RESERVES TEAM PAGE 

First Semi Final Match Report  V   Old Caulfield Gammarian
 
Off to the Junction Oval for the second last game of football scheduled at this marvellous
old former league ground and first class cricket venue (The standard of cricket anyway,
lord knows the facilities are a bit primitive side these days).
 
With the weather abating and the conditions fine for football the mission was simple, win a
game of football and continue the season or lose a game of footbll and finish the season
against the side tht we had beaten at their home ground the week earlier.  The major question 
that had the coaches and supporters wondering was Which of our two sides would turn up
to play on the day - The Dr Jekkyl's or Mr Hyde's ?
 
The intensity in the rooms before the game was high and all seemed ready for the fray and so
out we went to renew acquantainship with Caulfield. The game settled quickly into a dour battle
of the defences with the actions of Brett Wall, John Mapleston and Zac Allcott in particular 
being well matched by their Caulfield counterparts.  In limited attacking forays goals were scored
by Mighty Jack Murton (our much overlooked play maker on the wing), little Jack Richter and
Micky Wilson who reprised his running fumbling goal of the week before.  With Caulfield kicking
two goals in the quarter, we were able to take a five point lead into the first break, both sides
having scored three times.

From this start the defences tightened up even further allowing their opposing forwards fewer
opportunities than the first with both sides allowing the other one goal one, our goal courtesy of
Tommy Nash.  Thus we maintained our five point lead into the long break and leaving the game
to be won by whichever side wanted it the most. 
 
As expected the pressure was maintained after the break and by the midpoint of the quarter Caulfield
had taken a narrow lead when n immature individual whose penchant for brain explosions has been
previously noted, provided us with a spectacular example that doomed us to having no chance of
winning the game.  As a result, with about 22 minutes play time remaining, we were forced to play
one man short for over half the remaining time (12 Minute).  With his actions, he also turned the
umpires against us to the extent that I can only recalled the Sharks receiving one free kick after
this time while it seemed that any time the whistle blew, the result was a Caulfield free.  Caulfield
did not allow themselves to be distracted by these antica and despite the best efforts of the defence
finished the quarter with three goals and a winning three goal lead.
 
Unfortunately by the time the last quarter started (with another six and a half minutes one player
down) the die had been cast and despite a late goal from Mark Bramwell after we had been restored
to full numbers, Caulfield had also kicked further ahead and game had been lost.
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                                      3.0     4.1       4.1     5.4
 
OLD CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS       2.1     3.2       6.7     More Than Us
 
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
 
Concetta La Rocca
Michael Wilson
John Mapleston
Brett Wall
Zac Allcott
Adam McNeill
 
GOALS
 
Tommy Nash          1
Michael Wilson       1
Jack Richter           1
Jack Murton            1
Mark Bramwell        1
Round 18 Match Report  V   Monash Blues

Round 18, the start of the serious stuff for four teams, the end of the season for six.  For
the Sharks reserves it was looming as little moe than a glorified practice match against
the D Grade bound Monash Blues and an opportunity for some players to press their
claims for selection the following week against last weeks opponent (Old Caulfield
Grammarians) in the First Semi Final.
 
In benign conditions at Banksia Reserve, the players were there and ready in plenty of time
and we were all just wondering whether the Dr Jekkyls or Mr Hydes were going to run out
onto the ground after our recent inconsistent form.
 
The first quarter started out with Monash having the advantage of the breeze and they managed
to kick two goals with it, goals that ofset by majors to Little Jacky Richter and Julie Bramwells'
little boy Mark.  With both sides kicking inaccurately(2.5 vs, 2.4) , we took a narrow one point
lead into the first break.
 
The Korumburra Kid, fresh from Victorias earthquake central, pointed out to his charges that
places were on the line for the next game and that digits should be extracted, particularly by
those 'senior' players who were in the side to ensure that they remained qualified for the reserves
in the Sharks finals campaigns.
 
The backline, which had been solid in the first quarter lifted its game and repelled all but two
Monash attacks and the midfielders started to work a lot harder to force the ball forward. 
Michael Wilson eventually managed to brush the ball with his bootstops to kick our first after
seeming to juggle the ball interminably on the run past the scoreboard.  Chris Evans quickly
added one and Brammers kicked a double to put his hand up for a run in the first semi.  Little
Jacky Richter bobbed up with his second as did Mick Willo, who rounded out a six goal quarter
that gave us a comfortable five goal lead at half time. 
 
The third quarter continued in much the same style with Monash's single goal being more than
covered by La Rocca continuing his belated return to form, Evo slotting his second and Nashy
adding one.  We then witnessed one of AK47 (in)famous celebrations when he had a snap shot
from outside the forward arc, regrettably with the ball only falling about 20 metres short, he was
a bit more premature than nine months earlier - Ah Kenty think of the anguish you could have
savred with a similarly early call then!   Bowks then added a major to give us a four goal to one
quarter.
 
The last followed the same course.  Monash again scored a singleton, Mark Bramwell kicked
his fourth, Brenton Henry bagged a double followed by a straight shot from Chris Collo an Henners
third for the quarter giving us a solid 14 goal win against one of the bottom two sides
 
Now for the First Semi againt Caulfield at the Junction...........................
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                                      2.5      8.10      12.14     17.18
 
MONASH BLUES                               2.4      4.4           5.4       6.5
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Brett Wall
Chris Evans
Luke Atkins
Brenton Henry
Concetta La Rocca
Adam McNeill
Stephen Lynch
Michael Wilson
 
GOALS
 
Mark Bramwell        4
Brenton Henry        3
Luke Buller             2
Michael Wilson       2
Chris Evans            2
Concetta La Rocca  1
Tommy Nash           1
Brad Bowker            1
Chris Collins            1


Round 17 Match Report  V   Caulfield

Just to make sure that the stewards were on hand to inspect the form of the Beaumaris
Reserves, the VAFA made sure that the races were on at Caulfield, just the other side
of the fence.  I am sure that there must be a VAFA rule that states that Beaumaris are
only to be drawn to play Caulfield away when the races are on at Caulfield as I cannot
recall a visit to Glenhuntly oval without the gee gees thundering past over the fence.

The game was to be a warm up for two weeks time when the same two teams will line
up in the First Semi Final at the Junction Oval when one sides season will finish.  Other
than determining which side was going to finish third and earn the home team duties,
the main thing to be taking from the match would be the confidence of gaining a possible
mental edge over their opponent in two weeks time – and in finals every little factor can
become important .

It was good to see that once again all the players had managed to arrive in plenty of time
to get themselves ready for game time although Zac Allcott and Rob Smale then proceeded
to flutter away wondering where the boss of the McNally clan was as Sonia had Zac’s
jumper and Robbie had managed to turn up with one sock and couldn’t decide which foot
needed it most.  It was apparent that neither had been an aficionado of the boy scouts
motto “Be Prepared”.  How Sonia wishes Wally was as glad to see her as Ross Harford
(and anyone else without their gear) is when she arrives.  With the timekeeper lodging in
the scoreboard overlooking both the racecourse and the ground, Ronnie Buller very quickly
volunteered to take over in the absence of Wesley, It is just as well that we play straight
twenty five minute quarters.

The Korrumburra Kid, not yet through his first season in charge of the reserves, decided to
take a leaf out of the Colliwobbles coaching manual and do a Micky Malthouse by allowing
his (injured) captain The Venerable Squid to take charge of the preparation and coaching
duties.  With Anthony Carroll minding Garry Nicho’s board, the reserves bench was starting
to look like (i) a casualty ward given that both the Squid and Anthony had their right wings
out of action and (ii) the seniors cast of hundreds coaching panel.  With Nashy gracing us
with his presence after returning from his Baseball Victoria duties and a couple of the senior
cast of hundreds wandering over, Mass was kept very busy answering the question of the day
“How long have we been going/ How long to go”.  It was also very noticeable that with the
interchange area so close to the bench and therefore no white line for the Kid and Gaz to have
to keep behind that they spent most of their time in the interchange area.

