R6 2024 | Thirds vs Marcellin
Hot off a three-game winning streak and a well-earned 3-2 season record, the Thirds were at home against the closely matched Marcellin.
The away team got the early jump on the Unicorns, kicking five goals to two to open up a 19-point buffer at the first break, albeit the contest itself was closer than the scoreboard suggested. The second and third quarters proved to be the Unicorns' best, as a splendid combination of smooth ball movement and transition along with gritty defence and continuous repeat efforts from all players saw the home team kick three goals to one in the second quarter to head into the major break full of energy and adrenaline. They followed it up with another equally outstanding third quarter kicking three goals to none, taking a slender yet well-deserved six-point lead going into the final term.
Whether it was a question of fitness or mental strength, MHSOBFC were unable to hold on in the final term, as Marcellin gave their best effort to run away with the game after winning some crucial 50:50s and getting out the back of the contest successfully from the home team’s defensive press, winning the seesawing battle by 22 points.
While it would be just to mention every Unicorn who pulled on the jumper, the standout best players were unanimous. Dinesh Francis again worked tirelessly in the midfield, with his strength at the contest and penetrating left foot setting up numerous forays forward, while also showing his class and nous around goal with two classy snaps. Accompanying him in the midfield was the ever-improving Aaron Turner who continued to run all day to provide an option and showed enormous tenacity both inside and outside the contest, never once shirking his moment to go. Lucas Blatchford was a rock in defence, with his ball use, rebounding and exceptional positional leading to pull down countless intercept marks being his major highlights.
Supporting in defence with his own smarts, experience and handy left foot was Callum Hayden, who repelled numerous Marcellin attacks with class and penetration. Tony Xie in just his four ever game showed rapid improvement and exciting signs of being a consistent key contributor, winning numerous one-on-one contests with strength and guile, while his sharp and precise disposal was on show, especially going inside 50 and slotting a well-deserved goal of his own too. Parker Vize held down the wing with run and courage under the high ball, consistently being an option and fought it out all day regardless of the size of his opposing player. Veteran Liam Ferris was the pick of the forwards with three goals.
Final Score: MHSOBFC 9.8-62 defeated by Marcellin 12.12-84
Goal Kickers: Liam Ferris 3, Dinesh Francis 2, Adam Ashton, Joshua Kulasingham, Avinash Nair, Tianyi Xie
Best Players: Dinesh Francis, Lucas Blatchford, Aaron Turner, Tianyi Xie, Callum Hayden, Parker Vize