Premier League Round 2 win

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Round 2 CMCB vs SEDA College

In the Round 2 encounter of the Premier League against SEDA, the opening quarter began at a frenetic pace, with early pressure from both sides making clean possession difficult due to the slippery conditions following morning rain.

Despite the boys’ best efforts, SEDA were able to capitalise on a few turnovers through the middle of the ground and kicked the first goal. Charlie King then stamped his mark on the match, gathering plenty of the ball and displaying composure and cleanliness in tricky conditions. Up forward, Carter Reid provided the spark needed, showing his X-factor by converting two opportunities into goals. In defence, Charlie Duke and Hugh Behrens in particular were rock solid, reading the play expertly and taking multiple intercept marks to shut down SEDA’s forward entries.

In the second quarter, the boys begin to turn the tide, winning the battle at the stoppages and transitioning the ball effectively from inside to outside, setting up numerous scoring chains. Tom Davie was pivotal in the ruck, giving the midfield first use of the ball through his smart tap work and relentless pressure. Up forward, Oscar Cail played a crucial role in several scoring passages, using his footy smarts to set up goals. In defence, Ben Miller, Baily Warfe and Harvey White stood tall, consistently winning one-on-one contests and launching effective rebounds out of the defensive 50.

The third quarter saw a dominant display from the midfield, particularly from Gus Hay, Patrick Blake, Josh Kelly, and Shannon Tardrew, who consistently won the contest or shut down any opposition outlets. This pressure resulted in repeat forward entries and multiple scoring chances. Zane Connick was instrumental on the wing, providing strong runs, smart decision-making processes and precise kicking, which in turn created a multitude of opportunities up forward. His intercept marking and ability to force turnovers in the forward half provided the team with sustained pressure inside 50. The result of this incredible team pressure and effort saw the boys pile on 7 goals 6 while keeping SEDA scoreless.

With the game put to bed, SEDA take advantage of CMCB’s lower intensity in the fourth quarter to kick the first three goals of the quarter, and for a small time exposed the boys’ lack of defensive pressure and transition. However, after a few structural adjustments, which allowed several players to rotate through different positions and add fresh legs across the ground, the boys responded brilliantly. They finished the quarter with energy and determination, outrunning their opponents and generating repeat inside 50s to close out the match on a strong note.

Final Score: CMCB 15-20-110 to SEDA 6-8-44

Best: Zane Connick (Best on Ground), Carter Reid, Oscar Cail, Charlie King, Tom Davie, Gus Hay, Bailey Warfe, Hugh Behrens

The win has secured the team the top spot in Phase 1 of the competition, and hence the boys have now qualified for the Finals Round, which will be played against Western Heights and Emmanuel College.

Congratulations boys, on a fantastic result and the best of luck in the Final 2 rounds of the competition.

Thanks to Mr Xavier Walsh and Mr Leigh Millard for coaching the boys in Mr Lee Coghlan’s absence. Thanks also to all the boys who came along and assisted with the many different roles on the day.

TEAM: Mr Leigh Millard (Coach), Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Joshua Kelly, Tyce Griffin, Max Connick, Thomas Davie, Charlie King, Zane Connick, Ben Miller, Seamus Doherty, Bailey Warfe, Charlie Duke, Xavier Grant, Lenny McNamara, Mack Skinner, Riley Travaglia, Miller Nihill, Jimmy Mathews, Mr Xavier Walsh (Coach), Kade Hutchinson, Max Thompson, Jack Nuttall, Kobi MacDonald, Harvey White, Oscar Cail, Darby Whatley, Hugh Behrens, Gus Hay, Shannon Tardrew, Patrick Blake, Oliver Stewart, Carter Reid, Archie Stevens, Nicholas Harvey, Charlie Mortimer