R5 2023 | Reserves at St Mary’s Salesian

Midfielder Camilo Toro evades St Mary’s Salesian opponents. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

The Reserves took their talents to Ferndale Park, the home of St. Mary’s Salesian.

With both teams sitting at 1-3, the stage was set for a cagey affair in the sun, and it certainly looked that way in the first quarter, bringing a tight 8-point lead to the Unicorns. However, the difference flattered the hosts, who were finding it difficult to sustain pressure and entries into their forward 50, complimented by some strong stoppage work by deputy vice-captain Nick ‘The Stallion’ Campbell and winger Rob Rae.

The floodgates began to open in the second term, kicking 5.3 through excellent ball movement from the usual individuals (namely Gordon Beet and Tom Golz) and well-structured forward movements. St. Mary’s Salesian could only gain two scoring shots for 1.1, and thus a 33-point deficit at the main break.

From the first whistle of the third quarter, the dam burst and MHSOB ran away with it, despite the odd questionable set shot. James ‘Stretch’ Cusack was ever present in the goal square, kicking four goals and equal highest with Nick Campbell.

With 11 individual goalkickers, the Unicorns romped to a 104-point victory.

Final Score: MHSOB 21.13-139 defeated St Mary’s Salesian 4.11-35

Goal Kickers: J. Cusack 4, N. Campbell 4, N. Wood 2, R. Rae 2, B. Gunn 2, A. Mourtikas 2, A. Joseph, D. Owens, C. Toro, A. Dushyanthan, D. Epa

Best Players: M. Fennessy-Kent, T. Golz, R. Rae, J. Cusack, A. Mourtikas, D. Owens