Match Review

Round 6
U18s UHS-VU/Flemington v Therry-Penola
John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve

Written by Oz and Otis

An important game for UHS-VU/Flemington who have had a run of poor form in recent times with 3 straight 100+ point losses.

The last win for UHS-VU/Flem was against Therry in round 2 and thus confidence was high for a return to the winners list.

Coach Mark Grant provided a serious pre-match address and put all players on notice. Accountability was one of the main objectives. Emphasis was placed on run from the half back and man-on-man defence. A new forward line structure to be trialed and team was bolstered by the return of hard working midfielder Hugo Everist, small forward Ed Pearson and utility Ollie Rosa, who was playing his first game for the season after fracturing his elbow in the preseason.

UHS-VU/Flem opened the first quarter with 2 quick goals, through Buster Williams marking strong in the square and a brilliant on the run goal from flanker Ed Pearson.

Therry-Penola were winning the ball in the middle, but the backline held strong and repelled many of the attacks.

However late in the quarter Therry stepped up a gear finishing the term with two late goals. The quarter ended with UHS-VU/Flem 4.4-28 to Therry 4.2-26.

Initially the second quarter ascendency was held by Therry-Penola with 2 early goals, but an improved set-up in the middle and increased effort saw Habel and Everist setting up forward attacks, resulting in forward Sam McSweeney kicking 2. Buster Williams and Nick Devereux used their height to advantage taking strong marks across the attacking fifty.

Kyle Grimshaw created something out of nothing and got himself on the scorecard. UHS-VU/Flem booted 5 2nd quarter goals to Therry’s 2. At half time led UHS-VU/Flem 9.6-60 to Therry 6.5-35.

The third term was an arm wrestle, but UHS-VU/Flem marginally increased their lead to 21 points.

The 4th quarter began with Therry kicking two quick goals. Therry-Penola displayed a real hunger for a win, and UHS-VU/Flem were starting to tire. UHS-VU/Flem missed some set shots and Therry seized on the opportunity to scramble a 3rd goal for the term.

The UHS-VU/Flem mid-field group responded with the likes of Lachie Allen, Everist, Habel and Josh Macauley providing some strong tackles. A tense finish saw UHS-VU/Flemington hang on for a one point win.

Final Scores UHS 10.13.73 to Therry 10.12.72

Goal Kickers: Nick Devereux 3, Sam McSweeney 2, Nick Rowland, Kyle Grimshaw 1, Buster Williams, Ed Pearson.

Best: Papagiannis, Everist, Rowland, Habel, Devereux, Pearson.