2016
Coaches:
Steve McWilliam 0408 026 250
Brad Ryan 0404 818 146
Team Manager
Lisa Logan 0429 019 118
Fixtures and Results:
Under 12 Division 3
Training Times:
Wednesday Lebanon Reserve 5.00-6.00
Round 13: Strathmore 2 v Airport West
Match Summary,
Writer: Tim Baker
A bleak overcast day, and a ground that more resembled a pig sty, greeted our boys for our “must win” clash against Airport West. After a touching tribute (by both teams) to the tragic passing of one of SFC’s juniors – Tom Gray – the boys were ready to play.
Almost complete domination – that best sums up our efforts in the first quarter – the almost being due to the fact that we didn’t put it on the scoreboard. We dominated possession and the majority of play. The pressure on the opposition was intense – the ball barely went into their forward line; when it dared to come close it was superbly repelled by our defenders. The 2 goal wind aside, our boys deserved a better return for the quarter, but still, the way we were playing was overwhelmingly positive.
Quarter time: Strathmore 0.1-1 Airport West 0.0-0
With the opposition kicking with the wind we needed to continue our good form from the first quarter. The first half of the quarter was played mostly in our forward half, without a score. The second half was mostly in Airport West’s half of the ground, during which time there were many anxious moments as Airport started hitting the scoreboard – fortunately as behinds only. No longer was it looking as though it could be an easy game.
Half time: Strathmore 0.1-1 Airport West 0.2-2
The third was a tight tussle with neither side getting too close to goal. We had our share of possession but we just butchered the ball when we had it. We just never moved it deep enough, as Airport West seemed to gain possession of almost every ball we disposed of. At least we didn’t concede any score, but we’d have to play better if we were to win the game, as our time kicking with the wind was over (with a paltry return of 1 point only).
Three-quarter time: Strathmore 0.1-1 Airport West 0.2-2
The last quarter: enthralling, electrifying, ostentatious – and that was just our goal umpire. Have I given away what’s to come? Simply outstanding – that’s it in a nutshell to describe our efforts in the last. Despite kicking into the wind, we dominated the quarter, running, passing and marking well, and delivering where it counts most – on the scoreboard. Our disposal efficiency was much higher – that certainly helps! The turnaround was remarkable as the ball barely entered Airport West’s forward 50. All players stood up in this quarter and did us proud. Our goal umpire – broken hearted at three-quarter time – finally had a chance to entertain (being at the opposing end didn’t stop him).
Full time: Strathmore 2.3-15 Airport West 0.2-2
Round 12: Strathmore 2 v Taylors Lakes
Match Summary
Writer: Tim Baker
Having lost to Taylors Lakes in round 5, it was hoped we could get one back on them this time around. The conditions were certainly better than on our previous encounter so could that turn the odds in our favour? Time would tell. The game also marked Santiago Zeait’s 50th, with the banner standing no chance against the boys champing at the bit to rip into it.
Kicking with a 2 goal wind in the first quarter we hoped we’d be able to get the jump on the opposition. But it wasn’t to be. We played ok in patches but they scored a goal into the wind whilst we didn’t make the most of our opportunities when we had it forward. We consequently went into the quarter time break trailing.
Quarter time: Strathmore 0.1-1 Taylors Lakes 1.0-6
The second term was mostly played in Taylors Lakes’ forward half. We went forward on a few occasions but couldn’t kick a goal whilst the opposition pushed further ahead with two goals.
Half time: Strathmore 0.2-2 Taylors Lakes 3.2-20
The third quarter started badly for us as the opposition, kicking into the wind, scored a goal within the first 2 minutes. But we showed great endeavour, and with some excellent teamwork we responded well, kicking 2 goals to keep the game within our reach. We went into the final change 11 points in arrears.
Three-quarter time: Strathmore 2.3-15 Taylors Lakes 4.2-26
Kicking into the wind, we needed a super effort from all if we were to win the game. It was doable but we needed to kick goals ourselves without conceding any to the opposition. Alas the task proved too great as Taylors Lakes powered on with 2 more goals to win easily.
