Seniors Round 5 2021
Round 5:
Back to back games at home for the Unicorns set the scene for a match up with what has become a rival of the Unicorns over the past few years – Yarra Old Grammarians. The Unicorns came out in the first quarter like men possessed on ensuring they notched their fourth consecutive win of the season. They dominated the midfield battle, and were able to provide plenty of forward entries. In accuracy in front of goal for both teams in the first quarter provided some intrigue for the second quarter ahead as Yarra may have felt as though it could have been closer than the scoreboard indicated.
¼ Time: MHSOBFC 5-5-35, Yarra Old Grammarians 1-5-11
The Unicorns continued their methodical approach in the second quarter, although the inaccuracy in front of goal continued. Coach Pretty was buoyant due to the many positive signs, although it was clear there was improvement possible with several plays missing a key link or finesse. Nonetheless, the Unicorns were able to win the quarter and extend their lead heading to the main break.
½ Time: MHSOBFC 9-11-65, Yarra Old Grammarians 4-8-32
The third quarter was once again dominated by the Unicorns albeit they were unable to convert that dominance to a high scoring quarter which the team have become accustomed to at times so far in 2021. The defensive unit was outstanding, repelling any foray forward by the Bushrangers. Hanly and Wijayakumara continued their good form forward and were providing excellent targets forward, whilst Liam Littore was making an impact in the middle.
¾ Time: MHSOBFC 13-17-95, Yarra Old Grammarians 5-9-39
The final quarter commenced and quickly it was evident that fatigue from the early parts of the game was setting in. The game became far less contested and the ball was able to transition from one end to the other with a little more ease. The Bushrangers were able to convert on a couple of nice pieces of play, and the Unicorns were able to convert 6 themselves to extend the final margin. The Unicorns whilst lacking some polish would be pleased with winning all 4 quarters in a more complete performance than some of their previous games in 2021. Captain Mitch Wilson was comfortably best on ground for the day, marshalling the team from behind the ball, and being an exception when it came to some of the scrappy ball use throughout the day.
Full Time: MHSOBFC 19-20-134, Yarra Old Grammarians 8-14-62
Goal Kickers: L. Hanly 5, A. Wijayakumara 5, L. Littore 3, W. Hellier 2, S. Lester, M. Fennessy-Kent, L. Dowling, J. Tran
Best Players: M. Wilson, L. Hanly, W. Suhr, L. Littore, A. Wijayakumara, S. Lester