U19s FINAL 2 Prelim v Old Haileyburians: Won by 4

11th September 2006

The Old Mentonians Football Club theme song was heard long and loud last weekend as two Panthers’ teams won their respective Preliminary Finals and earned a place in this weeks Grand Finals.

The Under 19 team set the example, when they took on Old Haileybury at Elsternwick Park on Friday night.  Old Haileybury went into the game as favourites, having lost only one game for the season.  However favouritism did not take into account the great tenacity and determination of the young Panthers.  The Old Mentonians dominated most of the first and second quarters, and it was only two late goals in each quarter which kept Haileybury in the game.

The tackling of the Old Mentonians was exceptional, and their desire for the football and to support their team mates was far better than their opposition.  Brad Norton started the game well, kicking two goals in the first quarter.  He was well supported by Stuart Rooke who was providing great drive off the wing.

When the rain set in during the second quarter the Panthers took control.  Kyle Goulding was dominant in the ruck, and was best on ground for the second week in a row.  He repeatedly gave his team first use of the ball, and James Dodd at full forward capitalised with three goals.

Old Haileybury took the lead for the first time with five minutes to go in the third quarter and they took a one point lead into the last quarter.  The Old Mentonians would not concede, however.  They continued to fight and to drive the ball forward at all costs.  With one minute left to play, Matt Siemers, kicked a goal to give the Panthers a ten point lead.  Haileybury responded immediately, but with only seconds left to play the Old Mentonians safely advanced to a grand final in their first year in the competition.

Both games are at the same times and venues this week.  The Under 19’s meet Mazenod at Elsternwick Park at 7.00 p.m. on Friday, while the Reserves take on Old Geelong at Preston at 11.20 a.m. on Saturday.


UNDER 19

OLD MENTONIANS    2.4     6.8     7.10     12.11 (83)
OLD HAILEYBURIANS     2.3     4.6     7.11     11.13 (79)

Best:         K. Goulding, B.  Norton, S. Fairbanks, S. Rooke, S. O’Halloran,
J. Prowse.

Goals:        J. Dodd, B. Norton, J. Prowse 3, M. Campbell, K. Goulding,
M.  Siemers