The round 5 challenge for the U19 Blues was to take on the best team of 2021 on their home ground in the Caulfield Grammarians.
An incredibly strong breeze would present a challenge, kicking against the breeze in the first quarter, the boys started slowly but were able to stem early momentum and through great forward half pressure were able to generate a goal through Shane Ho on the eve of quarter time.
The second quarter was incredibly disappointing as we were outscored by a goal in an undisciplined quarter of football where we gave away too many goals from free kicks and 50 metre penalties.
A second half response was desperately needed and it came with the effort and intensity around the ball however we were not able to put it onto the scoreboard often enough, whilst giving away too many simple goals back the other way.
The third quarter was a real scrap but a late goal saw the margin at the final break get out to 34 points in favour of Caulfield.
However with the breeze at our back and confidence that our best footy would be good enough, we weren’t done with yet. A few positional changes ensued at the beginning of the final quarter as Nathan Scollo went from CHB and played as a big midfielder and put the team on his shoulders in an enormous final quarter. The nearly 6 goal lead was whittled back to just over two goals with a Scollo goal, with still 15 minutes remaining on the clock. Dissapointingly, we didn’t go on with it at all and Caulfield were able to run away with the victory in fairly convincing fashion. We certainly gave ourselves every chance but were not good enough to take it when it came.
Next week is an exciting opportunity as we take on local rivals St Kevin’s in a huge day for the U19 program at the club. Our colts kick off the unders day at Dairy Bell against St Kevin’s before the golds play ladder leaders Parkside as we host a parent function for all involved in the U19s. We are looking forward to a big weekend on the home deck next weekend!