The howling wind was blowing straight down the ground from the racecourse end goals through
the wide open expanse of the Glenhuntly Oval to the Beaumaris end goals and with the grey
overcast threatening to rain, many supporters and support staff were wishing that they had
paid no heed to the weather bureaus forecast of fine sunny conditions as the game was due
to start.  Fancy believing the weather forecast at this time of the year!

When the game started, Travis English maneuvered himself into position to accept the end of a
string of handballs and coolly slotted the ball through the big sticks for the first score of the game. 
It was a lovely passage of play spoilt only by the fact that he had kicked it through the Caulfield
goals to open their scoring with a point. Despite having the benefit of the strong breeze (gale)
however, Caulfield only managed to score three goals and five behinds themselves to finish with
three goals six behinds which were offset by a goal from little Jacky Richter who benefited from
a free kick in close proximity to the goals.  After marking strongly shartly after, he was unable
to repeat the feat instead opting for a short pass that didn’t come off.

After the Venerable Squid’s measured words at the first break it was our turn with the wind and
Lynchy promptly notched the first of our goals and was duly followed by the Veteran Luke Buller,
Brad Bowker (who thought he had better use his hands to control the ball after unsuccessfully
trying to score with a mid air swipe) and big Zac Allcott getting some reward for his manful solo
effort in the ruck.  The visitors from the senior side, AB, Cowboy and Spencey were combining
well with Hunty, Mighty Jack Murton, La Rocca et. al. to provide plenty of drive into the forward
line where the gusting wind made scoring a challenge.  Caulfield kicked two into the wind and the
half time hooter saw the two teams level on five goals seven.  As Mr Ed said, “that was a waste
of half a game of football” .

Again the Venerable Squid took charge during the long break and after that break the boys were
able to restrict Caulfield to two goals two with the wind which was showing no sign of abating
although the overcast conditions had cleared nicely by this stage.  Against this the younger scion
of the assistant coaches house, Jimmy, kicked a valuable goal into the wind and we went in to the
last break down by 4 points with twenty five minutes to play with the breeze.  The Venerable Squid
and his “assistants” were at pains to point out that the game still needed to be won and that whike
the wind would assist us, we would still need to go out, win the ball, and kick it through the big
sticks to get the points for a morale boosting win over our opponents of two weeks time.

When the last quarter got under way Mighty Jack Murton, who surely must have some enemies
on the senior selection panel given his solid form with the seniors last year while still Under 19 and
his consistency this year with the reserves, quickly bagged a double to set us on our way to victory. 
At that stage we were looking to have more than ten goalkickers yet again with seven players having
scored eight goals.   This did not eventuate as the two very evenly matched sides slugged it out for
the rest of the quarter.  While Caulfield were restricted to one behind for the quarter, Andrew Spence
kicked our ninth and our three goals six was the last of the scoring for the match although Jimmy
Nicho tried to claim a mark and have a shot well after the siren had ended the game.

Overall it was a good four quarter workout between two closely matched sides that will set the scene
for what will be expected to be a very hard first semi-final.  As the Squid said after the game, It could
come down to which of the Doctor Jekyll or Mt Hyde personas that we bring to the match in two
weeks time.  Indeed if we weren’t already the Sharks, we could well be called the Jekyll and Hyde’s
after our form swings this year.

As for the stewards, they were last seen heading back to the bars on the racecourse muttering words
that sounded like they started with psych…………………

I wonder what they meant and who they were referring to.  Where was Wes again ? 

SCORES

BEAUMARIS                                      1.2      5.7       6.9     9.13

CAULFIELD                                        3.6      5.7       7.7     7.8

BEST  (in no particular order)

Tim Hunt

Luke Buller

Stephen Lynch

Zac Allcott

Concetta La Rocca

Andrew Bennett

Adam McNeil 

GOALS

Jack Murton            2

Brad Bowker           1

Luke Buller             1

Jack Richter           1

Zac Allcott              1

Stephen Lynch        1

James Nicholson     1

Andrew Spence       1



Round 16 Match Report  V   Parkdale

After a long week of considering their options after Garry Nicholsons’ words after last weeks
disappointing efforts, the Sharers reserves decided it was time to give the stewards another
inquiry into their performance.

For the first time since knocking off Mazenod, the team took to the field ready and keen to
play with everyone managing to drag themselves out of bed and get to the changerooms in
sufficient time to ensure that they really were well prepared, a practice that will become critical
in a couple of weeks when they line up in the First Semi Final at the Junction Oval (the site of
the Bushrangers rain plagued Shield Final just a few short months ago) if they want to
progress further and play at Sandringham Beach Oval the week after.

After a couple of damp windy days, the weather was quite benign with little wind and no
excuse for poor football other than the usual fact that it is reserves football.  With the team
being bolstered by the return of Stephen Lynch after an extended health break the scoring
was opened up by Timmy Hunt who kicked a long range running goal to start the goal
scoring.  His opener was followed by a double to Brad Bowker who made the utmost of
limited touches.  The evergreen Luke Buller was keeping up his workrate and was rewarded
with the next goal and Michael Wilson contributed the fifth major for the quarter while the
running centerline and the strong defence restricted Parkdale to a paltry one goal one giving
the Sharkers a good lead at the first break in what seemed a very long time.

The second quarter opened up in much the same fashion with Lynchy starting to find the
pace of the game and the football and scoring the opener for the quarter.  His goal was
followed in due course by singletons to Evo, Brammers, little Jacky Richter (the Eddie
Maguire wannabe according to the C section scribe in the “Amateur Footballer) And finally
big Zac Allcott raised both the flge shortly before half time.  Although five goals was a good
return, they were accompanied by six behinds.  With Parkdale kicking three straight the
boys took a commanding lead into the long break.

In a strange, albeit understandable given the scoreline, reversal of the form against Old
Geelong and Bulleen Templestowe, the second half was not played in as intense a spirit
as the boys ran out the second half comfortably.  The ball magnet Luke Buller commenced
the scoring for the quarter, followed by another double from the opportunistic Brad Bowker
and little Jacky Richter rounding out the quarter , the four goals one slightly extending the
lead against Parkies three goals two.

The last quarter was really spent just going through the motions and although Robbie
Smale bobbed up for a goal in the goalsquare on the end of a chain of handballs and
the AK47 also bringing up a goal from a set shot, Parkdale ewere allowed to kick four
consolation goals to win the last quarter.    

For the sixth time this year we had over ten individual goalkickers scoring sixteen
majors.  We definitely do not rely on the activities of one sharpshooter. 

SCORES

BEAUMARIS                                      5.2      10.8      14.9     16.12

PARKDALE                                        1.1      4.1        7.3       11.7

BEST  (in no particular order)

Tim Waller

Jack Murton

Michael Wilson

Tim Hunt

Luke Buller

Stephen Lynch

GOALS

Brad Bowker            4

Luke Buller              2

Jack Richter            2

Zac Allcott              1

Michael Wilson       1

Stephen Lynch        1

Tim Hunt                1

Chris Evans            1

Mark Bramwell        1

Rob Smale             1

Andrew Kent           1


Round 15 Match Report  V   MHSOB

If this football side was a horse, the stewards would be bloody sick of holding enquiries into
its performance, it goes up and down like a yo-yo.

While the conditions were by no means perfect, they provided no excuse for the lack luster
football that was on display last weekend by the BFC reserves at Banksia.

Despite talking about their preparation and taking responsibility for their actions during the
week, the appearance that was on display pre match was, with very few exceptions, very
much in keeping with the preparation on display over the last couple of weeks and even
reminiscent of the attitude on display at Ajax; and the result was every bit as bad when
the game started with MHSOB keeping us scoreless while kicking two goals three
themselves.  It was a rather damning indictment of a number of reserves players that half
a dozen senior players were there before they deigned to stroll in themselves.

The second was little better with their five straight offset by our four goals one.  The goals
came courtesy of Zac Allcott (first and fourth) who was using his bulk and agility to good
purpose, Luke Sherry and Luke Buller who was very busy all day.  Unfortunately our gallant
leader, The Venerable Squid was sidelined with a possibly season ending AC joint injury and
his presence was sorely missed both on field and in the rooms at half time.