Full time: Strathmore 2.4-16 Taylors Lakes 6.3-39
Round 11: Oak Park 1 v Strathmore 2
Match Summary,
Writer: Tim Baker
A glorious, but chilly, sunny morning greeted our boys as they took to the field for their round 11 match against Oak Park. So too a large banner awaited the boys, to celebrate Tony Haifa’s 50th game.
The scoreboard at quarter time probably best sums up the first quarter: Oak Park had more of the play in their forward half, but didn’t capitalise on the scoreboard, whilst we did. You want more detail? Ok – the quarter was generally very tight; we scored a goal early, and from then on we defended grimly and hung in there as Oak Park had several shots at goal. We were playing good footy for the most part.
Quarter time: Oak Park 0.4-4 Strathmore 1.0-6
The second quarter started ominously with Oak Park kicking 2 goals within the first 3 minutes. They were well on top and it wasn’t looking good. But we managed to respond superbly and turn the momentum our way. With good running, linking, marking, and passing, we were able to score the next 3 goals, and we looked very dangerous and potent. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal just prior to half time to tie the scores, but we had done an outstanding job for most of the quarter, nonetheless.
Half time: Oak Park 3.6-24 Strathmore 4.0-24
The third quarter was mostly played in Oak Park’s half of the ground, and we did fairly well to restrict them. They did, however, eventually break through for a goal. Following that we did move it forward on a few occasions, and with our forward line open, it was hopeful we’d be able to score a goal back. But alas, it wasn’t to be, as we only earned ourselves the single flag from the goal umpire.
Three-quarter time: Oak Park 4.7-31 Strathmore 4.1-25
The last quarter was very exciting. We had a lot of play in our forward half, some very close to goal, but never could find enough space to have a shot at the sticks. Conversely, when it went down the other end, Oak Park’s forward line was way more open, and consequently it was easier for them to score. We held in there though, repelling several attacks, and they didn’t really “put us away” until the last few minutes of the game. A valiant effort, but as they say: close, but no cigar!
Full time: Oak Park 5.8-38 Strathmore 4.1-25
Round 10: Strathmore 2 v Essendon Doutta Stars
Match Summary,
Writer: Tim Baker
Now almost a weekly occurrence, round 10 saw us celebrate another milestone game: 50 games for Tom McWilliam and Will Ryan. With the ground perfectly prepared – for the biennial national open-age mud-wrestling championships – we knew we were in for a very scrappy and dirty game – there was barely a firm area of turf. The mothers (oops – primary care givers – phew, glad I caught that one) also knew they’d be putting on hold any post game events as they would have their work cut out for them in the laundry later!
The signs were good in the first quarter – the boys’ intensity and pressure was up and we looked on song. Although Doutta Stars kicked a goal we had performed very well and knew we were in the game.
Quarter time: Strathmore 0.0-0 Essendon Doutta Stars 1.0-6
We really got on top in the second quarter as we moved it forward well and kicked 2 goals, whilst Doutta Stars struggled to get it past their half-forward and had no shots on goal. The boys were linking up well and we mostly dominated the quarter, holding a deserving 7 point lead at half time.
Half time: Strathmore 2.1-13 Essendon Doutta Stars 1.0-6
We dropped off in the third quarter as Doutta Stars regained control. We were outplayed as Doutta’s scored 2 goals to none.
Three-quarter time: Strathmore 2.2-14 Essendon Doutta Stars 3.4-22
We started the last quarter well, scoring a goal at the 3 minute mark, to bring the margin within a kick. But from then on we struggled to move it forward and were too often defending as Doutta Stars peppered the goals. As a result, they ended up winning rather comfortably. A highlight aside from the football was the entertaining antics of both goal umpires who seemed eager to outdo each other (with great success).
Full time: Strathmore 3.2-20 Essendon Doutta Stars 5.8-38
Round 9: Hillside v Strathmore 2
Match Summary,
Writer: Tim Baker
Round 9 saw us coming up against another team we hadn’t yet played – Hillside – whom had been winless when relegated from division 1, but had some winning form in division 2. It was also another milestone: Oliver Kal’s 50th game.
The first quarter was a tight struggle with both sides matching it with the other. We were generally holding our own in most areas of the ground. Neither side had the scoreboard ascendency at quarter time but we arguably should have – we had an opportunity late in the quarter as we pushed forward with numbers running into space towards an open goal, but unfortunately it ended in a behind only.
