R12 2023 | U20s at St Bernards

After coming off an underwhelming performance against Therry Penola in the previous round, the U/20s were determined to return to form against the winless St Bernards side at their home ground ‘The Snake Pit’.

MHSOB started off hot by setting the tempo with fast movement and hard running to create numerous first quarter goals. Co-captain Bailey Gallop had three goals to quarter time along with James ‘Dimma’ Dimogotsi kicking his first goal of the season from an on the run shot from 40 metres out. The Unicorns led 5.5-35 to St Bernard’s 1.3-9 at quarter time. 

The start of the second quarter was played in a similar vein with the midfield dominating through the centre and providing the forwards with great delivery. This saw the Unicorns bounce out to a 40-point lead before St Bernard’s wrestled control of the game to kick the last couple of goals before halftime. After a slow finish, the U/20s still held a 34-point lead, 9.7-61 to 3.9-27.  

The third quarter was all St Bernards’ way, building on their finish to the second quarter and piling on an inaccurate 4.8-32 for the term compared to the Unicorns’ 0.3-3. The Unicorns led by just five points at three quarter time, with the players looking down and exhausted.

Coaches Matty Glover and Kevin Pious demanded a response from the group in at the final break but St Bernard’s hit the front early in the term. However, the U/20s showed their resilience after a goal from Nafi Anaan put them back in front, before a sealing goal from Bailey Gallop put the Unicorns three scores ahead. MHSOB’s last quarter proved too much for a resilient St Bernard’s, winning 11.15-81 to 8.19-67.

The 14-point victory keeps them in finals contention ahead of their biggest game of the season against Old Xavierians.

Final Score: MHSOB: 11.15-81 defeated St Bernards: 8.19-67

Goal Kickers: B. Gallop 4, L. Sharrock 3, J. Dimogtsi, N. Anaan, A. Stikoltzik, J. Peluso

Best Players: J. Raptis, A. Stikoltzik, F. Pacak, G. Wines-Winch, B. Swenson, J. Dimogotsi