2 wins in a row and still a shot a finals hope?

Amazing what a few wins on the trot can do. 2 weeks ago UHSVU were teetering on relegation, desperately needing a win to eradicate the ‘chance’ to head back to D4.

But after yesterdays comprehensive win against Elsternwick and few other results working in our favour, UHSVU remain just one game (and percentage) outside the top 4. And whilst this is something to work towards, the closeness of the D3 ladder in 2009 also sees UHSVU one game away from relegation.

Yesterday’s win was arguably one of UHSVU’s better performances, evidenced by the 20 goals spread amongst 10 players.

UHSVU started well and controlled the early ball but the small nature of the ground made finding space up forward difficult to find. Temming, who started at full forward and playing his final game, was contesting well and opened up proceedings with a sharp mark in the goal square. 3 goals to 2 in the first quarter kept things tight.

The second quarter opened up and UHSVU were able to squeeze out 4 goals to Elsternwick’s 1 and effective take a 4 goal lead into half time.

In the third quarter, UHSVU put their foot down and kicked 8 goals to 4, which included best on ground Rusty Matthews putting in his nomination for goal of the year. Bender and Temming continued to provide targets up forward and the midfield was able to control the ball through the middle of the ground.

Taking a 9 goal load into the final term, UHSVU perhaps relaxed a little and allowed Elsternwick a small glimmer of hope when they kicked the first 2 goals of the quarter within the first 2 minutes. This hope was short lived as UHSVU steadied and kicked 5 in the last quarter to ultimately win by 59 points.


UHSVU – 20.13. 133
Elsternwick – 11.8. 74

Best Players: R. Matthews, D. Pinney, R. Watts, D. Higgs, S. Cracknell, S. Desbois
Goal Kickers: R. Matthews 4, L. Temming 3, R. Watts 3, N. Zajac 3, D. Morton 2, S. Whyte, J. Ford, M. Lacey, L. Kennedy, B. Gamze


In the reserves, UHSVU posted a 91 point win. We are currently sitting 5th, only 2 points behind West Brunswick, which means the round 17 clash against West Brunswick may be the crucial game.

UHSVU – 17.19. 121
Elsternwick – 4.6. 30