponsors
Thanks to all of our sponsors who give so generously to our great club
