R10 2024 | Reserves at St Marys Salesian
Fresh off a strong win against formidable opponents South Melbourne, MHSOBFC looked to continue their strong form in their push for the top two, and faced the current holder of second place, St Marys Salesian, who fought for a gritty last-round win against Elsternwick. Separated by a game and percentage, the fate of both sides’ aspirations were in play, as Brunswick sat undefeated above them in top place.
The conditions were far more favourable than the previous game, as the sun shined down on Ferndale Park. Both teams showed their qualities throughout the opening quarter, as hotly contested football was punctuated with moments of quality and intent at each end. Standing tall (figuratively) was Joshua Grierson, the Unicorns’ ruck committed to a day of contested work with a skilled adversary. His continued efforts gave the midfield unit first hands to the pill in critical moments, and the work was rewarded with four majors and small forwards omnipresent in their pressure. With a rare collector’s item from forward Byron Gunn, a fortuitous snap from the boundary, the Unicorns headed into the first break a goal to the good, leading 4.3-27 to 3.3-21.
MHSOBFC showed their mettle in the second term, as the defensive and midfield groups took a strong hold on their opposing numbers. A returning Charles Pearson was steadfast in his repelling of St Marys incursions into their forward 50, complimented by full back Bryce Dowling putting the clamps on dangerous opposition. Further up the ground, captain Taylor Raymond put his hand up in the absence of co-captain Nicholas Campbell (who turned out a quality display in his senior debut), drilling home a gorgeous effort, to the delight of his travelling fans. Aaron ‘Az’ Turner kept working, his efforts hardly reminiscent of a third gamer at the level. The combined efforts of the team handed them a deserved 25 point buffer at halftime, 8.6-54 to 4.5-29.
The break saw a committed and energised St Marys return, working hard to stem the flow of the visiting side and slowing down the offensive output of the Unicorns. Their staunch resistance was in turn matched by the Unicorns, who continued their defensive efforts with aplomb. Luke Stone, in his pre-soccer match warm up, was near faultless, in closing the man down and rebounding by foot, picking up in the absence of Gordon Beet (another senior debut), and adding two goals for his troubles for the match. The term ended with no real avenue for either team on the scoreboard, but a solitary major to the Unicorns holding them steady with a 30-point margin.
Co-captain Taylor Raymond celebrates after a goal. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
The final term was hotly contested, but only for the first stage of play, as the efforts of St Marys failed to address the lead held by the visitors. Matt Robertson was rewarded for his continuing efforts across half forward, with two majors, and the team’s leading goalkicker James Lake took some impressive contested marks to tack on two of his own. Dinuk Epa continued his fantastic season with another two through the big sticks, and as the game fell out of reach for St Marys, a six goal term handed them a deserved 64-point victory.
Looking forward to the final game before the mid-season bye, the Unicorns sit in second place, a game and percentage ahead of St Marys and Whitefriars, and two games behind the undefeated Brunswick. A home game against Aquinas awaits.
Final Score: MHSOBFC 15.14-104 defeated St Marys Salesian 5.10-40
Goal Kickers: Dinuk Epa 2, Mason Fennessy-Kent 2, Alex Mourtikas 2, Aaron Turner 2, Nicholas Campbell, Byron Gunn, James Lake, Matt Robertson
Best Players: Bryce Dowling, Aaron Turner, Nicholas Campbell, Mason Fennessy-Kent, Gordon Beet, Dinuk Epa