ROUND 4 UPDATE

6th May 2008

SENIORS
Seniors stay in top four with impressive win over Peninsula OB.
Old Mentonians        6.6       13.10   18.13               29.15-189
Peninsula OB                        3.3       6.9       11.10               16.11-107
 
OLD MENTONIANS
Goal Kickers: D. Cochrane 7, R. Ironmonger 4, N. Fisher 3, B. Lane 3, G. Snow 3, J. Costello 2, L. Mitchell 2, D. Teasdale, B. Coghlan, D. Emerson, D. Carroll, A. Eaton
Best Players: D. Cochrane, D. Teasdale, K. Tickell, C. Follett, G. Snow, B. Lane
 
REPORT:
 
The Panthers took on an enthusiastic Peninsula on the weekend in a must win game of football. Knowing that a win would keep us firmly in the top four and a loss could see us drop as low as 6th, nothing but 100% effort would be accepted. In perfect football conditions the boys set out in strong fashion with skippers Carroll and Costello racking up plenty of early possessions and making great use of the football.
 
After a strong opening quarter the boys stepped it up a notch, banging home 7 goals to 3 to go into the half time break over 7 goals up. With the strong unity displayed in the backline, combined with Follet’s consistent good form this year, the Panthers went into the main break full of confidence.
 
Teasdale led the way after the break, taking on the play maker role with penetrating kick ins and great use of the football on the way to amassing 30+ touches. Our ruckmen Lane and Snow were terrific all day, giving our young on-ballers such as Campbell and Mitchell first use of the footy time and time again.
Despite a solid effort from Peninsula, the likes of Tickell sneaking across the half forward line, and Ironmonger surprising all at Pantherland with his accuracy in front of goal, the Panthers held the fort and maintained their 7 goal break into ¾ time.
The final quarter saw the Panther with the huge dukes, David Cochrane, slot a few more home in another best on ground performance. With his strong marking and dead straight kicking, Cocky booted a total of 7 goals for the day - a D1 Section high for the round. The boys finally ran home 82 point winners.
 
Despite the big win, we can’t afford to celebrate too much as this weeks match against undefeated Bulleen Templestowe at the Ted Ajani Reserve will take all our focus. We look forward to your support in this important clash!
RESERVES
Panthers survive thrilling contest to win by 4 points
Old Mentonians                    1.5       8.8       12.12               14.14.98
Peninsula OB                                    5.1       8.2       12.3                 15.4.94
Goal Kickers: T. Bournon 4, P. Gartner 3, R. Alexander 2, A. Noonan, G. Smith, M. Stroud, P. Monahan, J. Dodd
Best Players: M. Lawes, S. Alexander, J. O''Brien, A. Noonan, D. Stevens, J. Dodd
 
Once again the Panthers got off to a slow start, and by the time the first break arrived, the Peninsula OB boys had piled on 5 goals, to our 1. This was extremely disappointing considering much of the pre game focus was on getting off to a good start, and new coach Dave Caffarella pulled no punches in letting his players know how disappointed he was.
At quarter time it was obvious that the team needed some players to stand up and show the way, and it was the skipper (Darryl Stevens), with great support from the 2007 skipper (Michael Lawes), who rose to the challenge. The rest of the team followed, and by the main break we were back in the game thanks to a 7 goal quarter.
After the main break the game became a sea saw battle with neither side able to gain a commanding break. The defense was certainly tested, but stood up strongly, whilst young James Dodd really imposed himself at the bounces and gave the midfield plenty of chances to drive forward. Also creating drive forward was the ever reliable Justin O’Brien, continually rebounding of the half back line.
Up forward, Tony Bournon continued his good early season form, kicking 4 goals, before falling victim to his first hamstring injury in 20 years. Injuries always create opportunity for someone else, and a couple of the younger members of the team, in Piran Gartner and Shane Alexander chimed in with 5 goals between them.
The effort to get back into the game from the early deficit appeared to be tiring the panthers half way through the final term. Peninsula OB took the lead back with a spirited effort and the last 10 minutes was a dour struggle. With only minutes remaining, after a great tackle in the forward line from new recruit Timothy Rooke (who kindly let Jake Moon take the glory shot at goal), we had another chance to hit the lead. Jake Moon showed great poise for his tender age, and put the ball straight through the centre of the big sticks. From here, the defense held strong, against a couple more spirited advances forward from Peninsula OB and ensured the team moves into next week, with a 50:50 win loss ratio.
Next week sees the team venture out to Ted Ajani Reserve in Templestowe to take on Bulleen Templestowe. Bulleen Templestowe currently are 3wins, 1 loss, and holding down 4th spot. A win would give us the chance to break back into the top 4. This prmises to be a huge game for the team.
 UNDER 19’s
Old Mentonians        0.0       0.1       2.1                   3.1.19
Ormond:                     7.7       20.12   35.17               45.25.295
BEST:             A.Goodrich, J. Lee, J. Kay, D. Bardoel, J. Lumsden, S. Ferguson
GOALS:          L. Hull 2, J. Lee
It was a very hard day for the Under 19’s on Saturday. We played an undefeated side, and although we had come off a strong win against Oakleigh, this would be our real test.
Because of other commitments, were only able to field 19 players, and finished with 16 on the ground. More than half of our side had already played for the school, so it was always going to be difficult.
Ormond showed us why they are undefeated, but to their credit, our boys did not throw it in. Jordan Lee, Al Goodrich and Jarrad Kay (in his first game) all did well. Luke Hull was handy on the forward line and Dave Bardoel battled hard all day.
All in all it was a day that we need to put behind us as we now need to regroup and prepare to take on Mazenod next week.