R16 2023 | Seniors at Old Yarra

Petro Pirozek gets tackled from all angles by Old Yarra. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

Coming out to Koonung Park, MHSOB were met with the full force of winter’s wrath, as blanketing rains welcomed the start of their match against Old Yarra Cobras.

The first quarter was a slugfest, as both teams adjusted to the conditions. However it was the Cobras that began to tick, moving the ball well across the ground despite the deluge. Ruckman Will Kruyt worked tirelessly through the middle and servicing captain Julian Eimutis, but the home side took a ten-point advantage at the first break. 

Whilst scoring opportunities began to dry up in the second term, the home side had the edge with efficient goal kicking. Despite both sides accounting for eight scoring opportunities in the first half, Old Yarra’s 6.2-38 brought them a 20-point lead, with MHSOB trailing on 2.6-18. Of note, U20 player Cameron Witt was excellent with energy, accuracy and determination.

The third term brought an opportunity to turn around the fortunes of the game, but only a draw could suffice in the wet weather as neither team budged. Fellow U20s Petro Pirozek kicked a wonderful goal from outside 50m, and Adam Pacak was wonderful on the rebound from defence. Going into the final term, the Unicorns were three goals in arrears.

The onus was on the Unicorns to spark a memorable comeback and keep their faint finals chances alive, however it was the Cobras who came out of the muddy conditions victorious, as their effective ball movement limited the Unicorns’ attempts to wrestle back the ascendancy. With some late goals the margin became lopsided, not particularly telling of the tightness of contest between the sides. Nonetheless, Old Yarra played some excellent footy and ran out 47-point winners.

Final Scores: MHSOB: 4.8-32 defeated by Old Yarra Cobras: 12.7-79

Goal Kickers: P. Pirozek 2, L. Hanly, N. Volk

Best Players: W. Kruyt, J. Eimutis, C. Witt, P. Pirozek, A. Pacak, L. Hanly