Quarter time: Hillside 0.2-2 Strathmore 0.2-2
We generally matched it with Hillside in the second quarter. We couldn’t get it deep enough in our forward line to score, but having said that, rarely did Hillside. A highlight was the terrific defensive efforts which thwarted almost all of Hillside’s advances. Unfortunately Hillside scored a goal in the dying seconds (I have it on very good authority that it was touched, but went unseen). A few things hadn’t quite gone our way but we were well and truly in the game with neither side looking dominant over the other, except for some of the huge boys in Hillside’s team!
Half time: Hillside 1.2-8 Strathmore 0.2-2
Hillside came out and scored a goal very early in the quarter, which was almost entirely played out on Hillside’s half forward line. It was never deep enough for us to attempt a score. Given the amount of play in the opposition forward line we did ok to restrict them but we were constantly defending when attacking was desperately needed.
Three-quarter time: Hillside 2.4-16 Strathmore 0.2-2
It was hoped that a rev up from the coach at the third break would help to reverse our fortunes. But it wasn’t to be; any chance we may have had of getting back into the game was quickly snuffed out as Hillside score a goal within the first minute of the last quarter. We tried and had enough of the play (it was in our forward half no less than it was in the opposition’s) but once again couldn’t score. Hillside were more efficient going forward as they scored another goal. We left the game feeling that Hillside weren’t that much better than us, and I suspect we could have another crack at them come finals.
Full time: Hillside 4.5-29 Strathmore 0.2-2
Round 8: Strathmore 2 v Pascoe Vale
Match Summary
Writer: Tim Baker
The game against Pascoe Vale was to be our biggest test to date. With Pascoe Vale 2nd on the ladder and us 3rd, separated only on percentage from top spot, it was certainly going to determine where we were at. It was also a milestone game; this time for William Baker (aka ‘cuz’), who first picked up a footy at…(oh, sorry, wrong forum for that). We almost needed another banner to welcome the boys back to their home ground (which we hadn’t played at since round 2).
Following the opening bounce, Pascoe Vale surged forward almost immediately, and within a minute had a set shot at goal – fortunately for us they only scored a point. It was then very tight and contested footy. Pascoe Vale broke through for a goal at the 5 minute mark. From then on we stuck with them, and indeed matched them. Our hardness at the ball and second efforts were a highlight. We had plenty of the football and it was as much in our forward half as it was in the opposition’s. No side managed any further goals for the remainder of the first quarter – it was a tight hard contest with few easy possessions.
Quarter time: Strathmore 0.2-2 Pascoe Vale 1.2-8
The 2nd quarter was similar to the first, with us matching Pascoe Vale for the most part. Most of the play was in our backline, and accordingly our backs did extremely well to limit Pascoe Vale to 1 scoring shot (unfortunately a goal). There were some good passages of play – but matching it in general play doesn’t kick goals for us, and we failed to register a score, as the ball rarely entered our forward 50 zone.
Half time: Strathmore 0.2-2 Pascoe Vale 2.2-8
Pascoe Vale pulled away in the third, kicking 2 goals. Most of the play was once again in Pascoe Vale’s forward half. We managed to get it deep in our forward line on a few occasions but could only kick behinds. Whilst our hardness and contest for the footy was generally still present, the opposition were just cleaner with the ball than us.
Three-quarter time: Strathmore 0.4-4 Pascoe Vale 4.4-28
Most of the last quarter was played in Pascoe Vale’s half of the ground, in which time they advanced further on the scoreboard with 2 goals. For a while it didn’t look like we’d be able to get it in our forward 50, let alone score a goal! But we came late with a flurry – two shots hit the post and it just looked like we were destined to be goalless. But we persisted and eventually scored a goal to give us some reward for effort. Whilst the scoreboard indicated we were soundly beaten, we knew it was much closer than that in general play, particularly in the first half.
Full time: Strathmore 1.6-12 Pascoe Vale 6.7-43
A Word From The Coach
Well done Team on another win, 6 from 7 is a super effort.
