Seniors Round 3 2021
Round 3: MHSOBFC vs Manningham Cobras
Round 3 saw the first match up in club history between MHSOBFC Unicorns & Manningham Cobras AFC. Both teams had started the season 1 win, 1 loss and would be keen to stay ahead of the ledger in what is looking to be a tight season across Division 2. Arriving at Koonung Reserve, the young Unicorns held a quiet confidence for what they knew would be a tough few hours ahead.
The Unicorns jumped out of the box in the first quarter, and despite not registering a goal until nearly 10 minutes in to the first quarter it was obvious that the Unicorns midfield and back-half were locked in and on top. It took a lovely contested mark from Hellier and finish from 50 to get the Unicorns off the mark, and he followed up with a second only minutes later. A further two goals would see the Unicorns take an early advantage to the break.
¼ Time: MHSOBFC 4-5-29, Manningham 0-2-2.
The second quarter started much the same way as the first as both teams struggled to make meaning of their adventures in to Forward 50. The Unicorns were able to lead the quarter 3 goals to 2, when an unfortunate injury occurred at approximately the 19 minute mark of the quarter to a Manningham player. Play was stopped for approximately 15 minutes until a decision was made by both coaches to take the half time break to allow for an ambulance to enter the arena and treat the injured player. The entire MHSOBFC community wish the injured Manningham player well in his recovery to what looked like a pretty badly broken leg.
½ Time: MHSOBFC 7-6-48, Manningham 2-2-14.
After what had eventually turned in to a 45 minute interruption, the game resumed with the start of the third quarter. The Unicorns were able to kick the only four goals of the quarter which allowed them to build a handy buffer, before dark clouds gathered overhead and proceeded to turn the game in to a wet mess. With the rain coming down, it was back to basics, and the backline led by experienced full back Zac Smooker were able to hold strong and rebuff any Cobra attempts.
¾ Time: MHSOBFC 11-8-74, Manningham 2-5-17
After a stirring plea from Coach Pretty in the teeming rain at three quarter time, the Unicorns embarked on the challenge to take home another 4 points, and set about attempting to achieve the feat of winning all four quarters on the day for a second successive week. The rain continued for most of the final quarter until the last few minutes. The conditions saw the contest become a lot tighter and the battle became more about territory than possession. The Unicorns were once again well organised behind the football and held Manningham to only one goal despite plenty of forward entries. The Unicorns also managed to kick two goals themselves to achieve the challenge set of them at three quarter time. As a result, the Unicorns now sit 2-1 with some significant momentum. Football returns to the Woodfull-Miller next week for a home game against Power House AFC who are coming off their first win of the season. The Unicorns will be hoping to continue on with their current form.
Full Time: MHSOBFC 13-8-86, Manningham 3-6-24.
Goal Kickers: A. Wijayakumara 4, W. Hellier 4, L. Hanly 2, L. Dowling 2, J. Tran
Best Players: Z. Smooker, W. Hellier, S. Hayes, M. Wilson, A. Wijayakumara, S. Lester