R6 2023 | U20s vs St Bernards
The U/20s played in fine & sunny weather conditions at home against a new look St Bernards side.
In a similar story to the previous week, the Unicorns came out firing and ready to play leading to a four goal first quarter, with new recruit Christian Lignos kicking 2 goals and another debutant Sam Lambrinos kicking his first goal. This opened up a nine-point lead at the conclusion of the first quarter of play.
As the second quarter began, the Unicorns were unable to continue that first quarter momentum with St Bernard’s kicking a couple goals in a row to take the lead. The home team got the game back on their terms in the last 10 minutes to wrestle back a three-point lead at half time.
With the game being in the balance at half time, the Unicorns were in need of a big second half to grab their second win of the season. The team had a dominant quarter but couldn’t put the game to rest due to the inaccuracy of scoring just three goals from 10 scoring shots. Despite the inaccuracy, the sturdy defence led by co-captain Adam Stikoltzik limited St Bernard’s to just 1 goal for the quarter, providing the Unicorns with a 19-point advantage going into the last change.
Acting head coach Kevin Pious challenged the group to put the game to bed early and finish off the game strongly. The Unicorns did exactly that with a barrage of seven fourth quarter goals to St Bernard’s two. The last quarter surge was led by the midfield group of Brayden Swenson, Cam Witt, James Dimogotsi and Lachie O’Halloran. The work from this group led to many opportunities up forward with co-captain Bailey Gallop kicking three final quarter goals, debutant Liam Haidaris kicking his first goal and Nafi Anaan finishing a great on-the-run opportunity.
This ultimately led to the Unicorns winning their second game of the season by 53 points in a great response from the group.
Final Score: MHSOB: 16.25-121 defeated St Bernards: 10.8-68
Goal Kickers: B. Gallop 4, C. Lignos 4, S. Lambrinos 3, N. Annan, B. Munasinghe, B. Elder, L. Haidaris, C. Witt
Best Players: B. Gallop, M. Giarracca, N. Annan, C. Lignos, C. Witt, B. Swenson