Premier League dream ends in close contest

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Semi-Final: CMC vs Emmanuel College Warrnambool

On Wednesday 14 June, the CMC students and support crew travelled to Reid Oval in Warrnambool amid very favourable winter weather conditions for the south-west of Victoria. The boys were keen to atone for last year’s narrow loss to Emmanuel College in the state final, so coach Coughlan urged the boys to play smart, tough football with confidence and enthusiasm.

The first quarter highlighted the high level of player skill on show from both teams. Goals were traded at each end of the ground with Edmiston and McMahon kicking truly for CMC. Costly turnovers however in the back half gifted ECW with some opportunities that enabled them to stay in touch on the scoreboard.

Kicking into a slight breeze, CMC made the second quarter their own. They turned a 5-point deficit at quarter time into a 7-point lead at half time, on the back of some inspiring team football. The boys capitalised on some superb passages of play, as they started to dominate around the stoppages and ignite their run-and-carry style of play. Stevenson, Grant and Edmiston were the gaol kickers this quarter, as they took the opportunities on the back of some brilliant defending and midfield runs.

The third quarter was a scrappy term of football, with both teams increasing their physicality around the packs in their desperation to control the game. Emmanuel kicked a goal within seconds of the siren, but from then on CMC dominated most of this quarter and played some inspiring football. But Emmanuel’s defence held strong, preventing the boys from putting any significant scoreboard pressure on. In the meantime, Emmanuel managed to kick their second for the quarter and went into the final break with a 4-point lead.

The intensity of the game lifted in the fourth quarter as both teams were desperate to gain a place in the state final. Both sides had opportunities to wrestle control of the game early in the last term, but both failed to convert their chances. Grant broke the shackles as he goaled in the twelfth minute to draw the scores level. CMC then kicked what seemed to be two match-winning points, but as the last few minutes of the term ticked down, Emmanuel found a way to goal and took back the lead.

Despite the boys’ best efforts to scrap and try to get clean possession, and move the ball forward, Emmanuel smothered any opportunity the boys had and finished the game as winners by four points.

Coach Coughlan was proud of his team’s efforts, not just in this game, but throughout the entire campaign. Special thanks to the Year 12 group who played their final game of football for CMC, your contribution throughout your schooling journey has been amazing.

The players and supporters all expressed their thanks to Lee who has led the team with passion and such great care throughout the whole campaign.

Final Score: Emmanuel 7-7-49 def CMC 6-9-45

Best: Oliver Morris (AFL Medal winner for Best on Ground), Jack McMahon, Tobie Travaglia, Hugh Behrens, Darcy Lawler, Declan Stevenson, Darcy Edmiston, Jasper Cheesman, Evan Santas

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