Our third win of the season by less than a goal, there’s nothing like giving the coach a heart attack on a Sunday morning!!
Again we answered the challenge of a bigger team who were hungry for a win, it was definitely a bruising encounter, so well done once again for putting your heads over the ball and going in hard. Just keep working our rules and positional structures. These help us in tight games.
Our biggest challenge yet comes this Sunday at Lebanon against Pascoe Vale. They are second and we are third on the ladder, they beat A.P.W last week by 30pts, we beat A.P.W. two weeks ago by 40pts.
Bring It On!!!
Up the Griff.
Round 7: Strathmore 2 v Glenroy 1
Match Summary,
Writer: Tim Baker
We came up against Glenroy for round 7, a team we played in round 1 (where we escaped with a 4 point win in a tight finish). This time it was at Boeing Reserve – not our true home ground but better than playing away (although, with no dim sim & chips van, some would rather be elsewhere). It was also another milestone game, with Taylor Moxon and Tyler Oreo celebrating their 50th games (with a banner which barely survived the wind). Given that we believed we’d improved since round 1, and we knew our opponents strengths and weaknesses, it was hoped we’d be able to run them off their feet this time around.
The wind was quite strong and we kicked with it in the first quarter. It’s fair to say that we expected our boys to utilise the wind and to hopefully pepper the goals. What unfolded in the first half of the quarter was anything but. Both teams were going hard at it and whilst we had it mostly in our half we weren’t impacting the scoreboard. That was until the 10th minute when we slotted our first goal from a free kick (it was there – honestly!). Then, from the centre bounce we impressively moved the ball forward quickly from the centre to a chain of players to easily slot another goal (barely touched by the opposition). Glenroy threatened for the remainder of the quarter, but our defenders did a great job of clearing the ball, conceding only 1 behind. By the end of the quarter we had done ok but weren’t convincing; we certainly had a game on our hands.
Quarter time: Strathmore 2.1-13 Glenroy 0.1-1
The job ahead of us now was to limit Glenroy’s scoring with the wind. The Glenroy boys started the quarter ominously, thumping it almost immediately into their forward line. The game was played there for quite a long (and anxious) period, in which time they managed a flurry of points and eventually a goal. That gave us the chance to reset in the middle and we took our opportunity to move it into our forward line, following up with a quick answering goal. There were some more nervous moments in the quarter as Glenroy surged forward but our backs were up to the challenge, taking several timely marks and clearing the ball well. We took a lead of 7 points into the main break which probably wasn’t reflective of the game so far (thanks largely to Glenroy’s inaccurate kicking, but having said that, the misses were generally not easy shots).
Half time: Strathmore 3.1-19 Glenroy 1.6-12
With the strong wind, it was a must that we built on our lead if we were to win the game. The quarter was mostly played out on our forward line but that didn’t easily translate into goals. Glenroy had piled numbers back in defence, and were able to repeatedly clear the ball out of their danger zone. Whether they were coached that way, or just errant kids chasing a kick, it worked for them, to their credit. Whilst we had an almost impenetrable wall just forward of the centre line, Glenroy’s extra numbers in defence made finding a target difficult – we didn’t seem to have the numbers to get clear possession in our forward 50, nor go deep enough, to have many shots at the big sticks. We finally broke through with some good ball movement and scored a goal 11 minutes in. The remainder of the quarter was much of the same. We hadn’t scored as heavily as we would’ve liked, but at least the ball never went far into our opposition’s forward line, so we had a handy, but not match-winning, lead of 16 points – would it be enough?
Three-quarter time: Strathmore 4.4-28 Glenroy 1.6-12
We knew they were coming and come they did. Bang, bang – a goal in the first minute and another in the next. Our lead had whittled down to a very shaky 4 points in an instant. Following that early onslaught we somehow managed to turn the momentum our way by gaining and maintaining
possession. To our credit we were able to hold most of the ball in our half of the ground (we even managed a point) and limit their forays forward. When it did enter the dreaded danger zone our backs were up to the challenge and able to thwart the attacks, through good marking, running, and tackling (easy to say in hindsight – it sure was nerve-racking at the time). It was a nervous last minute as Glenroy moved forward with one last attempt to snatch the game. A Glenroy boy had the ball on the flank and was having a shot at the sticks. We had the numbers back on the goal line and, as the ball sailed perilously closer to goal, we just hoped that we’d be able to touch it through. But we did better – by marking it in the goal square just a metre from the line! A fitting end to a thrilling last quarter.