At half time I commented that maybe I could just recycle the Old Geelong match report of the
week before as we were in almost exactly the same position as the week before and wondering
how we were only 20 points astray.  Despite the efforts of the Korumburra Kid in the committee
room however, the prospect of another second half rally appeared most unlikely as we took to
the field for the third quarter.

Luke Bullers double was the only contribution to the majors for the sharks during the third and
with little Jacky Murton being the only contributor in the last quarter it turned into a very
disappointing showing without much honour to the participants.

It remains to be seen whether former senior premiership and current reserves assistant coach
Garry Nicholsons words after the game will be taken to heart or whether we will just be making
up numbers in a couple of weeks.

SCORES

BEAUMARIS                                      0.0      4.1       6.2     7.5

MHSOB                                            2.3       7.3      8.8      9.9

BEST  (in no particular order)

Luke Buller

Zach Allcott

Tim Waller 

GOALS

Luke Buller             3

Zach Allcott            2

Luke Sherry            1

Jack Murton            1



Round 14 Match Report  V   Old Geelong

On another cold windy Melbourne winters day we conveyed ourselves out to Como Park by the
Yarra to take on our old acquaintances Old Geelong  With next to no parking it was quite
surprising how many directions players eventually ambled into the ground and the quaint state
of the art changerooms, 1939 state that is.
 
The game had the potential to be a danger game for us against a side well out of finals contention
but keen to knock off a higher side and once again a better prepared and ready side was waiting
for us when we took to the field.  With the competiion for places in the team for the finals becoming
critically important for the players who have been rotating in and out of the side and/or starting on
the bench, it is VERY important for everyone to be ready to hit the ground running when the siren
sounds and it is just not happening.
 
With The Venerable Squid back, and losing the toss, we kicked into the wind and our only score for
the quarter was a goal to our occasional visitor the Bull.  Meanwhile the bad guys kicked four goals
two.  The way we started the game left the coaching and support staff amazed that we were only 20
points behind.
 
The lacklustre performance continued into the second quarter with both teams kicking two goals three. 
Our first was contributed by The Venerable Squid, who rolled his ankle early in the first and had it
restrapped during the first quarter, missed his first opportunity to goal but made sure of his second
from nearly the same spot.  Tommy Nash popped up for the second goal in the quarter and again all
were surpised that the deficit was still only 20 points given the way that we had approached the first
half.
 
Once again the Korumburra Kid got them thinking about what they wanted and whether they were
serious about playing football and appearing in the finals.
 
Old Geelong came out and kicked another two goals with the wind, but as the Sharks had kicked
the first two goals courtesy of Micky Willo in the first minute and Anthony Carroll in the third and with
another foue in the quarter giving us a straight six goals.  Tommy Nash kicked a double taking him
to three for the game, the Bull kicked his second and Micky Willo kicked the sixth of the quarter to give
us a four point lead going into the last.  Meanwhile little Jacky Richter, who had taken on the runners
duties for the day, had decided that after being kept busy running messges in the first half (some
alleged that he had one more running in the first half than in any two matches this year) it was much 
easier to just stand and yell the messages from the boundary.
 
Stephen Willo managed to join Mick in the goalkickers list with the first two of the quarter and Travis
English contributing another which ended our scoring for the game.  The backline continued its
miserly form allowing Old Geelong only one goal courtesy of a very ill-directed kick across goal
from someone who will remain nameless, but is still waiting on the arrival of his firt child.  The
ressies finally ran out three goal winners after only playing half a game of football, a tactic that
will not see us fare well against other finals contenders.
 
A slight correction from an earlier match report where I stated that we liked to share the goal kicking
duties around having had ten goal kicker in three games, a review of the season to date revealed
that we actually had ten or more goalkickers in five games.
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                                      1.0      3.3       9.3     12.9
 
OLD GEELONG                                  4.2      6.5       8.5       9.9
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Tim Waller
Tommy Nash
Jack Murton
Concetta La Rocca
Michael Wilson
Tim Hunt
Brenton Henry
Chris Evans
 
 
GOALS
 
Tommy Nash          3
Stephrn Wilson       2
Luke Buller             2
Michael Wilson       2
Nick Kennedy         1
Anthony Carroll       1
Travis English         1


Round 13 Match Report  V   Bulleen-Templestowe


After getting the cut lunches packed and topping up the waterbag we started the trek out
to Thompsons Rd in the far far far East in Templestowe for our return clash against the D
Grade bound Bulleen-Templestowe.  This was always a potential danger game in the wind 
against the bottom side on a small narrow ground.  This was the ground that, in 1998, the
seniors lost their only game before the grand final when Bulleen-Temp were then on the
bottom where the remained.  That also was in C Grade.
 
The ground is et into the side of the hill and was very exposed to the wind which was blowing
at a strong gale.  While the wind appeared to be favoring one end (the western), due to the
vagaries of the wind hitting the hill and houses beside the ground the Eastern end was
actually the scoring end.
 
Our stand in captain for the day, Micky Willo, won the toss and elected, as he thought, to
kick with the wind - and as the first quarter started to unfold quickly realised that this was
not the case.and consequently despite plenty of drive coming from the usual suspects in
the middle scoring opportunities were limited.  Particularly limited with most attacks being
directed into the dead pocket meaning some chances were unkickable in the wind.  Tommy
Nash was eventually able to convert truly into the teeth of the wind while Bulleen-Temp kicked
four straight wind assisted goals from maybe five forward moves.
 
The second quarter started slowly with the days senior citizen, Cats, kicking a long range
running goal using the wind.  Did I mention that it was blowing a strong gale ? Steve Wilson
kicked our second as we racked up the behinds and with Tommy Nash kicking his second
and our third for the quarter we were able to take a narro 4.8 to 5.1 (thats one point for those
who can't be bothered working it out) lead into the long break. 
 
After the Korumburra Kid laid down the law and the challenge with Gaz and Nashy the boys
in red (that was us as Bulleen-Temp were in their home blue and gold and we were in red
clash jumpers) came out ready to fire in the third and the tone was set by Cowboy at the
three minute mark with a thirty five metre chase down, past a blocker, to lay a perfect tackle
and reap the subsequent reward. Twelve minutes later, little Jacky Richter decided that
anything that Cowboy could do, so could he and also laid a perfect tackle for another free.  
Directly after this however, he and Luke Buller took each other out in a blue on blue (?red on
red?) friendly fire clash While we again were only able to kick one goal - and four behinds -
into the wind (which I believe I mentioned was a strong gale) courtesy of our captain for the
day Micky Willo we were also able to restrict Bulleen-Temp to one goal to behinds.and
therefore increased our lead to three points.
 
Going into the last quarter, the bench looked more like a casualty ward with four players
giving Ed and Michelle plenty of work to do.  With the game on the line, it was hardly
what we needed but fortunately little Jacky Richter was the only one who was finished for
the day.   The Catman decided to reprise his first half goal and then Mapes also contributed
a goal while we stopped Bulleen-Temp scoring more than two point into the wind which had
finally decided to drop its intensity, the game was starting to look safe, more so when Nashy
added his third and our last goal for the day.
 
Overall it can best be summed up as a win in what had proven to have been the danger game
that we feared. It may not have been the greatest spectacle given the draughty conditions, we
did what we needed to do and banked the four point.
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                                      1.3      4.8         5.12     8.14
 
BULLEEN-TEMPLESTOWE                 4.0      5.1        6.3       6.5
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Jack Murton
Jonathan Edmeades
Adam Catlin
Michael Wilson
Tim Hunt
J Nicholson
A McNeil
 
GOALS
 
T Nash                   3
A Catlin                  2
S Wilson                1
M Wilson                1
J Mapleston            1
 


Round 12 Match Report  V   Mazenod

On Saturday, in wet and windy conditions with threatening rain our task was very simple. 
Having not beaten a team above us on the ladder, albeit having held Oakleigh to a draw,
and a mere two weeks after our disgraceful performance in our loss to Ajax (the only side
below us to have beaten us this year), we faced the task of beating the, thus far, 
unbeaten ladder leader Mazenod.  As I said simple, well I wish !
 
