R3 2024 | Seniors at Aquinas
After starting the season with a few losses to seemingly strong teams, the matchup against Aquinas in Ringwood was a great opportunity for MHSOBFC to get their year rolling and register their inaugural win.
It was a hot start from the Unicorns, with a five goal to zero first quarter off the back of great clearance work from our midfield group, lead by captain Sean Lester and vice captain Brendan Cook, who opened a path for Ben Field-Pimm to run through all day. This gave the forwards plenty of looks at goal, but some inaccuracy kept the door ajar for Aquinas. However, the waywardness wasn't seen in debutant Lachie Sharrock, who slotted his first of many goals to come for the Seniors.
Captain Sean Lester celebrates after kicking a goal. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
The game kept a modest pace through the second term, with the scoreboard having only three majors added. This was a calm before the storm, with 11 goals being kicked in third quarter, seven of which were kicked by Melbourne High and five coming directly from the coveted boot of key forward Mathew Pereira. ‘Titch’ Wilson wasn’t showing any signs of slowing down either, with some great runs and decision making off the half back line.
The heavy top deck of Aquinas resulted in a tired final term, with both teams struggling to use the ball effectively going inside 50. The back six were solid all day, but really showed their class in the final stages, with Cleve Westley, Duncan Clarke and Zac Smooker forming a near impenetrable wall that denied a late surge from the home team.
MHSOBFC will look to keep this winning momentum going with our very new squad really starting to gel and work as a cohesive unit. Facing off against an unbeaten Brunswick at the home of amateur football - the Woodfull-Miller Oval - will surely test the resolve of the Unicorns this weekend, but it's clear to see that their best football will allow them to overcome any team in the division.
Final Scores: MHSOB 14.15-99 defeated Aquinas 7.10-52
Goal Kickers: Mathew Pereira 5, Will Hellier 3, Riley Maringoni 2, Sean Lester, Lachlan Sharrock, Nick McKinnon, Liam Littore
Best Players: Benjamin Field-Pimm, Mitchell Wilson, Mathew Pereira, Brendan Cook, Will Hellier, Riley Maringoni