| Reserves Round 16 v. Old Geelong |
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A number of casualties from last weeks encounter with Mazenod left the Reserves somewhat undermanned against an inconsistent Old Geelong. Jason May got the call up to the Port Adelaide side to replace his look-alike Jacob Surjan while Towny missed through suspension and was spotted working on his right hand jab in preparation for his forthcoming bout with Blair Hall. We also lost Tom Spinks, Ed Kalaja and Brett Scott to injury, Josh Pitts, and Tim Gerrand who was in Tasmania to allegedly marry his cousin. On the other side of the ledger, Luke Spinks was back from a strained relationship and keen to put his Carmichael Hunt kicking technique to good use. The big selection news however was Aiden Clarke named at full foward and do you think he was pretty happy about that...
The captain's armband was handed to Luke Matias this week as Coach Bombay felt sorry for him after England were bowled out for 100 and it was no coincidence that with Ed Kalaja out of the side we won the toss and kicked to the left of screen. The result was devastating for Old Geelong as the Fields banged on 5 unanswered goals in the first quarter to take a 33 points lead in to the first change. The focus of the day was to be more physical than our disappointing showing last week and Matias and O'Keefe led the way with some superb defending early in the game. The back six were taking no prisoners, only allowing OG to a single point from their 9 forward 50 entries. The score could have been even more one sided were it not for some inaccurate early kicking.
The second quarter saw Geelong edge back in to the game and close the margin to 23 points by the main break. Will Bowes was winning the ball and hitting targets, and he did not miss in his criticism of the Victorian health system when slugged with a $500 medical bill to glue his head wound shut. I think next time some Clag would be a more cost effective option. Tim Hammond meanwhile dragged himself in the second quarter so he could listen to red hot favourite Mic Mac take out the main at Flemington.
Matt "Superboot" Sessler was asked by umpire Williams to carry a sand bucket with him in the second half so that he could replace all divots from his kicking attempts as Geelong made their own divot, this time into the Fields lead. While we worked hard for our two goals, it seemed they were answered just as quickly from the visitors who were doing it a lot easier. We clung to an 8 point lead at the final change, hoping our superior fitness levels would get us home.
Gav Colosimo was more impressive than the Sham Wow! commercials, but his efforts were not enough as Geelong dominated the final quarter, kicking two goals but also restricting our scoring attempts. When we were presented with opportunities we were wastful in front of goal. Overall an undermanned Caulfield could not sustain the first quarter efforts and it was probably a case of 4 points lost, especially after witnessing the opposition celebrations after the final siren. Big test next week against Beaumauris. I must also remind anyone who knows the whereabouts of Alexi Guagas' lip gloss could they please call Crimestoppers and select extension 6 - Missing Chapstick Unit.
Caulfield Grammarians 10.10.70 Old Geelong 11.11.77
CAULFIELD GRAM Goal Kickers: W. Bowes 2, A. Clarke 2, G. Colosimo 2, W. Rowsthorn 2, J. McCahon, T. Hammond |