The ground was very damp following some recent and decent rain and as Wes pressed
the button to sound the siren to start the game, the heavens opened. It must be said that
the team was very focused and ready in the rooms after having undergone some serious
navel gazing and reflection about their attitudes and endeavors after the Ajax game - and
as they had been last week against the second placed Oakleigh.   Mazenod won the toss
and not surpisingly elected to kick with the Northerly gale that was blowing straight down
the ground.   It very quickly became very obvious that few, if any, players on the field had
any experience in wet weather football.  Players from both sides were finding themelves out
of position as the ball dropped short, or unready for the ball to skid rather than bounce, or
tried to pick up the ball on the run without getting their bodies in line with ball.  All the older
blokes on the bench and boundary were shaking their heads muttering about "the good old
days" when it was wet and muddy most of the season and football was played in driving
rain every other week.  Someone was even silly enough to ask Uncle Sid how many
touches he would have had by now late in the first quarter.   His reply was as immodest
as we would expect.
 
Given the conditions all scoring opportunities were critical and while Mazenod had seven
scores on the board compared to our five, we took a narrow lead into the quarter time break
as Mazenod was only able to convert one into a goal while Luke Buller, making one of his
guest apparances, made sure of his two shots at goal.  The defence pressure under the
wise generalship of The Venerable Squid was a major factor in Mazenod's inability to
convert.  We also understood the AK47's apparent inability to concentrate given that he
was terrified that Sonia was going to tell him that the call had come and he had to decide
whether or not he was actually going to attend his childs birth.
 
The secon uarter continued in te rain in much the same way with the Sharks having a turn in
being unable (with the exception of The Bull slotting his third) to convert five of the six scores
while Mazenod kicked two (of four) to take us into the long break with the sides level on three
goals eight behinds.
 
The Korrumburra Kid laid it on the ground for the players, pointing out that the game was there
to be won if they wanted it enough.  Again the attitude of the team was very positive and
determined.
 
The second half commenced with Zach Allcott starting to impose his bulk and strengh on
the contest across the half back line, Stephen Wilson marking everything that came his way
(or at the least providing a contest to enure that ball hit the ground) and the midfiel running
players such as the Catman, Mick Willo and little Jacky Murton providing plenty of run and
football.  In windy conditions but without the rain, the defence was as strong as in the first
half restricting Mazenod to one goal three while Justin Englih kicked an excellent goal on the
run along Tramway Parade and with Stephen Wilson kicking one late into the quarter, we took
a narrow four point lead into the last break.
 
As expected from an unbeaten side, Mazenod rallied and whittled the lead down to one point
about eight minutes into the quarter.  The game then developed into a very hard arm-wrestle
between the repective half back lines and with Zach again showing his strength and little Jacky
and the venerable Catman lifting their work rates even  higher we looked to be the more
aggressive tem without getting the rewards on the board.  Stephen Wilson finally grabbed one
in range at about the nineteen minute mark and kicked truly to give us ome breathing space. 
When the Bull grabbed the ball and snaffled his fourth goal, loud sighs of relief were heard
around the bench as Mazenod then needed three scoring shots to level or win in the last four
minutes or so.  Whilst they did score a late goal to reduce the margin to sven points, we
managed o run out time for an excellent result.
 
The reserves players have made an attempt to get to training and, In understand, have been
doing the drills with the senior players and have decided within thmselves that they do want
to impose themselves in and on this competition and are showing the results over the last
two weeks, drawing with the second placed Oakleigh and then knoking off the previously
unbeaten leader.  Now the season gets a lot more interesting for the Sharker Ressies
and their self belief.
 
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS              2.3      3.8         5.8     7.10
 
MAZENOD                 1.6      3.8         4.11    5.16
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Jack Murton
Jonathan Edmeades
Adam Catlin
Zach Allcott
Stephen Wilson
Michael Wilson
 
GOALS
 
Luke Buller             4
Stephen Wilson      2
Justin English         1
 

Round 11 Match Report  V   Oakleigh

Back at Oak Street for the return match against Oakleigh, one of our vanquishers in the first
part of the season and, after a truly disgraceful effort last week, needing to win to bolster
our chances of competing in the post season activities (thats the finals fellas).  It was a
cold windy day with a fair amount of surface water on the ground, particularly the centre
square which had quite a sine 0 I wouldn't have hesitated in asking the opposition to bat
first.
 
We opened up towards the Balcombe Road end and were quickly on the board courtesy of
AB who's goal was followed by one from our esteemed senior citizen Cats.  These goals and
a stout defence led us in to the first break with a narrow lead against a very competitive (and
I am sure confident after last weeks performance) Oakleigh as the two sides again proved to
be well matched.
 
The change of ends quickly proved that the far end was indeed the scoring end and the back
line was again kept very busy repelling attacks and feeding the ball to our central running
players ( particularly Catman, Evo, Henners and little Jacky Murton) who also kept driving the
ball forward where we were largely unable to gain possession against Oakleigh's equally
determined defence.  Our first goal came courtesy of little Zac Allcott who grabbed the ball
in a scrum in the goalsquare and threw it at his boot which he had managed to get up in the
air.  Despite some of the noises that his old man Martin was convinced could only have come
from someone touching the ball, neither the field or goal umpires were of like opinion and the
goal as duly awarded.  Towards the end of the first half one of the great moments occurred
when Ben Strong was able to convert a rare possession in play to a goal much to everyones
delifght, its a pity his old man Phil doesn't come and wach - he would have loved it.  Still
sailors are strange creatures.
 
Coming out after half time with an eight point deficit, the job was there to be done if we
wanted it.  While the bkline restricted Oakleigh to a measly 1.1 Brenton opened the Sharks
third quarter account with one of his trademark running goals from the centreline, Pebbles
chimed in with one nd Alez Chinery rounded out the quarter with a brace of goals (thats two
for the less enlightened).
 
Defending a ten point lead with Oakleigh kicking to the scoring end was the challenge facing
the Sharks at the start of the last quarter against a side that was above us on th ladder - and
we hadn't beaten anyone above us!   Oakleigh quickly rattled up a lead and half way though
a shortened quarter had a two goal lead, five goals to them offset by one from JB.  This was
the time for the Sharks to prove whether they were fair dinkum and wanted to play for the finals
or just wanted to have a kick with their mates. which after last weeks effort was a real fear.  
The Backline stiffened again, Rob Smale decided that anything that Strongy could do, he
could match and thu he also joined the goalscorers list and Jonno Edmeades ook a strong
mark on the lead and duly converted to leave us one point down with two minutes to play.
    
With about a minute left, the ball was turned over in the backline and cleared by Hunty
enjoying being on the field as a player again who kicked long to Jimmy Nicho who in turn
kicked it long to Jono to give him a chance of taking the lead with a second goal, levelling
the score with little left on the clock or just plain failing to score.  As all on the bench held
their breath while Jono lined up we wondered how long to go and what he would score.  It
was a behind and the scores were level.  The ball travelled up and down the ground a couple
of times with neither able to score the time ran out for a draw.
 
The reserves showed plenty of determination and character in drawing level after Oakleigh
had taken a lead when it would have been easy to drop their bundles and say they were beaten
by a better team.  IUnstead they proved to themselves and their doubters that they can match
the tops sides. 
 
This game was also the third time this season that we had ten (or more) players on the goal
scoring list.  We do like to share it around.
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS              2.2      4.4         8.5     11.8
 
OAKLEIGH                 1.3      5.6         6.7     11.8
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Jack Murton
Brenton Henry
Tim Hunt
Jonathan Edmeades
Alex Bennett
Chris Evans
Adam Catlin
 
 
GOALS
 
Alex Chinery        2
Alaex Bennett      1
Anthony LaRocca 1
Adam Catlin         1
Zac Allcott           1
Ben Strong          1
Brenton Henry      1
John Bramwell      1
Rob Smale           1
Jono Edmeades    1


Round 10 Match Report  V   Ajax

Time:   Saturday Morning
 
Date:   27/6/2009
 
Conditions:  Idyllic.  Sunny with a gentle breee across a well grassed surface
 
Location:  Gary Smorgon Oval Albert Park
 
Event   Beaumaris versus Ajax reserves (4th v.6th)  --  At least that was what we were thinking
when we rolled up to find the ground completely overrun by Auskickers and Channel seven
sports and broadcasting people including Leigh Mattews, Nthan Buckley, Denis Cometti,
Bruce McAveney and Tim Watson.
 
