R8 2023 | Thirds vs UHS-VU
On a cold, wet and dreary morning, the Thirds ventured out to Brens Oval in Parkville next to Melbourne Zoo looking to take the points against UHS-VU and make it three wins on the trot.
In one of the most unbelievable late ins, veteran goal sneak Liam Ferris touched back down in Melbourne after his sojourn overseas, beelining straight from customs to the ground while Uber delivered his boots.
As expected, the slippery conditions meant both sides initially struggled to chain clean ball movement together, instead relying on taking territory to slog it out at the next contest. This resulted in a tight opening half that only saw four goals scored in total. MHSOB increased a slender six-point quarter time lead to 13 points going into the main break.
The game somewhat opened up in the second half, seeing the Unicorns lead by 15 points at three quarter time, then kick away to a comfortable five-goal lead, before a couple of late goals to the home team trimmed the final margin to 19 points at the final siren.
Stefan Longo used his fitness in trying conditions to full effect, providing plenty of run along the wing, while Alex Shulman again won numerous clearances at the coalface and was well supported by fellow midfielder Karl Lugod, who ironed out an opponent with a textbook bump and laying the best shepherd of the season. Scott Walton in his first game for the victorious Unicorns read the play in defence superbly all day, cutting off numerous attacks and rebounded with composure. Adam Ashton was dominant in the ruck, dealing with countless stoppages with aplomb. Sam Bonser spent more time up forward snagging two goals and worked well with Liam Ferris (2) and Jamie Shulman (2, taking his season tally to 28), who all made the most of their limited clean chances.
With a competition-wide bye coming up for the long weekend, the Unicorns have cemented their spot in second place, and will be relishing their next challenge away against the undefeated ladder-leaders Whitefriars.
Final Score: MHSOB: 8.4-52 defeated UHS-VU: 5.3-33
Goal Kickers: J. Shulman 2, S. Bonser 2, L. Ferris 2, D. Tsintsiras, P. Pechlivanis
Best Players: S. Longo, A. Shulman, S. Walton, K. Lugod, A. Ashton, S. Bonser