R5 2024 | U20s at SKOBS

After a brutal 160-point loss to PEGS in the previous game, MHSOBFC entered a new division and faced SKOBS in a clash that the playing group approached with a different mindset, hoping for a fresh start to the season.

The early morning kick off in Kooyong meant the first quarter was sluggish for both teams, but SKOBS got away early, booting the first two goals of the game. Some brilliant crumbing from Lachie Sharrock ensured the Unicorns put on some scoreboard pressure of their own and gave his teammates a good boost of confidence. The midfielders all did well to keep attacking the ball and laid some exceptional tackles to limit the damage. At quarter time, SKOBS led 3.2-20 to MHSOBFC 1.2-8.

The second quarter got underway and the Unicorns were fired up, and after some errors early on, booted four goals in a row, with Ewen Kossyvas showing his nous to kick one of his two goals for the game. MHSOBFC attacked hard and created a number of deep forward 50 entries, allowing new recruit Jude Bachelet to kick his very first goal for the club. Lucas Judd was also brilliant in his attack off the half back line, contesting and providing our midfield group with some highly valuable delivery. At halftime, SKOBS led 8.5-53 to MHSOBFC 5.4-34.

At the start of the second half, SKOBS got away early, booting three goals in a row. Although the backline kept fighting it was a hard quarter for them, with Austin Reynolds trying his best to take intercept marks and provide his teammates with a bit of space to attack in the forward half. Ben Sharrock played the much needed role of a lockdown defender, regularly contesting by air and laying great tackles to keep the opposition from kicking further ahead. Some gut running from former RJFC teammates Hamish Webb and Ewen Kossyvas provided the Unicorns with their first goal of the half late in the term. Cal Hackman switched into the midfield and slowed down the SKOBS attack, and although the Unicorns had further opportunities to score, they were unable to take advantage. The third quarter was a hard one to swallow with SKOBS kicking away 14.8-92 to MHSOBFC 6.6-42.

The final quarter was a challenge for the visiting side, with the game now out of reach and a reduced bench hurting without Sam King with a suspected broken nose and a head clash keeping Idhant Yarlagadda off. The ball was still coming into the forward 50 but the Unicorns struggled to convert aside from a late goal to provide something to celebrate for their efforts and hard work. In the end, SKOBS went on to win by 75 points.

A reasonably good start to the game and an exciting period of four consecutive goals showed that the scoreboard doesn't always illustrate how much skill and drive is in the Unicorns team. With some more group bonding and continuity at training, this group should be excited about the future.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 7.7-49 defeated by SKOBS 19.10-124

Goal Kickers: Lachlan Sharrock 2, Ewen Kossyvas 2, Sam Tralaggan, Jude Bachelet, Arush Jhunjhunwala

Best Players: Lucas Judd, Ewen Kossyvas, Arush Jhunjhunwala, Jai Raptis, Hamish Webb, Jude Bachelet