When the channel 7 people finally packed up their broadcast gear and departed we got the game
underway, and it was just as well that the cameras had left because seeing this game only once
was punishment enough for most of us.
 
At quarter time the sides were level on 4 behinds each, the first goal was not kicked until the
eighteen minute mark of the second (by Ajax) which opened the floodgates.  At halftime Ajax l
ed by two goals to one.  Little Jack Richter scored our sole goal for the half after a strong mark.
 
Without taking anything away from the backlines, whose defence was excellent, and the midfild
players who all knocked up plenty of possessions on both sides of the balance sheet, both sides
seemed to be competing in a competition to produce the most inept deliveries into the scoring
zones and to see which team could make the most and most outrageous turnovers.
 
Kenty was solid in the final line of defence foiling and clearing many attacks, Tim Hunt had a
welcome return to football,  the likes of Juz English, Jonno Edmeades, Jack Murton and Luke
Sherry o plenty od ball through the middle of the ground and pushed us deep into attack to find
the forwards playing from behind,  not chasing or pressuring the defenders clearing the ball.  
The general lack of talk all over the ground was self evident from the level of rushed and broken
plays as players did not know when they were clear or indeed under pressure.  The overall
decision making left much to be desired, players not shepherding teammates, not contesting
marks or ground balls and kicking short to contests rather than long to clear players.
 
The second half started much as the first had played out, our third quarter goal from Bowks
being offset by two to Ajax.  Going into the last quarter trailing by thirteen points the game
was there to be won if the player were prepared to commit themselves to the ball nd the team. 
Regrettably this was not to be the case with a single goal to Pebbles being well covered by
Ajax's three for the quarter.  One shocker was was kicked after a chip kick across goal that
went straight to an Ajax player 25 metres from the nearest Beauy player.
 
All up this was one of the most inept and uncommitted a side as has been seen in a long 
long time despite the team being (on paper at least) a very strong one.  The standard must
be lifted if we are to support the senior side and to play in finals.
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS              0.4      1.7         2.7     3.12
 
AJAX                         0.4       2.7        4.8      7.10
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Jack Murton
Brenton Henry
Tim Hunt
Luke Sherry
Alex Bennett
Justin English
 
 
GOALS
 
J Richter
B Bowker
A LaRocca


Mid-season Report

After 9 games the Beaumaris reserves are sitting in fourth spot with a 6-3 win loss record. 
We have beaten the six teams below us, not always as comfortably as we would have liked
and had losses to the three teams in the four above us.  The losses to the top two teams
were away losses and with margins of 13 points (Mazenod) and 12 Points (Oakleigh) were
games that could have gone either way and left us feeling confident of matching them on our
own turf.  The other loss however was at home and was an 11 goal loss to a side that was very
well prepared team that knew its game plan well and that was well able to play up to it with a
number of outstanding players at the level.  They have given us a good yardstick to measure
up to if we wish to play in and influence finals footy, which after all is one of the main reasons
that most of us are out there.
 
We have a young side that is still learning what adult football is all about but have had an evening
of experienced players coming back from absences (overseas, interstate and injury) and trying to
push their way back into the senior side and these players have had a huge amount to offer to their
younger compadres.
 
While it has caused momentary anguish the players are attempting to try the things that they need
to learn if we are to move back into B-Grade.  At times the handballs are going to players standing
still only a metre away rather than 10 metres to a running player, or are to a players bootlaces ar
behind him rater that in out front where he can run on and be set up properly for the next disposal
and eem therefore to be wasted possessions or cause turnovers.  We all have to learn somewhere
and if these things are not tries under match pressure then the player will nevr learn the requisite skills
and judgement.  Yes, it is frustrating to see mis-kicks hitting oppossition players on the chest, or
kicking to contests rather than open players, or across the face of goal in defence (something that
was not done in the days many of our spectators and officials played in but part of the modern game
with its quick switches) but if players do not try and move out of their comfort zones they will never
develop as footballers.
 
There are a number of areas that we know we need to improve on and a few where we need to
radically change our approach.  We need to train and opate together so that we are not strangers
on the field, this will help with the talk and understanding of each others capabilities on the field.  At
times the only voices that seem to be heard are rom one or two players on the field anf the people
on the bench (And of course or wonderful Treasurer). We need to learn not to rush, to assess and
see what is happening ahead on the field so that we avoid kicking into the man on th mark or realise
after isposal that a player was untended  in the goalsquare.  These things will come with experience.
 
Areas that we can address straight away are our discipline, our tendency to play from behind, our
tendencies to kick chase and jam up the play, our accountbility upon change of possession all over
the ground.  There is no point in abusing an umpire when a decision goes against you, no matter
how bad it is, they are not going to say "Sorry, you;re right, here take the kick", You will just set
him against you and your teammates.  We all make mistakes, any time a free is paid someone
has me a mistake, a player, everal players even or yes sometimes (even frequently the lower w go)
the umpire.  FORGET IT an move on.   But this is not the only area in which discipline is required,
it includes picking up your man, it includes staying in position and not chasing the ball all over the
ground and crowding play (which hurts our style anyway). 
 
Then there are possibly the most important things, TALKING, letting your mates know when they
are clear, when they are hot, telling on peron to go for the mark and the others be ready fo the spilt
ball.  Its reserves football, the ball hits the ground from contests most of the time!   We need to lay
effective tackles, to wrap players p not bump them, If  team mate has the ball and is under pressure,
lay a shephrs and giv him room,  run to space to give options.
 
All these are smll thing of themselves, but if w start to apply them then we will be in the finals to
win and not just make up numbers.  The sason is there to be seized in the next nine games if e ant it.
 
GO SHARKS!.


Round 9 Match Report  V   Caulfield Gammarians

Back at home for the clash with last years fellow relegatee and playing the first match
for the Ken Criswick Shield and missing both assistant coaches with Garry off inspecting
Royal Ascot (not planning any overseas racing coups are we Gaz?) and then touring the
Emerald Isle in the name of attending a wedding and Nashy otherwise unavailable. 
Fortunately Michael Richter has stepped up to help The Korumburra Kid out with the
board (Thats Reg for those of you who, like a long time teammate of Reg's was heard
to ask one night "Who's this Michael Richter? Is he Reg's brother?").
 
It all got started in the rooms early with Jonno Edmeades enquiring if anyone had his boots
that he left at Parkdale last week.  Collo told him that they were in the lost property as
everything that is left in the rooms gets loaded into Uncle Sids travelling box after an away
game.  At this stage little Jimmy (What about me?) Nicholson pipes up and enquires as to
the availability of a pair of jeans he left behind at Cheltenham (Thats right folks 12 weeks ago). 
As Collo, and a few others, just looked at him Jonno started questioning Jimmy as to the type,
colour and size of the mising item.  As suspicion startd to gather Jonno stood up and courtesy
of an inner leg tear Jimmy was able to identify th jeans that Jonno was wearing were the
missing article and Jonno was asked to srrender them on the spot.  This. of course meant Jonno
had to borrow a pair of shorts from guess who?  Yep, Jimmy.  Hopefully he won;t have to wait
another 12 weeks to get them back.
 
The Match marked the 200 game milestone of our gallant on field leader, The Venerabl Squid Nick
Kennedy, who was hoping that is milestone ould go the same way as Luke Atkins 100th had gone
last week against Parkdale.  Regrettably this was not to be the case with Caulield opening up a
slight lead at quarter time courtesy of the accurate kicking.  Sharks goals were kicked by Teaser,
Henners anf Steve Willo but our 3.1 was bettered by Caulfields 4.0.  While the contested balls were
reasonable even through the game, Caulfield had us well covered in the set-pieces and were a very
well drilled team and in many if not most match ups it looked to be a case of boys playing against
men. 
 
