Seniors

Old Paradians hosted undefeated Bentleigh .in what was a crunch game for us.

Revelling in the warm conditions, we started well with a goal from Rendina in the first minute.  From that point it was a real arm wrestle right up until half time, with Bentleigh getting out to a 14 point advantage before Parade hit back to only trail by 2 points at the main break.

OPs started the second half with far greater intensity and were in front inside the first minute when O’Brien goaled on the run.  Gradually we worked our way on top, with Spithill dominant in the ruck and Spitty keeping Bentleigh’s dangerous forward Sharp on a tight leash.  McAllister’s hard running was rewarded on the scoreboard and at three quarter time we looked like winners..

Our dominance continued into the last quarter and with 5 minutes to go we lead by 20 points.  Bentleigh were not to be denied however, and 3 goals in the blink of an eye saw them trailing by just 2 points. However, we won the ball out of the middle and long ball into the goalsquare saw Zivanovic pounce and kick the sealer.

This week’s game at Old Westbourne presents us with a chance to move ahead of the ledger for the first time this season.

This game held more than just the four points it also meant the winner gained second position on the ladder.

Our start was as good as we had, so far this season, with four early goals but with 5 minutes remaining in the 1st quarter we showed signs of relaxing believing the game was ours.

From that point on we kicked 2goals 10 behinds to 10 goals 5 behinds and missed our chance to obtain 2nd position.

In a game where we were second to the ball, had our lowest tackle count, kicked poorly, made bad decisions, were run down from behind and were undisciplined, we have to rethink the way we play our football.

 We need to recover from that display and regain respect from the competition and play a brand of football that will allow us to hold our position in the top 4.

Inaccurate kicking cost the Third XVII on Saturday, as it went down by 34 points to Therry Penola Old Boys.
A tightly contested first half, played in dewy conditions due to the early start, saw Parade pepper at goal frequently, only to find the big sticks once. Our final score of 3.16 telling the story!
Tasmanian recruit Tom Witherden showed class and vision through the midfield, and really stamped himself as a player to watch, after an extended break from the code. Michael Matrah also impressed in his first hitout and showed versatility as a Follower and key position option.
Captain for the day, Dean Brekke displayed his upbeat leadership skills and hardness at the ball and was well supported by Strantzen, Fraser and Spinoso.
Defenders had a tough time negating Therry gun Amareh Elmi however Dines, Ziella, Tabouch and Watson all battled hard in the back half.
Stalwart Andrew Tenson showed he can ably play at both ends of the ground and was instrumental in generating the momentum which saw us get to within 16 points in the final term.
Youngsters Steven O’Keeffe and 2009 College Captain James Belcher both played well and have positively stepped up to play senior footy.
The Thirds have squared off against the three ‘undefeated’ teams in our first four games, so have had a tough early draw. Future rounds will see our next win come very soon.
Thanks to all those who assisted with our 9.30am game and set up.
Thanks in particular to ANTHONY SHEEHY  who was at the Garvey at 8.00am to provide support to the Thirds, and then went on to star in the Senior victory at 2pm against Bentleigh - a noted effort by a great clubman!
This week we look forward to taking on Whitefriars, at 9.30 am at Bulleen Park, followed by Lunch and Drinks at the Manningham Club Hotel.