SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Round 3c vs Rowville Secondary College

On Tuesday 26 May, the Premier League Team travelled to Scoresby Recreation Reserve to take on Rowville in their crucial Round 3 clash. Facing a strong opponent who had already secured two wins, the boys were determined not only to come away with a victory, but also to keep their Semi Final hopes alive.

Upon arrival, the team embraced the conditions, with a strong westerly wind set to play a key role. Winning the toss, Ben Miller elected to kick with the wind advantage, and the boys made an immediate impact on the scoreboard. From the opening centre clearance, the game plan of “kick it long to Seamus” paid off, as he took a strong contested mark and calmly slotted the first goal within the opening two minutes.

Rowville responded quickly, showcasing their speed and ball movement to kick two consecutive goals, however to the boy’s credit, they remained composed, began to slowly adapt to the conditions, and again used the wind effectively. Seamus continued his strong marking presence and kicked his second goal midway through the term. Unfortunately, just before quarter time, the game was halted following a heavy landing in a marking contest that resulted in a serious leg injury to Seamus. Play was suspended for an extended period while medical assistance arrived. It was a challenging moment for all involved, but the team showed great resilience and composure as the situation was managed. Following discussions between the coaching staff, the match resumed in a slightly shortened format, with both teams eager to continue competing.

The second quarter saw Rowville take advantage of the breeze and control much of the play. While their scoring efficiency kept the contest within reach, their pressure and intensity made it difficult for the boys to build any sort of momentum, as they continually suffocated all CMC’s scoring opportunities. At halftime, the game was still in the balance as Rowville held a narrow 11-point lead, 3.7 (25) to 2.2 (14).

The third quarter was a hard-fought slog, with both sides battling fiercely. The CMCB boys showed great determination, working tirelessly to gain territory, but Rowville’s defensive structure proved difficult to break down. Max Connick provided a fantastic highlight, taking a strong mark and converting the goal to keep the team within striking distance heading into the final term.

In the last quarter, the boys once again dug in. Led by Archie Stevens and Ben Miller the boys attacked every contest with energy, grunt and intent. Despite a few near misses, including an early behind, the boys continued to apply pressure all over the ground, but Rowville had once again set up their defensive roadblock that proved difficult to penetrate. Rowville then broke out of defence and transitioned the ball swiftly where they were able to extend their lead midway through the quarter. The goal gave them a 3-goal lead, but the effort of the CMCB crew never wavered. A bright moment came when Charlie Dickins took an excellent mark inside 50 and kicked his first goal in Senior Football - a fantastic achievement and a sign of things to come.

When the final siren sounded, the result hadn’t gone the boy’s way, however the team displayed incredible courage, resilience, and a willingness to compete despite the incident earlier in the match.

A loss may have been the result, and the year may be over for this team, but most importantly, the thoughts of everyone are with Seamus, and we wish him a smooth and speedy recovery.

Final Score CMCB: 4-5-29 lost to Rowville 5-12-42

Goal Kickers: Seamus Doherty 2, Max Connick 1, Charlie Dickins 1

Best: Archie Stevens (AFL Medalist for Best on Ground), Ben Miller, Max Connick, Will Bartlett, Nick Harvey, Charlie Dickins, Rylan Newman, Zavier Ralphs

TEAM: Mr Leigh Millard (Coach), Levi Stephens, Riley Travaglia, Aydan Hand, Charlie Dickins, Ben Miller, Jimmy Mathews, Rylan Newman, Mack Skinner, Ted Harrop, Miller Nihill, Seamus Doherty, Max Connick, Miller Armstrong, Jake Schubert, Griffin O’Shea, Tyce Griffin, Nicholas Long, Quinlan Cody, Mr Kieren Prowse (Assistant Coach), Joshua Kelly, Carter Reid, Callum Whyte, Will Bartlett, Jaxon Kelly, Zavier Ralphs, Sam O’Bree, Jake Rosa, Lachlan Hargreaves, Jacobi Kramer, Archie Stevens, Nicholas Harvey, Hudson Banfield, Cruz O’Sullivan, Oliver Stewart, Max Thompson