It just went downhill from there.  Our two goals of the second quarter came courtesy of Jimmy
Nicho and Luke Buller who had come into the side for Squids milestone game when Luke Axe
was a late callup to the seniors against Caulfield' six goals.  At half time they had the very accurate
return of 10 goals two behinds.  What was most galling to the coach and bench crew was the fact
that in the first five minutes of the quarter we conceded three easy gaols from turnovers in defence
in front of goal.
 
The third quarter gave us a singleton from Zac Allcott against three of theirs and the last quarters
three (to Carroll, Bull and Jonno) were answred by seven fron Caulfield.
 
This was clearly our worst performance of the year and left us with a number of areas that we will
need to impove on if we wish to keep pushing players up for senior selection and to play in and
win finals. The areas that the coach highlighted at quarter time for improvrmrnt included our lack
of disipline in staying in position, our tendency to play from behind and general lack of accountability.

 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                3.1       5.4         6.5      9.8
 
CAULFIELD                  4.0       10.2       13.8     20.11
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Jack Murton
Brenton Henry
Jonathan Edmeades
Anthony Carroll
Alex Chinery
Travis English
C Evans
 
GOALS
 
Luke Buller               2
Jonathan Edmeades  1
David Teasdale          1
Brenton Henry           1
Anthony Carroll         1
Stephen Wilson         1
Zack Alcott               1


Round 8 Match Report  V   Parkdale Vultures

Round eight and just for a change we are on the road again, this time off to Parkdale, a ground
that holds nightmares for many and great memories for others.  The former in particular include
a former Burwood captain and full back who discovered how dangerous the females of Ashburton
could be with a beer bottle near a fence and our friend Mark Neeld who must have thought that
Adam Rowbury was going to follow him home after Moose set Adam the task of sticking to him
in the 1997 D Grade grand final (even we thought that Adam would follow him to the bench when
he dragged himself).
 
The match started with a strong breeze blowing straight down the ground and bringing the apparent
temperature right down through the wind chill factor and us kicking into it.  Our gallant and revered 
leader The Venerable Squid was having some more success in his ongoing attempts to play up
forward and opened the scoring with our first major, shortly followed by Little Jacky Richter while
the defence restricted Parkdale to just one goal (and four behinds) with the breeze.
 
As the wind dropped in the second quarter our running game started to develop through the agencies
of The Venerable Squid, the nearly as Venerable Catman, young Jack Murton and Michael 'The
Iceman: Wilson.  Stephen Wilson started the scoring and was follwed by a great individual effort
from Cats as he battled and pursued the ball from half forward (he admitted afterwards that he was
pretty happy with it).  Steve followed up with his second and The Venerable Squid rounded out the
quarter with his second and with th backline again restricting the opposition to a single goal a
comfortable lead was established by the long break.
 
Unfortuneately one of our bad habits set in during the third quarter as we relaxed and while not exactly
letting the bad guys back into the game, we did let Parkdale score three goals in the term, goals that
were offset by goals to Jackie Murton, Teaser and Carroll to maintain a four goal lead.  Little Jacky
Richter was seen attempting to emulate his screamer from Mazenod, however even the passing traffic
on the highway could see the hands in and on the back as he tried to set himself. 
 
In the last we finally did what good sides are expected to do and put our foot down upon a beaten
opposition.  Stephen Wilson again started the scoring with his third, 'Pebbles' La Rocca slotted one
through followed by one each from The Iceman, Emu, Jonno and Henners with Kennedy rounding out
the seven goal six behind quarter with his third.  Our two part timers (Emu and Ax) saw out the game
strongly and it is to be hoped that they are well on the way back to form and fitness.
 
Overall this was a very good team effort (against what it must be honestly admitted o be a very
ordinary opposition) with twelve players contributing to the goal scoring and the Korrumburra Kid
appeared to be well pleased after the match.  While the "one percentres" had not been particularly
noticeable in the first half, they were very noticeable in the second half.  All we need to do now is string
together four quarters to ensure we play (and win) finals.

 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                2.1       6.3         9.5      16.11
 
PARDALE VULTURES  1.4       2.5        5.6       7.6
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Nick Kennedy
Jack Murton
Adam Catlin
Brenton Henry
Jonathan Edmeades
Michael Wilson
 
GOALS
 
Stephen Wilson          3
Nick Kennedy             3
Jonathan Edmeades    1
Michael Wilson           1
Jack Richter               1
David Teasdale           1
Adam Catlin               1
Jack Murton               1
Brenton Henry            1
Anthony Carroll          1
Anthony La Rocca      1
Aaron Salisbury          1


Round 7 Match Report  V   Bullen-Templestowe

After many years absence, we welcomed our fellow blue and gold warriors from
Bullen-Templestowe down to Oak Street and despite being in the four and playing
a bottom side, all that can be said is that winning ugly is still winning............
 
Well maybe I can manage a bit more than that.
 
For a start one thing that I meant to mention in last matches report was to
congratulate Brenton Henry on both his return to last years form and the conversion
of his girlfriend into his fiancee,  if one has led to the other he should have proposed
months ago!
 
Bulleen Temp started with the breeze and led us into the first break with five goals to
our four courtesy of Messrs Nicholson, Seve Wilson, Little Jacky Richter and Jonno
Edmeades.  The game was very scrappy despite the relatively high scoring and we
expected to be able to kick clear in the second quarter.
 
This was not to be as the second uarter was even worse than the first.  While we
stopped Bulleen Temp coring more than two behinds, we only managed to kick three
goals with The Venerable Squid (having persuaded the coaches to let him stay at the
windy end) bracketing a second goal by James Nicho.  Meanwhile the Korumburra Kid
was starting to develop a similar hair style to his assistant coach by tearing  clumps
of his hair out as we continualled with our elementary mistakes like kicking into the man
on the mark, kick chasing and getting caught out of position and playing on regardless of
the advisability of oing s (lack of alk being the major cause).
 
The game was put away in the third as we kicked eight goals into the breeze compared to
their three with it.  Goals were kicked by Patty Irons enjoying a rare chance up forward,
Jonno Edmeades, Micky Wilson, Justin English, David Teasdae, Mick Willow again and
Stephen Wilson.  Last but not least was Jackie Coleman, returning from his sojourn helping
out in the red and black of Black Rock, lining up the goals late in the quarter after marking
strongly.  Garry Nicho turned away and spoke to Sid rather than watch, the rest of the bench
didn't know here to loom and his old man dragged himself away from the races to watch as 
Jack calmly steered the ball through for a major.
 
The last quarter had both teams going through the motions running out time.  Jackie Coleman
proved that the first wasn't a fluke snapping truly, Chris Evans got on the board and Travis English,
having finlly recovered from testing the time space continuum by attempting to have his groin and 
a boot heel occupy the same place at the one time, kicked our last.  His groin, needless to say,
came off secondbest and provided much merriment to all when it was realised what had occurred.
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                4.1       7.6         15.8      18.14
 
BULLEEN-TEMP          5.2        5.4          8.4       8.7
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Michael Wilson
Jack Murton
David Teasdale
Travis English
Jonathan Edmeades
 
GOALS
 
Jonathan Edmeades    2
Jack Coleman             2
Michael Wilson           2
Stephen Wilson          2
Nick Kennedy             2
James Nicholson        2
Jack Richter               1
David Teasdale           1
Chris Evans               1
Patty Irons                 1
Travis English            1
Justin English            1


Round 6 Match Report  V   Mazenod

Off we travelled to Central Park Waverley, the site of current Ressies assistant coach
Garry Nicholsons' disastrous last game as senior coach in the D Grade Ist Semi in
1996.  It was also the site at which we gained promotion to C Grade in 1997.  The wide
open and now well grassed arena promised a fast open game from two sides in the
four in both senior and reserve grades.
 
In the reserves we started well with four goals quickly on the board.  The absolute 
highlight of the quarter/match/season so far was Little Jacky Richter amazing everyone
except himself by getting off the ground for a great 'hanger'.  Unfortunately the hypoxia he
suffered from getting so high was such  that he was unable to convert his kick into a very
gettable goal (then again we might not have seen it as we were all in shock).  Given that
he kicked the first and last goals of the quarter (the first from a good snap, the second from
where he had missed after his mark), he could have led us into the first break with a great
quarter.  The other goals were kicked by Jonno Edmeades and 'Milney'.
 
