Premier League Football Round 2 loss in tight contest

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Round 2: CMC vs Maribyrnong Sports Academy

Catherine McAuley College’s Senior Football team lost a tightly contested Premier League Football match on Wednesday 17 May at Epsom. The CMC boys went down by 7 points. CMC 7.5.47 to Maribyrnong College 8.6.54.

In blustery conditions at Epsom, the first quarter was hard fought and a very physical contest, with Maribyrnong’s ability to kick 2 goals into a decisive breeze proving critical at game’s end. Banfield and Morris were lively early at opposite ends of the ground. The CMC defensive unit held strong to prevent further damage to the scoreline.

The second and third quarters were a real arm wrestle. Maribyrnong’s superior skill by foot was matched by CMC’s dour determination and tackling ferocity. Archer Day-Wicks turned the game in CMC’s favour in the third quarter with two great snaps for goal, one from each side of his body. Noden roved a great third goal for the quarter and CMC was on the brink of taking control of the match.

Maribyrnong had the wind in the fourth quarter and coach Coghlan urged the players to be brave, run their opponents around and play through the middle. Coghlan’s comments had immediate effect with Xavier Grant kicking the first goal of the last quarter. However, the superior kicking skill of Maribyrnong and their repeated forward-50 entries eventually resulted in the CMC defence succumbing to the pressure. Maribyrnong were able to capitalise on their opportunities and therefore held a 7-point lead at the end.

The game was played in tremendous spirit, and Archer Day-Wicks was awarded best player for CMC. The boys now face a must-win match against Bendigo Senior Secondary College on 31 May at the QEO to secure a place in the semi-finals of the competition. Thanks to all of the boys in the squad who didn’t get a game but helped on the day.

Special mention and thanks to Jack Osborne & Thomas Reid who supported the team by being part of the official Umpiring Unit; your efforts were outstanding.

BEST: Archer Day-Wicks (Best on Ground), Oliver Morris, Deakin Andrews, Darcy Lawler, Louis Banfield, Isaac Meersbergen, Henry Edwards, Hugh Behrens

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