R13 2024 | U20s vs Caulfield Grammar

After a couple of weeks off, the U20s returned from the heartbreak that occurred before the break and were looking to build on the momentum the team had gained in weeks prior, with many talented players returning to the team for this clash they needed to get acclimated to the rainy weather and prepare themselves for battle. 

The first bounce fell to Caulfield who came roaring out the middle and set the MHSOBFC defense on fire, though many of their ill-fated attempts were sent wide through the point posts. Thankfully the work of Lachie Fearn, who would turn on the jets and win some vital clearances, helped provide some run and carry into the forward line. Although Caulfield had the majority of the scoring shots in the first quarter the score would show the Jnr Corns down 2.0-12 to 2.11-23 at the first break. 

What has been the theme for much of the year, our intensity concerning our defensive pressure died off after early goals from Caulfield, leading to the floodgates being opened for the Grammarians. If not for the toughness of the 2nd gamer Oscar Eberbach and star winger Hamish Webb linking up from stoppages, the scoreline could have looked much worse. Though MHSOBFC only logged the lone behind for the 2nd term it was clear that this was another game where our efforts were not being rewarded on the scoreboard with the halftime score left at 2.1-13 to 7.17-59. 

With the scoreline looking out of hand, it was left to the players to decide how they would dictate the rest of their afternoon. Would they dig deep and provide pressure and effort, or let Caulfield walk over them for the rest of the afternoon? This was answered in the opening minutes of the third term when Ewen Kossyvas nailed a remarkable snap from the boundary to ignite the energy of the team which carried through many of our stars. It kickstarted Arush Jhunjhunwala and Austin Reynolds kicking to the advantage of their teammates which helped the JnrCorn's transition the football from the backline to a scoring opportunity. Though the effort was shown throughout the quarter, Caulfield showed their class by applying defensive pressure and used the ball effectively in the wet conditions to link up and pile on the goals. The third term ended 3.3-21 to 15.22-112. 

With much of the game over, the shining light in the fourth quarter came from second game player Phu Nguyen slotting two goals on his opposite foot that put smiles on everybody across the ground. The theme of the day was how our mindset would dictate the game it was apparent that the team already had much to cheer for as many of our new faces to the club were able to establish themselves. 

Final Score: MHSOBFC 5.3-33 defeated by Caulfield Grammarians 18.27-135 

Goal Kickers: Phu Ngyuen 2, Lachlan Sharrock 2, Ewen Kossyvas 

Best Players: Lachlan Fearn, Hamish Webb, Arush Jhunjhunwala, Lachlan O’Halloran, Oscar Eberbach, Phu Nguyen