R5 2023 | Seniors at St Mary’s Salesian

Key forward Matt Pereira celebrates one of his eight goals. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

Coming off the Reserves’ dominant 104-point demolition of St. Mary’s Salesian, the Seniors looked to exact the same measure. However, they ran into much stiffer competition in what may become a pivotal game for both team’s seasons.

It was the Unicorns who took the initiative and running early, kicking two goals in the first few minutes of the quarter and William ‘Hops’ Hellier was impressive up forward. Some terrific, sustained pressure in the back third by defenders Mitch ‘Titch’ Wilson and Brandon Cook limiting a potent St. Mary’s attack to 2.4 for the quarter, giving the Unicorns a 16-point lead at the first change.

St. Mary’s Salesian however was the aggressor for much of the second term, the scores almost perfectly mirroring each other (16 & 31, and 32 & 18) for the two quarters. The highlight of the term was undoubtedly utility Hugh Radcliffe Smith’s running goal from the arc that helped to steady the nerves. Elsewhere, his brother & midfielder Jamie Radcliffe Smith was immense in the middle, complimented by vice-captain Jayme Lawson. Despite this, the Unicorns held a slender 3-point margin going into the second half.

An arm wrestle ensued in the third quarter, with both teams kicking six goals apiece. Matthew ‘Pez’ Pereira was a ball magnet in the forward 50, dominating his opponent, kicking goals for fun. However, it was the last quarter that provided the thrilling conclusion, as St. Mary’s Salesian refused to give up, fighting to the final whistle. In the end, their slow start (and a lazy eight goals from Pereira) cost them by the slimmest of margins.

Final Scores: MHSOB: 16.10-106 defeated St Mary’s Salesian: 16.9-105

Goal Kickers: M. Pereira 8, W. Hellier 3, H. Radcliffe-Smith 2, J. Lawson 2, L. Hanly

Best Players: M. Pereira, J. Radcliffe-Smith, M. Wilson, J. Eimutis, J. Lawson, B. Cook