R10 2023 | U20s at St Bedes/Mentone
After a win against St Kevin’s in the previous week, the U/20s looked to establish some momentum for their finals push in an away game against St Bedes/Mentone. Once again, the group faced windy & wintry conditions but prepared accordingly after recent experiences.
St Bedes/Mentone opened the game with the wind at their backs, resulting in repeated forward 50 entries. However, the Unicorns backline held strong and only conceded a single goal for the entire term. The quarter concluded with a one-point advantage in favour of the home side, but the boys were ready to surge in the second quarter now that the wind was in their favour.
The second term saw the Unicorns’ game plan flourish. The dominance of midfielders Cam Witt, Dom Hart and James Peluso was inspiring as they broke through opposition tackles and took the game on, creating countless opportunities for forwards such as Antonio Mastroianni and Lachie “Rock” Sharrock. The team capitalised on the wind advantage mounting a four-goal to zero run, concluding the half with a 40-12 lead.
A frustrated St Bedes/Mentone came out firing in the third quarter with two goals in as many minutes and applying pressure for a comeback. However, the Unicorns defenders were composed and took control, with the team once holding strong and transitioning the ball gallantly against the wind to maintain a 29-point lead at the final break.
They say a group of Unicorns is called a ‘blessing’ which can now be verified as all spectators in the final term were blessed by a commanding performance and their best quarter of the season. The St Bedes/Mentone defence was left helpless as the press was shown in full display. Just like a Unicorn, a rare sighting occurred as co-captain Adam “Sticky” Stikoltzik booted his first goal for the club coming up from deep in defence. The brilliant play allowed midfielders Cam Witt, Boopa Munasinghe and Lachie O’Halloran to score goals and join the party hosted by the forwards. “The Rock” silenced the collective of home fans and players who lashed out in their frustration, kicking three goals for the game. The united group outscored their opposition in the final term 52-6 and won by a commanding 74 points.
Final Score: MHSOB: 15.14-104 defeated St Bedes/Mentone: 4.6-30
Goal Kickers: L. Sharrock 3, A. Mastroianni 3, C. Witt 2, B. Munasinghe 2, A. Stikoltzik, D. Hart, S. Tralaggan, L. O’Halloran, F. Selleck-D’Aloia
Best Players: C. Witt, J. Peluso, B. Munasinghe, L. O’Halloran, N. Wood, D. Hart