Seniors

After 2 solid wins, Parade played host to Eltham who defeated the Raiders in round one by 24 points. With both teams notching up 4 wins for the season, this game was vital to stay in touch with the four.

Both teams began the game with a strong attack on the ball. Sean Miller scored the first major in the opening 2 minutes; however, Eltham replied, kicking the next 3 goals in 3 minutes to take a two goal lead. The match then became an even contest, but late goals to Lidyard and Boundy saw the home team 2 points up at the first change

Kicking with a slight breeze in the second quarter, Eltham kicked the first goal of the quarter; however, we replied with two goals at the 11 and 12 minute mark. Although we held a 7 point lead, Eltham lifted their intensity to dominate the latter part of the quarter. 3 goals in the next 8 minutes saw them out to a 14 point lead. During this quarter, Eltham certainly wanted to ball more than us, and this, coupled with some poor skill errors on our part accounted for the deficit. I thought if we could get in first for the ball, and improve our skills, we could work our way back into the game.

The third quarter commenced with an improved attack on the ball. We not only were getting first use for the ball, we also became more direct and this resulted in Parade kicking 6 goals as opposed to Eltham recording 2 points. The players certainly wanted the ball more than their opponents and their efforts were rewarded with a game breaking quarter. Being 21 points up at ¾ time, the game wasn’t over; however, we felt that if we could maintain our level of commitment, than it was going to be difficult for Eltham to overcome our lead.

The last quarter saw each side go goal for goal, and as the final siren sounded, Parade were victorious by 26 points

Arriving at the Garvey Oval to play Eltham we were confronted with a very muddy centre, although the members of the Club who prepare the ground each home game had tried in vain to improve the centre. Noting that the centre circle was closer to our coaches box side of the ground, it was decided to play both our wingmen on the same side to gain maximum advantage from centre clearances. It was also thought it may give us an advantage.

Eltham certainly came to play and produced a brand of football that belied their second last position on the ladder and therefore we were put under pressure and given the wet conditions they were able to play a close checking style of game which also managed to restrict entry into our forward area.

To our players credit we were very committed and were not unsettled by their vigor or their playing style. We were extremely inaccurate which consequently kept Eltham in the game. At three quarter time the score line read Old Paradians 3.12 to Eltham 3.1 and our backline to this stage had managed to repel many attacks.

11 points in front at the start of the last quarter meant the game was in the balance, but the players are to be complimented on their last quarter determination and attitude. It was very pleasing to see the players take the game on and lift their work rate which then helped our forward area to generate goals. This quarter saw us kick 6.4 to 1 goal and win by 45pts. Over the past few games the players, have in most cases, had the game in control mid way through the third quarter so to be challenged at three quarter time and respond as they did says a lot about their maturity and character.

We were sad to lose Brett Dintinosante (concussed) early in the first quarter but are pleased to report he was released from hospital Saturday night and is at home recovering. We look forward to his return to the team.

The Third XVIII pushed Top Four side Therry Penola Old Boys for four quarters, only to go down by 4 points at the siren. A see-sawing game played in wet and heavy conditions at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve was a dogged affair against an arch rival. 292 game veteran Kevin Jenkins played superbly in the midfield, carrying the ball into the forward 50m with hard running and accurate delivery consistently. Jenkins was supported across the centre by the solid utility John Spaull and the talented and courageous Brayden Geary. Nick Bryce continued his fine 2010 form with an outstanding game in the Ruck. Bryce rucked tirelessly in the muddy centre square and palmed and knocked the ball to our advantage at every opportunity. Forwards Andrew Tenson, Isack Clifford and Steven O’Keeffe presented themselves at crucial times and provided solid targets in attack. 2009 School Captain James Belcher clashed with defender Peter Watson in the heavy going and is resting up this week with concussion. We wish James a speedy recovery. The loss was a difficult one for the team to swallow. We demonstrated a spirited attack on the game over four quarters played in adverse conditions and received some dubious home umpiring decisions. This Saturday we look forward to taking on Old Carey at the Garvey at 9.30am in a Club Home Triple Header! If any former players, friends or family are able to assist, officiating in match day roles at our remaining five games, please contact myself on 0415 758 109 or Paul Healy.