R14 2024 | U20s at St Marys Salesian

MHSOBFC was fired up for a clash at Ferndale Park against St Marys Salesian, in which they knew what to expect from the match given the wet and slippery conditions. With this being the first wet weather game of the year, something all involved were looking forward to, the Unicorns were aware that they had to throw everything they had out there in order to give themselves a chance at their first victory of the season. 

The first quarter saw great pressure applied and offered good goal scoring opportunities for the visitors, but unfortunately to no avail. Alexander Ballis set the tone in the first quarter, with a surprise move down back for the first time in his career, bringing everything to ground. One of the team’s leaders, Sam Tralaggan, played full back alongside him, locking down their full forward whilst also saving multiple goals. Despite the efforts, the rain and wind limited the ball movement for MHSOBFC, meaning St Marys got out to a 28-point lead at quarter time.

At the first break, St Marys use of the wings was discussed and the Unicorns were going to respond with the use of the corridor. Ben Sharrock was crashing packs as an unstoppable wrecking ball. Arush Jhunjhunwala took on the job of stopping the wings and succeeded in which his defensive work on the wing was imperative to MHSOBFC’s efforts. However, the half went the way of St Mary’s, as they gained a 68-point lead and the Unicorns did not manage to hit the scoreboard for the entire term.  

Despite the scoreline, MHSOBFC’s effort could not be questioned. The ambition for the rest of the match was to continue having fun and kick some goals. Hamish Webb kicked the first goal of the game for MHSOB, a great shot from 40m out. A few more opportunities were created but with the tricky weather conditions, ultimately didn’t result in any additional majors. Captain Lachlan O’Halloran’s efforts in the ruck all day were incredible as although he was undersized, he contested and won many hitouts throughout the day. Matt Giarracca also sparked an energy throughout the day, showing that he is getting back to his best footy. 

The fourth quarter unfortunately resulted in a few injuries to the Unicorns, meaning that those on the field had nothing left in the tank. In a testament to the tenacity of the playing group, they piled on three more goals including a left foot strike of beauty on the boundary from Ben Sharrock. Lachlan Sharrock and Lachie Fearn also kicked crafty goals, as the namesakes finished the clash against St Marys on a high.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 4.4-28 defeated by St Marys Salesian 21.26-152

Goal Kickers: Lachlan Sharrock, Lachlan Fearn, Benjamin Sharrock, Hamish Webb

Best Players: Arush Jhunjhunwala, Benjamin Sharrock, Sam Tralaggan, Matthew Giarracca, Lachlan Fearn, Alexander Ballis