Full time: Strathmore 4.5-29 Glenroy 3.6-24
A Word From The Coach
Team,
A great result on Sunday and again the workload was spread throughout the team, well done. I think this result shows us how much we’ve improved since we last played A.P.W. in round 2. We all remember that we were very lucky to pinch that game, so to have a 40 point win 4 weeks later proves that when we play OUR game well, we are a good team.
The challenges keep coming and this week we have Glenroy at Boeing. In round one we had a 3 point victory against them, lets make sure we are all switched on from the start and give it our best effort.
Team keep in mind that there are some good teams in this division that we are yet to play, so heads down on the track tomorrow night and train well.
Up the Griff!
Round 6: Strathmore 2 vs Airport West
Match Summary,
Writer: Tim Baker
It had been awhile since our last home game, and the EDFL duly responded by graciously awarding us a home game…at our opponent’s oval. Having narrowly beaten Airport West in round 2 (in unlikely circumstances; some would say we pinched it!), we anticipated Airport West to be a tough opponent this time around (well, at least this wannabe writer thought so).
The first quarter was a real arm wrestle. Airport West started off well and were attacking strongly, kicking the first score (luckily for us it was only a point). We moved it steadily down the ground, against the wind, and scored a great goal to put us in front. Most of the remainder of the quarter was fairly even, but we could see the boys’ intensity was up and the tackling fantastic. Airport West hit back late in the quarter with a goal that gave them the narrowest of leads, but we had done pretty well considering Airport West were kicking with the wind (which seemingly increased the average kick length by 10-15 metres).
Quarter time: Strathmore 1.1-7 Airport West 1.2-8
Utilizing the wind (and our home ground advantage?) we surged ahead on the scoreboard in the second quarter. We lead into space, carried the ball, and passed it well, resulting in 4 goals (not to mention some great marks and tackles). With most of the play in our half of the ground, we looked strong. Our backs played their part too during the few times it was in their zone. Our dominance was underlined by the fact that we kept Airport West scoreless (our ability to limit the oppositions’ impact on the scoreboard has been a huge positive this season thus far).
Half time: Strathmore 5.2-32 Airport West 1.2-8
Airport West had the wind and we were expecting them to use it to try and get back into the game. With the ball mostly in their forward line we had to defend well. And for the most part we did, but we couldn’t hold all their attacks back as they started hitting the scoreboard – first a goal at the 2 minute mark and another at the 8 minute mark (and a few behinds thrown in amongst it). They had pegged us back to less than 2 goals; they had the momentum and were back in the game. That was until we kicked an awesome stabilizing goal late in the quarter – it was much needed and most welcome as it kept our opponent at arms length and prevented them from going into the last break with momentum. We had withstood the challenge fairly well, but we still had work to do as our lead wasn’t yet a match-winning one.
Three-quarter time: Strathmore 6.2-38 Airport West 3.5-23
Except during the early stages of the quarter, Airport West never really threatened in the last. The game looked mostly in our control as we moved it forward well. We ran away with it late in the quarter with the boys playing well as a team and much of the play in our half of the ground. It was great to come away with a good win in what was a terrific team effort with all contributing!
Full time: Strathmore 10.5-65 Airport West 3.7-25
Round 5: Taylors Lakes vs Strathmore 2 – Mother’s Day
Match Summary,
Writer: Tim Baker
The mums were out in force on their special day to watch the boys play yet another away game (where is our home ground?). This time our opponent was Taylors Lakes – a previously winless team relegated from division 1. We had 3 boys celebrating their 50th game with a mighty banner to match: Harry Johnston, Jarin Lewis, & Harry Logan. The ground was in good condition considering the earlier soaking, but with the constant spitting of rain it was unlikely to be a fast, free-flowing game. Instead we needed to be prepared for a scrappier, highly-contested game.
