R10 2023 | Reserves vs Aquinas

Kris McDonald celebrates his 200th game for the Unicorns. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

The Reserves hosted Aquinas at the Woodfull-Miller Oval in club stalwart Kris McDonald’s 200th game.

The onus was on the home side to live up to the billing, and they duly delivered in the first quarter, making the most of the wind in establishing a handy four goal buffer at the first break. Winger Evan Riddle provided excellent ball movement between the arcs and tandem ruck duo Will Kruyt and Josh Grierson were instrumental in providing first use for the midfielders.

The second quarter proved to be a tighter contest, as the Unicorns fought against the elements and an Aquinas side looking to bounce back. Goalkicking quality was in short supply (a two-team total of 1.12 proving such), deputy vice-captain Nicholas Campbell popped up with a goal, and small forward Dinuk Epa continued to build upon his excellent season with tenacious pressure efforts. At the main break, MHSOB led 5.8-38 to Aquinas 2.5-17.

The challenge was laid out to the Unicorns to make the most of the conditions in the third term and put the game to bed. In response, a 5.7-35 effort was commendable, but the real result was in the back half, with a scoreless quarter by Aquinas. Half back Gordon Beet continued his excellent season with some fantastic ball movement, as did vice-captain Orlando Seelander.

The last quarter became something of a formality, with both teams swapping goals, but with the result a foregone conclusion. In the end, it was the Unicorns rising to the occasion for their 200 gamer, winning by 62 points.

Final Score: MHSOB: 12.17-89 defeated Aquinas: 3.9-27

Goal Kickers: B. Gunn 3, N. Campbell 2, J. Grierson 2, S. Bonser, M. Acciarito, O. Seelander, E. Riddle, W. Kruyt

Best Players: K. McDonald, G. Beet, E. Riddle, D. Epa, N. Campbell