R8 2023 | Reserves vs Old Yarra
Backing up the latter half of a two-game home stretch, the Reserves looked to cap off a stunning patch of a form with another win before the bye, which would see them enter the top four.
Respect had to be given to their opponents, Old Yarra Cobras, who had kept their games tight, and whilst not winning in recent weeks, represented a tough test. In the first quarter, both teams fought hard to try and dictate the style of play, and as a result a low scoring start ensued. With both teams accruing five scoring shots, it was MHSOB that took their chances, leading 3.2-20, to 1.4-10 at the first break. Of note, Shannon Keough, given a rare start at the forward end, kicked two goals to showcase his swingman abilities, including a beautiful snap on the run.
Ruckman Josh Grierson kicks the ball forward for the Unicorns. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
The second quarter intensified the battle, with reward hard to come by. In the middle, Anthony Horton was silky throughout, coupled with Alistair Rogers putting on a tackling masterclass. The Cobras also fought hard, structured well and utilising some effective ball movement. However, the quarter ended with only two majors, and a half time margin of 12 points to the Unicorns, 4.5-29, to 2.5-17.
The third quarter loomed as a pivotal point, as to whether the home side could get some reward for their continued efforts and build a sizeable lead, or whether the Cobras could claw their way back into the proceedings. Fortunately for the Unicorn faithful, it was the former, although it wasn’t a foregone conclusion at the end of the third. The ever-reliable James Cusack popped up with a few majors, keeping himself in the running for the division’s goalkicking award, and small forward Dinuk Epa had his hard work rewarded with a couple of his own. The third quarter siren brought a four-goal margin to the home side, 6.7-43, to 2.7-19.
In the final quarter, the game ballooned out in the Unicorns’ favour, maybe an unfair result given the competitiveness of the opposition, but a testament to the continued effort and drive shown. The hosts piled on six majors, and only conceded one, with standout efforts from Josh Grierson in the ruck, as well as Rob Rae and Xabier Twyman around the ground, helping to seal a 54-point victory.
Final Score: MHSOB: 12.8-80 defeated Old Yarra Cobras: 3.8-26
Goal Kickers: J. Cusack 4, D. Epa 2, S. Keough 2, B. Gunn 2, T. Raymond, E. Riddle
Best Players: A. Horton, A. Rogers, X. Twyman, J. Cusack, R. Rae, D. Epa