CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS 13.7. 85 def OLD CAREY 9.5. 59

Goal Kickers: G. Poulter 6, J. McCahon 3, N. Dorman 2, B. Scott, J. Beveridge
Best Players: J. Wearne, A. Wolkow, W. Bowes, G. Poulter, S. Garrood, J. McCahon

The words left no one wondering. If we were too serve up the usual uninspired, insipid football with the usual lapses in concentration then it would be a slap in the face to one of  CGFC’s most loyal players. The reserves took to Glenhuntly Park with a sense of purpose and dogged determination. The foundations had been laid for a cracking match and what was to follow did not disappoint.

The mighty Fields were switched on from the start and produced the most competitive first 1/4 for a long time. Chris Fagan was again domineering down back as was the great English import Prince Luke Mattias of Nottingham. With Timothy Messer coming off the game of his life, the backline looked very much rock solid. Alex Wolkow was once again dominating the ruck and reminded everyone what a quality ruckman he is with superior tap work and hard running. His opponents seemed inept and unwillingly to try and curtail his dominance, which as a result gave our on ballers first crack at the footy. The first 1/4 ended with a slight lead to the Fields.

The 2/4 saw the intensity lift by both teams and the scoreboard operators had to work hard. Josh Beveridge was at his silky best and displayed some very good football. Grant Poulter went on a goal blitz booting some very important goals to keep the fields in touch at the main break. A good, hard quarter of footy had us in a good position for the second half.

The long break was welcomed and the boys went in with our heads up knowing we were still in this. The time for making excuses and playing the ‘what if’ games were over. Time to step up and take stock of what we were doing. It was time to take control of the game. The 3/4 was played much the same as the 2nd. Both teams were evenly matched and as a result the final change had the visitors slightly in front by 4 points. No doubt our smug foes at Carey thought they would stroll in for an easy victory

Coming into the ¾ time huddle, a feeling of déjà vu had just kicked in. We had been in this position before, yet never capitalised. Think Old Melbournians minus the 4 goal lead. I think only the drunk optimist could have put money on the Fields to surge on in the final quarter. At best, it was going to be a see saw battle of wills and at the end it would be the team who wanted it more.

Enter J. McCahon, the three goal maestro. There had been a storm brewing inside the #27 for quite sometime. For the whole year Joshy had been belted pillar to post while serving up some top quality football. The quite before the storm had finished and the storm was about to erupt.

With each contest being met with great intensity, it was clear from the start it was going to be our game. Bowesy was in and under as perusal, Jimmy Wearne made it obvious he wasn’t adverse to running and working hard and Shaun Garood, with his cool head under pressure, was his perfect best. However, this quarter will be forever known as J. McC’s Quarter. The mercurial #27 bursting to life on the biggest stage of the year, eating the pressure up and spitting back into the faces of his less then worthy opponents. The J. McC storm hit fast and it hit hard producing three goals in 3 minutes, 2 of which came within 30 seconds of each other.

Everything was going our way, until the 17 minute mark. Carey had kicked two quick goals to put the brakes on the celebrations. After a quick regroup, we lifted again and applied the pressure that is conducive to winning football matches. Big ‘Snake’ Dorman put in his application for goal of the year with an outstanding effort from the pocket. The final blow for Carey coming at the hands of resident, and self proclaimed, superstar Grant ‘Buddy’ Poulter.  Buddy finished off the day with a lazy 6 but it was his presentation and ability to make contests that were the real highlight. Nick Andrew showed us his best quarter of football since returning from his overseas jaunt by continually pressurising the opposition and finding a bit of the ball.

The final siren went and the reserves finally had a chance to sing the song! Bowesy was chair lifted off the ground to the thunderous applause of his thousands of die hard fans. On reflection, this was a game we were never going to lose. Bowesy has led from the front week in and week out and his ability to always perform and rally his troops when needed has made him the great captain he is. This was the best present we could have given Bowesy as it t was one that the Captain could savour for years to come!

Congratulations William on a fantastic career and the milestone! We all look forward to the next few rounds when hopefully the mighty reserves can get a few more wins on the board.

This was by far the best football match played this year. Winning is something we haven’t found so easy this year and as a result confidence and knowing how to win have taken a severe battering. This is the first step to finishing off the season on a high. The last three rounds are winnable, so get to training, put in the hard work and let’s get back on a winning streak!

Michael Murphy.