FINAL 1 Ressies 2nd Semi v Rupertswood: Won by 16

3rd September 2006

Reserves:

It was a great day for the Old Mentonians on Saturday, as both of their teams which finished in the final four won their respective first semi finals.  The two games were very different in the way that they were played, but the results were the same, with both side advancing to preliminary finals next week.

The Reserves played Rupertswood in very warm conditions at Essendon.  After an even first quarter, the Panthers took control in the second quarter.  With the midfield winning well, players such as Tom Millis, Justin O’Brien and Peter Flaskis continually drove the ball forward, where Tony Bournon and captain Matthew Stroud were dominant.  Bournon was to finish the game with seven goals and Stroud four, and Rupertswood could not combat them at any stage of the game.  

The Panthers had  a thirty three point lead at half time and it looked as if the  game may be safe.  Rupertswood rallied in the third quarter and dominated play especially for the first fifteen minutes of the third term.  However the Old Mentonians’ defence showed great resilience.  Led by Bryan Saunders at full back and with assistance from Michael Lawes and Michael Watts across the half back line Rupertswood were kept to two goals.  Late in the quarter, goals to Bournon, Stroud and Ryan Alexander ensured that the Toners remained in control.

Rupertswood would not give in however, and threw everything at the Panthers in the last quarter.  The Panthers were outscored by seven goals to two but the hard work done by the team earlier in the day, especially by players such as James Williams, Peter Monahan , Bournon and Stroud ensured that the Old Mentonians’ season would continue.




OLD MENTONIANS
In contrast the Old Mentonians’ Under 19 team had to come from behind to defeat De La Salle at Oakleigh.  For the first three quarters of the game the ball seemed to bounce De la Salle’s way and they made the most of their opportunities.  Mentone struggled for consistency and only Scott Fairbanks and Tim Bail across the half back line and Kyle Goulding in the ruck had played well for the whole game.

At three quarter time, the Panthers trailed by twenty five points, although having had the same amount of scoring shots as De La Salle.  The last quarter saw a rejuvenated Old Mentonians’ side.  They ran hard and dominated the game.  A great fifty metre goal kicked by Matthew Jenkins gave his team mates confidence and started the revival.  Within the space of a few minutes more goals to Jarrod Lumsden, James Dodd and full back John Thompson put the game in Mentone’s keeping.

The Panthers kicked six goals to two for the quarter and their dominance came about as a result of their attack on the ball and their great relief in themselves.  Players such as Matthew Wilton, Stuart Rooke and Brad Norton all continually won the ball and gave great drive to the side and providing the forwards with enough opportunities to ensure that the Panthers had an outstanding win.

So the finals continue for the Panthers.  The Under 19’s take on Old Haileybury next Friday night at Elsternwick Park at 7.00 p.m, while the Reserves travel to the Preston City Oval to take on Old Carey at 11.20 a.m. on Sturday.

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