The second quarter was a hard slog for the boys, 'Milney' being our only goal kicker while
Mazenod kicked three.  One minute to go in the half the scores were level but then we
allowed Mazenod to kick a goal without any time to play out after the ball was 'bounced'.
 
The so-called premiership quarter was a real am wrestle with both sides kicking two goals,
ours courtesy of Travis English and Jonno Edmeades.
 
The match was there to be won going into the last eight points down.  Unfortunately every time
we battled through and kicked a goal Mazenod quickly replied to maintain their lead.  The three
goals were kicked by Matt Petering (first and last) and Carroll, although it must be said that his
goal should hav been credited to 'Milney' given that a shot a goal as taken from him when an
indisciplined act by Carroll infringed (with a 215M penalty) against a Mazenod player.  As in
the first half we allowed Mazenod a late goal without time to play out.
 
While Mazenod (particularly during the second half) were seemingly able to kick a goal in reply
whenever we kicked one, this was a very winnable game against an undefeated side that we
allowed to get away from us - perhaps directly due to our lack of discipline and lapses of
concentration given that we allowed goals twice in the last seconds of each half and had a
goal shot reversed.  It is worth noticing that our two losses have been against the two undefeated
sides on the ladder and the next couple of weeks (after the Queens birthday break) will show
us exactly where we stand in our quest for a premiership.
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                4.3        5.5          7.5      10.6
 
MAZENOD                   3.2        6.5          8.7       12.7
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Matt Petering
Jack Richter
Michael Wilson
Jack Murton
Brenton Henry
Jonathan Edmeades
 
GOALS
 
Matt Petering              4
Jack Richter               2
Jonathan Edmeades    2
Anthony Carroll            1
Travis English              1



Round 5 Match Report  V   MHSOB

Time came to return, after a couple of years absence, to play on Lindsay
Fox's private helicopter landing pad in South Yarra by the river, also known
as the Woodfull-Miller oval at Melbourne High School - a small ground that
could well be compared to a cow paddock except that no self respecting
grazier would graze his stock on it.
 
As was the case last week both the seniors and the reserves had very similar
games, regrettably without the same result as last week for the seniors. 
While the standard of the games may not have been all that we hoped, with
handballs being directed towards bootlaces, to players standing still ony a
metre away or to a player under greater pressure than the handballer and
with kicks directed towards the hot spots or contests where our players are
outnumbered,  we must remember that we have a very young list who will
not develop the running style that is required for success in the higher grades
without trying out things and learning judgement for what can and cannot be
tried and done.  The other similarity in the two games was the strange weird
and wonderful rules interpretations from the umpires. They were totally
incomprehensible and it was fortunate that there were no incidents resulting 
from the players large amount of frustration.  I cannot recall so many instances
of the players having no idea as to who was recieving the free kick when the
whistle blew in such a short time. Now to the reserves game report..........
 
 
For the first ten or fifteen minutes the reserves dominated MHSOB with the
Venerable Squid leading the backline and repelling all forays by the Unicorns
and the forwards almost playing keepings off until they felt like popping a goal
through, Master Bowker opened the goal scoring account and was followed by
Whoosh and then Jim Nicholson deciding to impersonate Diego Maradona,
hacking one out of mid air for a sausage roll.  Then suddenly we seemed to
switch off totally allowing the old boys to get back into the game and restricting
our lead to thirteen points at quarter time.
 
The second quarter continued as the first had completed and only late goals to
Whoosh and Ant La Rocca gave us a single point lead at half time.  A number of
the goals that were scored by MHSOB came courtesy of our lack of discipline
and lack of care.  A feature of the quarter was Little Jacky Richters' major brain
explosion early in the quarter leading him to a spell on the bench to regain his
composure and some outstanding defensive efforts from Rob Smale..
 
After the long break we returned to our original starting line up and again dominated
the play, albeit without showing it on the scoreboard.  While we only kicked two
goals for the quarter (and seven behinds) we were able to restrict MHSOB to two
behinds in the last few minutes ot the quarter.  The goals were kicked by Nicho
and Carroll.
 
The last quarter started with MHSOB attacking to the river (main scoring) end and
they kicked two goals quickly to close the margin between the two sides alarmingly. 
Cometh The Hour, Cometh The Man with our gallant leader The Venerable Squid
getting his chance in the forward line and then getting himself onto the scoring list
with a steadying goal after leading and marking well, followed shortly after by one
from David Teasdale that sealed the in for the Ressies.
 
 
 
SCORES
 
BEAUMARIS                3.3        5.5          7.12       9.13
 
MHSOB                       1.3        5.4          5.6         7.10
 
BEST  (in no particular order)
 
Matt Petering
Nick Kennedy
Michael Wilson
The Brothers English (when they finally turned up)
 
 
GOALS
 
T Woolnough         2
J Nicholson           2
A La Rocca           1
B Bowker              1
A Carroll                1
N Kennedy            1
D Teasdale            1


Round 4 Match Report.

Back to Oak street after consecutive away games to face AJAX for a game
that the respective ladder positions suggested would be a comfortable win
but against a club that has historically played our ground well, a stern test
was expected after last weeks loss.

 

In excellent conditions the first half was essentially played between the
backlines with scoring shots at a premium - just as well that it was overcast
given that waterboys are only allowed on the ground after a goal has been
scored.

 

With the venerable Squid (our gallant leader) again marshalling the back line
forces and gaining plenty of touches (and even occasionally hitting one his
teamates witth the ball) AJAX were held to one goal four and with Whoosh
goaling after actually getting the ball delivered to him rather than behind, wide
or above allowing the AJAX defence to swamp him, we went in three points
down. Of particular note in the quarter were a couple of great shepherds laid
by Kenners and Mick Wilon.

 

The second quarter was much the same with Milney goaling and with Travis
English, after getting the benefit of an ordinary advantage call, running through
the centre bouncing the ball what seemed like a dozen times, kicking the goal
of the year to date we took a four point lead into the long break.

 

Following the Korumburra Kids' inspiring words at half time our game opened up,
although Mark is mystified as to what the inspirational words were.  Ajax's two
goals for the third quarter were offset by six goals to Jim Nicho, Cats, Milney,
Brammers, Trav English, Jase English a winning break was established.  The
highlight of the quarter was again provided by Trav English who again gathering
the ball around half back and the wing, took off to his right then his left then
backwards then to his right and left and followed that up with a couple of 360's
to totally confuse everyone. 

 

With Cats backing up last weeks BOG with another BOG and us being deafened
by Uncle Sid giving everyone but Adam blasts for their disposal (particularly
disposals to Adam) we added another seven goals to one for AJAX to run out ten
goal winners and set the seniors up for what was nearly an identical cenario. 
Goal kickers were Matt Petering, Travis Woolnough, James Nicho, Milney again,
La Rocca ( who must have used a lot of Penetrene and WD40 to ease his
rustiness), Zac Allcott and Rhys Houston

 

SCORES

 

BEAUMARIS                1.1        3.5          9.10       16.14

 

AJAX                           1.4        2.7          5.7          6.8

 

BEST  (in no particular order)

 

Matt Petering

Nick Kennedy

Adam Catlin

Luke Sherry

Michael Wilson

Anthony La Rocca

 

GOALS

 

M Petering            4

T Woolnough         2

J Nicholson           2

L Sherry                1

A Catlin                1

M Bramwell           1

T English              1

J English               1

A La Rocca           1

Z Allcott                1

R Houston             1

 

 



Round 3 Match Report.

 For round three we cruised out to meet the Krushers at Scammel Reserve

 Oakleigh; the scene of a number of U19 finals and triumphs late last

 century.  In a return to the idyllic Autumn conditions of round one, a

 hard fought game was expected as the two teams were sitting third and

 fourth on the ladder.

