Round 13 (U19's and Senior Women's) Match Review, 2022
Senior Men's Match Report
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Senior Women's Match Report
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Old Haileybury 4.8-32
Therry Penola 1.0-6
This week against Therry Penola was a pinnacle game for the Hearts, vying for a top two spot it was a crucial win for the girls. With a lot of players out due to travel, injury and illness it was a round where players needed to adapt.
On Friday we got a message from our beloved Coach, Sean, that his Dad passed away suddenly and that he wouldn’t be able to coach on Saturday, without hesitation the Senior Assistant Coach took the reins. In true Sean fashion, he was still trying to get the team ready Friday Night, messaging back and forth about timings, equipment, etc.
We arrived at Oak Park bright and early in windy and cold conditions, the girls were up beat and ready from the start. Our coaching group has a very strong connection and the same messaging throughout the week leading into the game remained the same. The girls knew what they needed to do. From start to finish, the running of the day was on point, thanks to everyone who was involved.
Running out today meant so much more for us, we honoured Sean and his dad, by wearing black arm bands and the girls fought to the end in trying conditions.
The first quarter set the standard, kicking with the wind, the girls started off strong, kicking three goals to zero in the quarter, winning the clearances and the contested ball around the ground. The main message for the second quarter was play defensive, trying to keep the opposition scoreless, if we have control try and slow it down as the conditions were getting harder and harder to play in. Therry kicked one goal to our two points, keeping a lead at the half.
The half time break saw a lot of positive energy, not once did the girls lose their grit or determination, with a few changes on the board in the third quarter we had most of the footy in our F50, capitalising one goal-four to the opposition once again being scoreless in the quarter. In the fourth quarter, the ball was heavy, the ground was gluggy and the opposition was getting frustrated, we wanted to finish off strong, knowing they had the wind, it was a massive quarter to keep them scoreless. For the first time in the game the ball was down the opposite end of the ground (our F50) for majority of the quarter, resulting in no side scoring for the quarter, we certainly had opportunities but our wall and defensive pressure stood tall.
At the end of the game it was so good to come away with the win, being so crucial, the girls stood tall all day and never gave up - today we played for Sean and we played from the Heart! Pure Heart!
Going into our last home and away round where we will meet Williamstown at home. Will the hearts get second spot on the ladder…?
Go Hearts!
Men's Reserves Match Report
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Under 19's Match Report
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Old Haileybury 10.16-76
Old Xaverians 7.5-47
The Under 19s took on arch rivals Old Xavier at home in cold and muddy conditions.
Injuries early to our ruckman Ky Allcock and skipper Gus Bonwick had the coach and large crowd present very concerned. Cooper was sent into the ruck after never having played in that position before and whilst undersized battled heroically.
Xavs started with a strong wind however they struggled to penetrate our defence led strongly by Jack Hardeman, Blake Gordon and Sam Morris. A late goal saw them go in at the break 20 points up however the Bloods were happy with their attack on the ball and confident that we could take advantage of the wind in the second quarter.
The second quarter saw us kick early goals with us dominating the midfield. Big Maxxy Walstab and Noah Higgins were unstoppable. James Connell was looking dangerous up forward and Tom Antonis was a tackling machine. We kicked 6 for the quarter and went in 17 points up and full of confidence.
Some changes structurally at half time and a resolve to continue our efforts were the theme in the sheds. Liam Kirkwood-Scott was sent back to bolster the defence and young Will McPhee was sent in to the middle. His brother Paddy had to jump in and help with the ruck as we continued to dominate the midfield. We kicked 3 into the breeze and went in at ¾ time 17 points up and full of confidence that we could hold out Xavs and run away with the game.
We dominated the last quarter kicking 1 goal 12 points however it didn’t matter as we won the territory battle and secured victory in a great effort by 29 points. Xavs were fighting for a spot in the four and had everything to play for so our win was to be admired.
Coach Bonwick took the boys to the Marine ensuring they had a good time and understanding the importance of celebrating a good win together. The boys were winners on and off the ground on Saturday. A great day for the club.
Goal Kickers: T. Antonis 3, L. Kirkwood Scott 3, M. Kirkwood-Scott, J. Adams, M. Walstab, J. Connell