The first quarter started disastrously with the opposition scoring a goal within the first minute of play…and another at the 5 minute mark. The majority of the play was in the opposition forward line and we never got it deep enough to attempt a score. Taylors Lakes capped off the quarter with a late goal. With just a few exceptions, the team as a whole had not adapted well to the conditions nor some of the big-bodied opposition. A scoreless quarter – not what we ordered – could we turn it around?
Quarter time: Taylors Lakes 3.3-21 Strathmore 0.0-0
The 2nd quarter started no better with Taylors Lakes scoring a goal within the first 2 minutes, and another 5 minutes later. We were defending grimly in the first half of the quarter. The play evened up in the latter half of the quarter with us working it forward on several occasions but we couldn’t get a clear shot at the sticks. On the bright side, we had tightened up a little this quarter as the opposition had only broke free for 3 scoring shots but it was 3 too many and not what we needed. There were some boys playing well, and a few good passages of play, but that was not enough to keep us in the game. We were simply not matching it with the opposition up to that stage of the game.
Half time: Taylors Lakes 5.4-34 Strathmore 0.0-0
The 3rd quarter saw a significant improvement as the boys worked far better together. Some good teamwork and good play saw us net some valuable goals, and we limited Taylors Lakes chances of moving further ahead on the scoreboard, restricting them to just one behind. We had lifted our efforts and were generally playing like the better team (albeit belatedly). We had made inroads on the scoreboard, but were we close enough to over-run them?
Three-quarter time: Taylors Lakes 5.5-35 Strathmore 2.1-13
We tried hard in the final quarter, but it was still very difficult to score goals. We scored the only goal of the last quarter, coming at the five-minute mark, but we never looked a realistic chance of pinching the game. The conditions were not conducive to scoring quick goals, plus our opponents still had plenty of the ball. By the end of the game we were playing more contested footy and we had won the 2nd half but in the end it was our poor start that cruelled us.
Full time: Taylors Lakes 5.7-37 Strathmore 3.1-19
Happy Mother’s Day
Harry J, Jarin and Harry L – 50 Game Celebration
Round 4: Aberfeldie 2 v Strathmore
Match Report
Writer: Tim Baker
We didn’t quite know what to expect from our round 4 game against Aberfeldie, in terms of both the weather and our opponent. The weather bureau had us believe we’d be in for an unpleasant day with much rain, wind, and more rain predicted (kudos to them – they got the wind prediction right). We were also up against a division 2 opponent with no exposed form against our former(?) division 3 teams. The ground was muddy and soaked in patches so the conditions were going to be trying.
In the 1st quarter we were kicking into the wind, so it would be a challenge and test for us. Our first goal came very early in the quarter after working the ball from half back to the wing where we had space; we ran and delivered it unopposed to the forwards who ably capitalised. Our backs played well and were able to thwart all of Aberfeldie’s attacks. Our mids had plenty of the ball and were able to move it forward fairly well. We had a few other opportunities in front of goal, which ordinarily (under better conditions) should’ve been goals but weren’t. Although we probably should’ve been further in front, we had done pretty well considering the conditions. We had passed the first test (into the wind) with flying colours.
Quarter time: Aberfeldie 0.0-0 Strathmore 1.2-8
The 2nd quarter was where we really exerted our authority – we had the wind but it was not the key reason we got on top. With our midfield dominant and relentless, and our forwards lively, our backs were hardly called upon (but they still rebounded very well from the few times they were required). We piled on the goals and it was all Strathmore!
Half time: Aberfeldie 0.0-0 Strathmore 5.5-35
Some rain finally arrived at the start of the 3rd (along with a temperature plunge), and although it didn’t last too long, it did make it scrappier. Despite the wind we were kicking into, the play was shared fairly evenly across the ground. Our last line of defence stood up well, rebounding many attacks. There was good movement of the ball against the wind. This enabled us to attack ourselves and move further ahead on the scoreboard. We looked more potent up forward as we added another 2 goals into the wind. Aberfeldie eventually scored a goal, but we can be proud that it took them this long to get it.
Three-quarter time: Aberfeldie 1.0-6 Strathmore 7.6-48
The last quarter was a scrappy affair, but one in which we maintained our dominance, as most of the play was in our half of the ground. We looked dangerous moving it forward and we added handsomely to the scoreboard whilst keeping the opposition scoreless.
