Match Reports

NOTHING LIKE A
SCOTCH AT SCOTCH!

An indifferent day for the club on Saturday with the Seniors and Thirds winning but sadly the Resies and Under 19’s going down in tight fought battles.

Seniors

Enjoying a very nice lunch in the “bunker” at Scotch I became increasingly aware of the frenzy being generated by the Cardinals Coach, and thought to myself these guys are gunna have a real crack today. Then I looked at the table next to mine and saw half their side sitting there and thought, no need to panic big fella…….
Scotchies did have some marquee players out and they did have a real crack but to our credit we put in a solid four quarter performance to record a 10 goal victory and regain top spot on the ladder. A highlight was Harvey, Baxter and Tardiff getting through the game and the skipper running the water for 100 minutes as he gets closer to a return. Another was the maiden 2010 goals to our backline stars Zimbachs, Holst and Stone. “Handbrakes” from the boundary 40 metres out was a pearler. It was one of those goals when he is sitting upstairs at a Scotch game in 10 years time it will be “do you remember the one I kicked from the wing”!!

Ressies

Like Coach Castaldi I too am sick of saying it, but the Reserves were terrific again on the weekend, but alas, another loss by less than a goal. The standard of this game was a credit to both sides, really good footy. Googs Malone was terrific (again!), Tractor Lynch outstanding, Casey, Foster, Little Champ and Raffa all good. We just seemed to waste our opportunities (there were plenty off them) and some turnovers were very costly. Surely the rewards will come.

Under 19’s

Up at ¾ time they gave themselves a chance in this battle for fourth spot but sadly appeared to run out of legs, which now makes their finals charge difficult, but certainly not impossible.

Thirds

In scenes reminiscant of Friday nights fiasco it looked like the Thirds might get run over but thankfully they held on to make there family day one to remember. On a sour note it looks like Johnno’s year may be over with a serious ankle injury. Well done boys, back to back this week.

First XV111

Geelong College was effectively our second semi final and a very highly credentialed opponent. Had they kicked straight in the first quarter (they kicked seven behinds) it may have been a different ball game but this Wesley side takes no prisoners and ended steamrolling “the Cats” by seven goals. Tommy Curran looking very ominous up forward, just keeps on presenting and contesting and was awarded the Collegians Player of Day Hoodie. It was a very physical contest typified by Hunter Poole’s’ courage which saw him leave the field concussed. Sam Frost, Benny Mason and Matty O’Brien battled on despite being hurt with “Frosty” busting the game open in the third with three great goals. Elliott Cattell probably played his best game and we congratulate Ollie Whitehead on making his debut.

A MASSIVE WEEK AHEAD, THREE DAY FOOTBALL FEAST!!

FRIDAY NIGHT

The Under 19’s take on Ormond Under lights at the Ross Gregory Oval (adjacent to the Harry Trott). This should be a great game and an ideal opportunity to watch some of our young guns in action. A win this week puts the boys back in contention. We encourage everyone to come along and watch. 7.30pm kick off.

SATURDAY

Thirds

Ashas Army take on St Bedes at Southern Rd Oval Mentone. Looking to go back to back it should be a corker. Game starts at 11.40 a.m.

First XV111

Well, who could have scripted it better. First versus second, the winner gets the coveted APS Crown. Undefeated Wesley take on Caulfield Grammar at Caulfield 2.00 p.m. kick off. History in the making. We want the entire Collegians community there in support.

SUNDAY

Seniors and Reserves take on St Bedes at Elsternwick Park. Never an easy game against the Brindisi Boys, they will be looking for a scalp this week after a poor showing on Saturday.

Finally....

Thanks to OSFC President James McMillan for the hospitality on the weekend. My first invite to a Scotch luncheon in 24 Years!!! Even better my co pilot Greg Tregear won the Chivas Regal in the Raffle and promptly handballed it to me!!!

Great to see former champ Richard Schober at the game on the weekend, he used to find a bit against the Cardinals in his hey day did Schobes. Daughter Talullah has just had a pretty serious back operation, we hope she has a speedy recovery.

Don’t forget, two home game luncheons to go, 7th August (Past players, guest speaker Brian Dixon), and 14th August (Guest speaker Chris Connolly).

The big “Four Ohh” for former champ, captain and major sponsor (Total Facility Maintenance) Brad Woolhouse this week. Just seems like yesterday mate!!!!! Have a good one mate.
Hope to catch at a game this weekend. Go Lions!!

Go Lions
Cheers, Wayno

150th Game for Nick Baxter

All at Collegians would like to congratulate Nick on achieving 150 games this week against Old Melburnians.

Nick is an extremely talented footballer who could still play at the highest possible level. He has overcome a very serious arm injury that kept him out the best part of 2 seasons. He has proven himself to be a fantastic finals player but at the end of the day, like his brothers Andrew & Tim, just loves playing footy at Collegians.

Interestingly, Nick may well have played at more levels of the VAFA than any other player in history. He has played, A Grade Senior, A Grade Reserve, B Grade, B Grade Reserve, C Grade, C Grade Reserve, Under 19 Division 1, Under 19 Red, Premier Thirds, Club XVIII Division 1, Club VXIII Division 2, and Club XVIII South.

Congratulations Nick, let's hope we can get the Baxter boys playing together in one team before the end of the year!

Well done.