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Finals football in Caulfield for the first time since 2005 and the feeling at the club was extraordinary. Although spirits were dented somewhat after a disappointing showing by the senior side, we could not underestimate how big the Reserves game was not just for the team itself, but indeed the entire club. Expectations were matched by Bombay naming a very strong side. It was a case of the Breen rising to the top with Tom being elevated to the seniors and while there were a few boys who were very unlucky to miss out on playing, we were more than happy to welcome Richard Foote, Chris Axias, Dean Spanos et al. to the team to face Beaumaris. It was also exciting earlier in the week to welcome Hammo and Fagan to Facebook. We looked much stronger on paper than the side who lost to Beauy just two weeks earlier but knew that the game is not played on paper. But if you were playing a game of Paddocks the game would very much be played on paper, ironic isn't it?
Friday night saw the team gather for dinner, and with lasagne on the specials board we were disappointed there were only 5 servings left, and even more disappointed when Fagan snapped up all 5. What was meant to be a quiet and relaxing team dinner quickly turned in to a confusing affair as Ed Kalaja attempted to explain Betfair to Alex Townsend. The feeling before the game matched the occasion, and even though Beaumaris kicked the first two goals of the game, they were hardly outplaying us. We responded with two of our own through the very busy Gav Colosimo. The opposition were clearly concerned with the influence of Aiden Clarke who had 5 kicks, 2 marks and 4 facebook events to quarter time as we trailed by 5 points. Fagan was enjoying his best game of the season as a mobile ruckman and at one stage even nearly got off the ground. Both sides traded a single goal each in the second quarter in a tight contest. The opposition were running it out of defence a little too easily and they took a slim lead in to the half time break as we sought to get on top but at the same time knew that Beauy were going to be like bubbles in a glass of soda water, and just keep coming up over and over again. Jordon Stewert scored for the first time since last Saturday night with a brilliant mark and goal and partners in crime Axias and Spanos were giving a much needed Mediterranean feel to the side while at the same time dominating the midfield. So dominant were they in the middle of the ground, that the centre square was dubbed 'The Middleterranean.' Like a midget at a urinal, we had to stay on our toes and mood in the dressing room at half time stayed positive. The third quarter has been somewhat of an achilles heel for us this year, but not today. The pressure went up a gear and we responded in the way we had wanted to do all year with Beaumaris pinned down in their own half for extended periods of time as a result of relentless forward pressure from the entire side. Luke Matias had a throng of well wishers at the game, including his girlfriend who was busy taking happy snaps, although when some earlier pictures of Luke were found on the camera, he explained, "I was young, I needed the money." Caulfield kicked 3 goals while holding Beaumaris scoreless in what has become one of our famous clean sheet quarters. The back six were playing inspired football especially Dom O'Keefe who was all over his opponent like freckles on a Ranga. We led by 3 goals heading in to the last quarter and were keen to extend our advantage. If Charlie Conway was the Minnesota Miracle Man, then Luke Spinks would be the Brazen Beast of Balranald. A courageous mark backing back in to traffic typified his performance as we kicked the first two goals of the last quarter through some good play and an undisciplined opposition. Richard Foote kicking his third goal to mark his comeback was a highlight and he is set to play a big part in the finals. A 23 point win for Caulfield was more important to the club than just the victory itself and will prove to be the catalyst to the Seniors bouncing back this weekend. Just remember, when the wind blows hard and the sky is black - Ducks fly together! GO FIELDS! Caulfield Grammarians 8.10.58 Beaumaris 5.5.35 CAULFIELD GRAM Goal Kickers: R. Foote 3, G. Colosimo 3, J. Stewart, D. Spanos
Best Players: D. O''Keefe, L. Spinks, C. Axais, R. Foote, G.Colosimo, E.Kalaja, D. Spanos, C. Jones, A.Ford, A.Clarke |