 

 As anticipated the first quarter was an arm wrestle with both sides

 having four scoring shots each and Beaumaris taking a 10 point lead

 into the first break by virtue of their straight kicking.  The goals

 went to Travis English, Jack Murton, Michael Wilson and Matt Petering

 and with the venerable Squid leading the backline in repelling

 Oakleighs attacks and feeding the bll out through the centreline of

 the equally venerable Cats and the emerging youth of Jack Murton the

 stat looked ike we would continue on our merry winning way.

 

 The second quarter coninued much as the first had with the scoring

 proving difficult fo both sides, goals to Travis English ad Julian

 Torcasio enabled Beaumaris to extend the lead to 14 points   Both sides

 were having difficulty finding their forwards in the open and the ball

 was rebounding out of the backlines at speed.  Injuries were starting

 to take their toll presenting the coaching staff with a challenge to

 keep 18 mobile players on the field.

 

 Having won all ten quarters of football to the half time break of this

 game, we were beaten in the third quarter for the fist time this year

 with Oakleigh racking up five goals to Beauy's one courtesy of Julian

 Torcasio.  While we were getting plenty of drive out of the centre the

 Oakleigh defenders were displaying very good defensive skills and

 co-ordination contrasting with our haphazard kicking of the ball into

 the forward line - a huge effort was going to be required in the last

 quarter to gain the four points.

 

 With the man from earthquake central* asking for a big effort and

 pleading for improved delivery into the forward line we managed to

 score three goals in the quarter courtesy of Adam Catlin, Matt

 Petering and McLaughlin.  Unfortunately every time we battled forward

 for a major, Oakleigh managed to answer back faitly quickly and ended

 up with four for the quarter giving us our second lost quarter for the year.

 

 While it may not hve been the strongest side that Beaumaris will field

 in the reserves this year, it gives us a good idea of what will be

 needed to feature in the finals this year.  It was also good to see

 last years B & F winner back on the track after spectating the first

 couple of matches, it was just a pity that he was so out of touch that

 dictionary definitions for rusty have been replaced with his picture.

 

 

 SCORES

 

 BEAUMARIS                4.0        6.2         7.7        10.11

 OAKLEIGH                   2.2        3.6         8.10      12.11

 

 BEST  (in no particular order)

 

 Jack Murton

 Adam Catlin

 Zac Allcott

 Travis Henry

 Brenton Henry

 S McLaughlin

 

 

 GOALS

 

 J Torcasio       2

 M Petering      2

 T English        2

 A Catlin          1

 M Wilson        1

 B Henry          1

 S McLaughlin   1

 

 

 * The coach is from Korumburra which had a tremor in the week before

 the game

 



Round 2 Match Report.

 We mosied out to Monash Uni on Anzac Day 2009 to take on Monah Blues

 in weather that was less than desirable for skilful football on the

 wide open expanses of the Frearson Oval at the Monash campus.

 

 With a howling gale blowing from the wing to the flank and the ground,

 particularly the centre wicket square, quite slick from the preceding

 days rain the conditions were less than desirable for an early season

 reserves game.

 

 Unusually the reserves sides observed a minutes silence in honour of

 the Anzacs before the match started rather than join in the memorial

 before the senior game the match got underway at 12 noon

 

 The first quarter started out as a hard slog between the two sides

 that continued for the whole match.  Once Andrew Spence was finally

 persuaded to shed his tea cosy and show his freshly shaved scone he

 scored the fist goal of the match while proving most effective across

 the centre of the ground and Master Bowker adding the second before

 Monash scored a goal late into the quarter, the sharks took a lead of

 2.4 to 1.0 into the first break.  The Monash side had shown a very

 effective match plan for the wide expanses of their home ground.

 

 The second quarter provided much of the same with Petering scoring a

 double to offset the single goal conceded to Monash.  As last week Luke

 Atkins provided graet driv and kept the ball rebounding forward.   The

 long break had the sharks leading 4.6 to 2.2 in a game that was

 proving very hard to string possessions together and with Monash

 showing that their systems in the first quarter may have been more

 luck than planning.

 

 The less said about the third quarter the better.  Monash again scored

 a goal in their solitary score for the term ith Nick Kennedy

 marshalling the backline like the veteran he is.  Beaumaris managed a

 high of ten scoring shots for the quarter - unfortunately all ten were

 behinds with many gettable goal missed.  The score at the last break
 was 4.16 to 3.2.

 

 The last quarter was an arm wrestle with both sides scoring two goals

 each as time was played out. Both Bowker and Petering added to their

 tallies and Jack Merton continuing his busy work rate we finished ith

 a scoreline of 6.18 to 5.5.

 

 When asked for his impressions of th game all assisstant coach Garry

 Nicholson was ble to say was "Sh*t Conditions" or variations thereof.

 

 SCORES

 

 BEAUMARIS                2.4        4.6          4.16        6.18

 

 MONASH BLUES         1.0        2.2          3.2          5.5

 

 BEST  (in no particular order)

 

 Luke Atkins

 Andrew Spence

 M Petering

 Nick Kennedy

 Jack Merton

 Michael Wilson

 

 GOALS

 

 M Petering       3

 B Bowker         2

 A Spence         1

 

 



Round 1 Match Report.

 Finally after 18 months we were able to gather at Beaumaris to

 actually play a match of competition football at Banksia Reserve

 against Old Geelong.

 

 In pefect autumnal weather and with a full strength side fortified

 with the return of a number of senior players from overseas and injury

 the match commenced at a supriingly fast pace and with a high skill

 level that belied its C grade reserve status.  The sharks opened the

 scoring with a goal to Jack Merton, who also kicked the last goal for

 the quarter, and we had a lot of rebounding football for the reast of

 the quarter.  With Aaron Salisbury starting to reprise the form

 against Old Geelong that he first showed in the seniors in 1997

 kicking the second goal and the AK47 following wth three straight

 shots the sharks went to the first break with an unusual 6 straight goals
 against the Oggs 4.3.

 

 Following the first break the defence, well led by Luke Axe getting

 used to football in OZ again, firmed up restricting Old Geelong to one

 goal (at the 21 minute mark) and both The ball was continually driven

 forward with the fforts of Spene a the very recently retured Cats and

 The Emu and Kenty spraying shots at goal everywhere without raising

 the two flags the reservs estblished their well remembered dominance

 over the Grammarians.  With goals to the returning senior backman

 Whoosh, Spencey, Trav Englih an the bulked up Jonno Edmeades the

 sharks took to the long break with a 26 point lead.

 

 After half time with Salisbury restricted to the ice pack. the game

 continued as it had before the break with the Oggers again restricted

 to a single goal and the midfield and half back line regrly sending

 the ball back forward the assistant coach was amazed at consecutive

 goals to James Nicholson, who decided he couldn't top that effort off,

 left the field ith a sore shoulder, and twins to Carroll the boys went

 to the last break with a 95 to 44 lead.

 

 In the last quarter the warm weather and fast tempo of the game

 started to show their effect on both sides and the game finished with

 a three goal quarter each with the sharks winning the quarter by seven

 behinds, the three seven being in a marked contrast to the six

 straight of the first quarter.  Goals for the quarter were scored by

 Merton, Bramwell and McLaughlin.

 

Overall all a steady if unspectacular start to the season for new

coach Mark Crocker giving the seniors a good atmosphere to commence

their 2009 season.  Thanks to those that helped out with the match day

duties - with the numbers and availability of players looking for a

game, your willingness to train during the week and assist on match

day may well de deciding issue on selection night.

 

 

 SCORES

 

 BEAUMARIS          6 - 0        10 - 7       14 - 11        17-18       

    

 

 OLD GEELONG     4 - 3          5 - 5          6 - 8          9 - 8

 

 

 BEST  (in no particular order

 

 Luke Atkins

 Andrew Spence

 Adam Catlin

 John Edmeades

 Aaron Salisbury

 Trvis Woolnough

 

 GOALS

 

 J Merton            3

 A Kent               3

 J Nicholson         2

 A Carroll             2

 A Salisbury         1

 T Woolnough       1

 A Spence           1

 T English            1

 J Edmeades       1

 M Bramwell        1

 S McLaughlin     1

.