A comprehensive victory to Strathmore – bring on the next challenger! Time to soak those white shorts…
Full time: Aberfeldie 1.0-6 Strathmore 10.9-69
Round 3 – Tullamarine 1 v Strathmore 2
Match Summary
Writer: Tim Baker
A glorious sunny morning greeted our boys at Tullamarine’s home ground for our third game.
Early in the 1st, our backs were under a lot of pressure early as we couldn’t get it past the centre. It was constant back and forth ball movement between Tullamarine’s forward line and the wing. We looked to have a challenge ahead of us as Tullamarine eventually broke through to kick the first goal. Little did we know at the time, but (**spoiler alert**) it was the only time our opposition would worry the flag-wavers all game. The restart in the middle was what we needed to reset and we started moving the ball more into our forward line, where we did look dangerous, but without a major. Some good play that began from half back saw us run, kick, and mark (repeat several times), & ultimately resulted in our first goal – a great team effort! It was late in the quarter but there was more to come. From the centre bounce we moved the ball forward again and after some good work in heavy traffic we moved the ball superbly to a chain of loose players resulting in the easiest of goals. It didn’t appear there’d be enough time to score further, but a great tackle, and some good long kicks and swift ball movement resulted in another fantastic team goal in the dying seconds. Despite a slow start, we’d managed 3 goals in the last 3 minutes – didn’t I say we looked dangerous?
Quarter time: Tullamarine 1.0-6 Strathmore 3.1-19
We looked in control for most of the second quarter, with the ball mostly in our half of the ground. Tullamarine couldn’t get it deep at all (credit to the team for not allowing it), with no score to our 1 goal (+ 1 behind).
Half time: Tullamarine 1.0-6 Strathmore 4.2-26
The third quarter was played out in similar fashion to the second. Despite us not surging ahead on the scoreboard (we managed 1 goal 2 behinds), we always looked in control with any opposition attack dealt with quickly and effectively by our capable backs. The link & run to and through the midfield was a highlight. Although most of the play was in our half of the ground, we didn’t have it all our own way – Tullamarine had plenty of the ball and were able to limit our shots on goal.
Three-quarter time: Tullamarine 1.0-6 Strathmore 5.4-34
The final quarter played out as expected – us having most of the play and generally in control. Any slight chance Tullamarine may have thought they had of winning the game was snuffed out as, after some good running and swift ball movement, we scored a goal within the first minute of play. As for most of the game, Tullamarine never looked threatening (apart from one or two good players who threw everything at us). We scored a goal in the dying seconds of the quarter to cap off a good victory.
Full time: Tullamarine 1.0-6 Strathmore 7.4-46
Round 2-Strathmore 2 v Airport West 1
Match Summary
Writer: Tim Baker
Round 2 saw us coming up against the 2015 division 2 premiers – Airport West. It was also our first milestone game of the year with 3 boys playing their 50th games: Daniel Arfi, Chad Hicks, and Oscar Mammoliti. There was much excitement amongst the team as they burst through the large joint banner.
The 1st quarter was very close, and although we failed to hit the scoreboard we did restrict the opposition to just 2 behinds. Our boys were outstanding with their tackling and pressure on the opposition, which no doubt limited the damage Airport West could otherwise have done.
0-2-2 to 0-0-0
The first half of the 2nd quarter was played out mostly in Airport West’s forward half. Some of the pressure on the ball carrier seemed to drop off a bit at times, with Airport West delivering the ball fairly well into their forward line. Airport West consequently scored the first goal of the game and they looked dangerous. But our boys lifted in the last half of the quarter with most of the play in our half of the ground. There were some good pieces of play by our boys, one of which resulted in a goal, which gave us hope at half-time.
