R15 2023 | Reserves vs Whitefriars
MHSOB welcomed Whitefriars to the Woodfull-Miller Oval with both teams looking to affirm their finals ambitions with a crucial win. In the morning sun, it was the home side that made the early running; ruckman Josh Grierson nailed a set shot from the outside the arc to start proceedings, and talisman James Cusack also hit the scoreboard. Whilst dominating the first quarter, the Unicorns took a 13-point lead going into the second term, with the game still firmly up for grabs.
Whitefriars responded in the second quarter, winning the battle in the middle and slowing down the ball movement of the Unicorns. Regardless, the highlight of the term was undoubted James ‘Stretch’ Cusack’s sublime snap from the boundary in front of the opposition supporters and rousing the home crowd. Disappointingly, the lead was soon quashed and Whitefriars took a one-point advantage at the main break, 5.5-35 to 5.4-34.
James Cusack celebrates one of his three goals. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Both teams wanted to stamp their authority coming out the rooms, but it was the visitors that put words into action, blanketing the home side around the field, resulting in a scoreless quarter for the Unicorns. Despite this, the effort didn’t slip, with half forward Zac Comley-Burns in particular shining through this tough period with his tackling precious and distribution to teammates.
With a 26-point lead to overcome, MHSOB were successful in winning the final term, including a brilliant long bomb from winger Evan Riddle, but the lead given to their opponents proved costly, with Whitefriars running out 13-point winners. The focus turns to next week, with a win potentially sealing the Unicorns’ place in the finals.
Special mention must be given to Josh Grierson, the UK expat in his first season playing Australian rules football, who played his finest game in the green, maroon and black, and tremendous in the ruck and around the ground throughout the game.
Final Score: MHSOB: 7.8-50 defeated by Whitefriars: 9.9-63
Goal Kickers: J. Cusack 3, E. Riddle, C. Tetaz, B. Gunn, J. Grierson
Best Players: J. Grierson, J. Cusack, Z. Comley-Burns, C. Tetaz, D. Owens, D. Colwill