R11 2023 | U20s at Therry Penola

After a dominant performance against St Bedes/Mentone last week, the U/20s were looking to make it three in a row in an away game against a formidable opponent in Therry Penola: a feat that had not been accomplished since 2019.

The game began with a tightly contested, fierce contest where both teams struggled to score and both defenses holding up well. Although, about ten minutes into the contest Therry Penola began to string together consecutive forward 50 entries which overwhelmed MHSOB’s defense, resulting in four unanswered goals to close out the first quarter. Therry led 4.1-25 to 0.2-2.

The second quarter began with the Unicorns clearly lifting in intensity and saw the first two goals going our way. However, soon the woes of the first quarter set back in and Therry Penola continuously went inside 50 and scored with relative ease, kicking three goals to win the quarter and go into halftime with a 27-point lead.

Despite the slow start, MHSOB looked to get back to “corns footy” in the third quarter. This was not to be the case however, as the team did not fire a shot and the home side transitioned the ball with ease on their home deck, cutting up the defense and getting good looks going forward. This saw them extend their lead 12.7-79 to 2.6-18 at the final break. 

The fourth quarter was a complete repetition of the previous term in which MHSOB looked lackluster against their opponent. Although the Unicorns did kick two consolation goals, including a solo effort that started at the centre bounce from Lachie O’Halloran, the lack of intensity saw Therry Penola kick five of their own to end the game 84-point winners.

The bye couldn’t have come soon enough as the team looks to reset for the back half of the season and get back to playing their brand of footy, giving them the best shot at making finals.

Final Score: MHSOB: 4.6-30 defeated by Therry Penola AFC: 17.12-114

Goal Kickers: L. Sharrock 2, C. Witt, L. O'Halloran

Best Players: B. Munasinghe, A. Stikoltzik, B. Swenson, F. Pacak, L. O'Halloran, C. Witt