1-4-10 to 1-0-6
In the 3rd quarter it was fairly even in terms of where the ball was but it felt as though we were doing a lot of chasing. After Airport West kicked a goal at the 4 minute mark, we started moving the ball forward more; we had our share of the play in our forward line but could only manage one behind. Most of the quarter was played between the arcs, with neither side delivering it deep too often. Airport West had a handy lead of 9 points at 3 quarter time, and seemed to be just a little bit sharper. But the lead was not insurmountable…
2-4-16 to 1-1-7
For most of the last quarter not much seemed to be happening in terms of impacting the scoreboard (by either team). There was a lot of back and forth in general play. To our credit, we were able to withstand Airport West’s attacks and kept pushing forward ourselves. The time clock was ticking though and we were making no inroads on the scoreboard; a win was not looking likely. We finally scored a goal late in the quarter which gave us a glimmer of hope. It was the 11 1/2 minute mark but time was still against us, considering that goals hadn’t been scored easily all game. The ball was rescued from the fenced construction zone in record time and rushed back to the centre. Our boys persisted and moved the ball forward. A free kick inside our 50 arc gave us the chance to move the ball deep to the goal line. In amongst the Airport West defenders the ball was delivered fantastically to the goal square where a great unopposed mark was taken. As cool as a cucumber he calmly walked back and slotted the goal. With just one and a half minutes remaining we were in front! We could see the excitement on the boys faces. Airport West had one last chance to take the game back – and it did look likely when their small forward marked 20 metres out with 40 seconds to play. But luckily for us he went to play on and the resultant rushed kick skimmed towards the goal post and ended in a behind. A one point win to the ’Mores!
2-6-18 to 3-1-19
Round 1 – Glenroy 1 v Strathmore 2
Sunday 10th April 2016
Writer: Tim Baker
After a good pre-season, and with much anticipation, our boys took to the field for their first game of the regular season. The 1st quarter played out fairly well for Strathmore with plenty of tackling and steady movement of the ball (albeit not perfect). The boys looked fairly comfortable out there and, for the most part, looked to have the game in their control. Many players played their role well. The highlight, and rarity at this level, was the coast to coast goal where we ran the ball from full-back to score a goal without Glenroy touching it. Some great efforts there!
At quarter time, we spectators could’ve been forgiven for thinking that we had Glenroy’s measure and we’d go on and win fairly comfortably. The 2nd quarter put that idea to rest with the game turning into a tight tussle, with neither side able to greatly impact the scoreboard. We had some good play but we just couldn’t get it deep enough in our forward line to score easily. Credit to Glenroy as they really tightened up on us. Of course, we must’ve done some things right to stop them scoring too.
The 3rd quarter started in the same vein as the 2nd, and we knew we had a fight on our hands. It felt as though we were chasing them all quarter, with the majority of the quarter being played out in Glenroy’s half of the ground, and some of their players were causing damage with their long kicking. We were, however, able to provide enough defensive pressure (and perhaps had an ounce of luck!) that resulted in Glenroy kicking mostly behinds instead of goals. We had plenty of the play in the backline, and were able to repel most of Glenroy’s attacks. We seemed to struggle occasionally to move the ball into our forward line.
The last quarter was a real arm wrestle; Glenroy hit the front early in the quarter and looked dangerous, but we fought back. There were some fantastic efforts in the backline which repelled Glenroy’s attacks and we seemed to move the ball fairly well out of defence and up the wing. Persistence and hard work paid off as we took the lead back at the 6 minute mark. But our lead was short-lived as Glenroy scored another goal within 90 seconds to hit the front again. But our boys showed some spirit and refused to lie down, as we moved the ball forward fairly well to give ourselves a chance of wresting back the lead. We took some good marks inside 50 but could only score behinds. Glenroy moved the ball forward again and kicked it to the goal line which, fortunately for us, we had a boy sticking to his position who was able to touch it. It was Glenroy by 2 points with less than 4 minutes to play, and it did look as though Glenroy were getting the better of us. Our boys showed some real spirit though and wouldn’t lie down. We moved the ball from our backline and up the half back flank; after a few panicky moments we gained momentum as we moved it quicker through the wing and half forward flank (perhaps it was the parents willing the boys?), and suddenly we had an open forward line in front of us, which resulted in a fantastic team goal. There were several great efforts of play in that crucial minute.
Still, being in front didn’t mean we could rest easy. Glenroy kept coming, and there were some nervous moments as the big Glenroy boys long-bombed the ball into their forward line in a last ditch effort to win the game. But we were able to maintain possession and hold on.
