R2 2024 | U20s at Therry Penola
After a hard fought previous game, round two was expected to be the stage that could kickstart the season for our young group of Unicorns. MHSOBFC was looking to get one back against a familiar Therry Penola side that had given our team trouble in our two previous matchups last season.
The early start proved difficult as Therry continually cleared it out of the middle and hammered the scoreboard early. If not for Sam Tralaggan’s set shot goal, the quarter would have looked much worse, as the Unicorns weren’t switched on from the first bounce and paid the consequences. The quarter ended with Therry Penola ahead 6.6-42 to MHSOBFC 1.0-6.
Gradually the Unicorns moulded into shape and decided to bring some of the Melbourne High School brand of footy to JP Fawkner Reserve, as the tackling and pressure began to rise from young superstar Hamish Webb and seasoned veteran James Dimogotsi. Unfortunately this did not replicate on the scoreboard as it read Therry Penola 10.10-70 to MHSOBFC 2.3-15.
The 3rd quarter proved to be a very different story for Melbourne High School as they came smashing out the gate. They kicked four unanswered goals from new recruits Austin Reynolds, Callum Hackman and Moritz Dommetget leaving Therry Penola too stunned to speak and changed tack to a more conservative style of football which slowed the overall pace of the game. This third term was the style of football that we should come to expect from the Unicorns as the ball movement was lightning fast, while tackling and chasing like a pack of hungry wolves leaving the score at Therry Penola 14.11-95 to MHSOB 6.5-41,
The 4th term had clearly shocked the home side as they continued to play possession football to counter the Unicorns’ deliberate fast brand of footy. New recruits presented their talents throughout the day such as Lucas Judd’s new found position of half back and Ben Sharrock’s contested work at half back, making the coaches look like geniuses. The final siren called the morning's game over with a final score of Therry Penola 16.12-108 to MHSOB 7.9-51.
After a lacklustre start to the game, it was evident that this group can run with anyone in the division but will need to come better prepared if they wish to topple the mountain of PEGS in round 3.
Final Score: MHSOBFC 7.9-51 defeated by Therry Penola 16.12-108
Goal Kickers: Callum Hackman 2, Sam Tralaggan 2, Ryan Langworthy, Austin Reynolds, Moritz Dommenget
Best Players: Hamish Webb, Austin Reynolds, Callum Hackman, James Dimogotsi, Lachlan O’Halloran, Sam Tralaggan