Premier League Football Round 3 skilful win against BSSC

In a skilful and entertaining game, CMC defeated BSSC by 22 points in Round 3 of the Premier League to secure themselves a spot in the semi-final against Emmanuel College.

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Round 3: CMC vs BSSC

A boisterous crowd attended the QEO on Wednesday 31 May to see traditional rivals Catherine McAuley College and Bendigo Senior Secondary College clash, in what is the highlight of the school football calendar in the Bendigo region. An emotional pre-match preparation for the CMC boys was led by Coach Coghlan and a number of guest speakers generated a sense of determination amongst the CMC boys in what was a must-win match. It was a massive game for both teams as the winner would ultimately qualify for the semi-finals, while it would be the end of the season’s campaign for the loser.

Both teams appeared very close to full strength as CMC kicked with the wind to the Rosalind Park end in the first quarter. CMC jumped out of the blocks brilliantly with goals to Cheesman and Day-Wicks in the first three minutes. When Day-Wicks kicked his second goal for the quarter at the seven-minute mark, CMC had established a handy lead. BSSC fought back with two crucial goals into the wind late in the term to leave the match evenly poised at quarter time.

The second quarter was a real arm wrestle as both teams traded goals. CMC kicked the last two goals through Pinniger and Day-Wicks to go into the halftime break with a slender, but handy 9-point lead. Edmiston, Travaglia, Kelly and Behrens were influential in this quarter, through the midfield and in defence, which assisted with keeping BSSC at bay.

CMC looked to capitalise on their lead in the third quarter, but BSSC dug in and made it a really physical quarter. Only one goal was registered in the term, kicked by CMC’s Xavier Grant who had been looking dangerous up forward all game. At the final break, CMC held a handy 17-point lead, with no guarantee it was enough to keep BSSC at bay. Coach Coghlan urged the players not to focus on defence, but to be brave, run both ways and take the game on.

Darcy Lawler in the ruck for CMC set the tone for the last quarter with his ruck play and physical presence as he created space and forward ball movement for his fleet of talented midfielders in McMahon, Travaglia and Kelly. McMahon was particularly impressive with his aggression and desperation at the football as well as his skill under pressure in the slippery conditions. Under great pressure in the first part of the last quarter, CMC stood tall in defence with some incredible contested marks, and goal-saving tackles. With just ten minutes gone in the last quarter, Jack Smith made a desperate lunge and strong tackle to deny a certain BSSC goal. From that free kick, the ball was transferred straight to the other end of the ground, with Lawler getting a skilful pass to Kelly who goaled brilliantly to give CMC a huge edge. Cheesman kicked his second goal with three minutes to go and the game was sealed for a very memorable CMC victory.

The final score was 9-10-64 to 6-6-42. It was a very entertaining and skilful game and a well-deserved victory for the CMC boys. Congratulations boys on a sensational win, and all the best for the semi-final.

Goalkickers: Archer Day-Wicks 3, Jasper Cheesman 2, Darcy Edmiston 1, Wil Pinniger 1, Xavier Grant 1, Harrison Kelly 1

Best: Jack McMahon (Best on Ground) Harrison Kelly, Archer Day-Wicks, Darcy Lawler, Tobie Travaglia, Deakin Andrews, Hugh Behrens, Darcy Edmiston

CMC have now qualified for the Premier League semi-finals and will play Emmanuel College in Warrnambool on Wednesday 14 June.

TEAM: Jack McMahon, Wil Pinniger, Hugh Behrens, Darcy Lawler, Evan Cole, Gus Hay, Xavier Grant, Tobie Travaglia, Jasper Cheesman, Deakin Andrews, Harrison Kelly, Daniel Noden, Declan Stevenson, Archer Day-Wicks, Mr Lee Coghlan (Coach), Henry Edwards, Zac Grieve, Oliver Morris, Darcy Edmiston, Logan Kilcullen, Will Stewart, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Jack Smith, Louis Banfield