R5 2023 | U20s vs Old Paradians

The U20’s played on a stunning Saturday afternoon at home against Old Paradians; a far cry from the previous week’s inclement conditions.

The Unicorns started hot in the first quarter, with exceptional pressure and ground ball gets, leading to early goals from forwards Finn Kilgour, Lachlan Sharrock and Bailey Elder. The team led at the first break by 17 points.

This same pressure from the first quarter transferred into the second with midfielders Cameron Witt and James Dimogotsi winning the ball out of the middle with speed, and huge intercept marks from key position player Ron Shamrak, allowed for the forwards to work in dangerous areas. However, the high-flying forwards from Old Paradians were able to claw back a few goals to reduce the halftime margin to just three points.

In the second half, the intensity and intent dropped which led to Old Paradians kicking multiple goals without reply and taking the lead. The struggle was found in transitioning the ball out of the defensive 50 with few options being provided. Defender Adam Pacak did his best to find options from kick ins and defensive transitions, but the opposition were set up too well behind the football.

The Unicorns had a resurgence late in the last quarter, with the football finally finding big forward Antonio Mastroianni, allowing him to kick two goals. A final goal was kicked out of a forward stoppage by Sam Tralaggan, but nonetheless it was too little too late, ultimately going down by nine points to Old Paradians.

Final Score: MHSOB: 11.5-71 defeated by Old Paradians: 11.14-80

Goal Kickers: L. Sharrock 3, A. Mastroianni 2, F. Kilgour 2, N. Anaan, B. Elder, S. Tralaggan, W. Nash

Best Players: T. Dolkas, B. Swenson, C. Witt, J. Dimogtsi, L. Sharrock, R. Shamrak