There was none more happier than Richo, who was like a kid in a candy shop, sipping a few cold ones. Ian Dakin had done an outstanding job in rounding up the troops. There were lots of familiar faces from the older school of Hutchy and Harry South, to the newer breed in David Miller and Francis Doyle. Well done Dakes in arranging such a fabulous event.

 

One would almost forget that there was a game to be run and won. Powerhouse and Uni High have played a lot of footy against each other in recent times, and were ready to re-acquaint themselves in a do-or-die clash at a windswept Ross Gregory. It was Rivalry Round in the League, and it was certainly fitting that we were pitted against the Green and Brown army from the Zoo. A glaring omission from UHS with no “Wazza” Smith, who plied his early trade with J.C. in the Jerusalem XVIII. We had a bit of a different preparation with a talk from club legend Les Gordon in the rooms, and we were also presented to the Past Players in the function upstairs. Besides the varied preparation, there was a job to do, and the boys were fired up.

 

Changes for this week were Benson back to the Reserves after some good progression in the Senior side, Kyney the Adam Goodes look-a-like, and Bully with a late injury. Storma returned after a few weeks out, Hopefully he can stay right as his 100th game for the club is nigh. Foz was back after a week in the sun, and Chooka made his long awaited return after a broken leg sustained in Round 3. Fozie won the toss and we kicked to the scoring end. The House were all over UHS in the early exchanges, but UHS maintained the pressure on the ball carrier, and seemed determined to block up the game, and play contested footy for the remainder of the match. They played the dead side to perfection, and were content to cause a stoppage at every opportunity. Rhino tried hard in the ruck against some sizable opponents, and Petey Pete Henshaw continued his great form from his debut last week off a back flack. But the House just could not penetrate a Stoic UHS outfit. In the end, although holding UHS scoreless, and they did not even look close to scoring, the House could not put the ball through the big sticks, although Foz had some early marks and shots on goal. The boys were not entirely happy at the break, although we had outplayed them for much of the Quarter.

 

The Second quarter was where the House had to put the foot down. UHS had the aid of a pretty strong breeze, and the message was to carry the ball into it and create as many goal scoring opportunities as we could. The House started well and almost scored the first for the game, but could not quite get the goal umpire to earn his pay. From then on, it was a good old fashioned arm wrestle. Jake, Bahry and Bakes worked tirelessly in the middle, with Tayles and Ed Woods controlling the back half with relative ease. UHS never looked like scoring, even with a distinct advantage. However, the House could not penetrate a stoic defence. ACE was even tried through the middle to give us some run, but he was wrapped up more than a Christmas Present, and could not break the shackles. As the siren sounded, both goal umpires could be found almost asleep at the post, as no majors were scored to allow them to do what they do best.

 

It was a strange feeling at the break. The House were all over UHS. The back line was superb, and the midfield was working hard, but the delivery was not so great to our forwards. Powerhouse were desperate to bang on a quick few and really dent the spirits of Uni Hugh. The third was much the same really. The House tried to attack, but UHS were disciplined in playing the Dead Side at every opportunity in a deliberate ploy. But after some early exchanges, the coach of UHS had broken the shackles with a clever goal into the wind along the ground. With the state of play, it was worth more than just the 6 points. With that, they grew another leg, and managed another one against general play. Once again, the House could not generate enough clean play to score their first major, therefore allowing UHS a handy break with the aid of the breeze in the last. Moz was working well across half forward, and Lynchy continued to do a job.

 

Coops was not happy, and delivered a deserved spray. Powerhouse now had to do something extraordinary. Unfortunately, UHS grew in confidence led by their coach, and managed to break the shackles. The House were helpless. Edo continued his stellar work at full back, holding Kirk to probably 1 kick for the match, and Sos was everywhere, trying desperately to generate some run and drive. Finally, Old mate marked and had a shot, and Richie marked on the line, to go back and slot the 1st major for the day.

 

UHS held their nerve and managed to grind out a much deserved victory. Their hard work and discipline was a great example of how to win games. We have a massive chance to re group this week against the Hawks, and what better team to get back on the winners list against. Let’s get all hands on deck, and hit them with everything we have, and continue this great rivalry.

 

Go House!

 

RESERVES

 

Out of the side from the previous weeks were James Riley and Choco, both picking up injuries the previous week. Eoin English headed off to Tasmania to try to 'find himself', the big decision being a return to Ireland or stay in Melbourne. Reports that Warde has put a block on his exit from Tullamarine can neither be confirmed or denied, after some solid performances the previous weeks. Chooka was elevated and Aza had a bout of flu. In after one more of those hamstrings and a few weeks overseas was Macca, Pinky Nolan also returned in the usual sweeping changes form the Reserves.

 

'House started with the wind and would have expected to lead at 1/4 time as a result. However this was not the case as a determined Uni High more than matched the boys in the physical stakes. Drew Ashworth was lively up centre half forward and kicked the 1st of the game, but the elements made it difficult to get clean ball into the forward line and contributed to the scrappy nature of the game with plenty of stoppages. At quarter time, UHS led by a point, having kicked their goal towards the end of the quarter.

 

 

Warde let fire at 1/4 time on the lack of support for the ball carrier and numbers at the footie. It worked a treat as the boys nullified the advantage they had with the wind, Russ was doing good work in the centre, aided by an ever young Micky Verberne. Marshall Bull was having a storming day once moved onto the ball and although 'House didn't kick a goal, they kept the opposition to 1 to leave 4 points in it at the long siren. This was thanks in no small way to a fantastic backline display lead by Dave Maloney and Sammy Watson.

 

If ever a 'premiership' quarter was needed, this was it for the 'House. They had to pile on some scoreboard pressure and try to see out the final term. The start couldn't have been better with the work horse Chris Plazzer getting a good clearance to Marty at full forward, finally getting decent service to mark and goal. For all the possession and territory the 'House had in that 3rd quarter, UHS's pressure helped nullify the supply to the forward line. Mickey V managed to snag a major as did Marshall Bull to emphasise a fine individual performance, but would a 1 goal lead be enough?

 

The answer was no. A passionate talk at 3/4 time from the 150 gamer and coach Warde wasn't enough to lift the troops over the line. UHS' ability to kick a goal in each of their quarters against the wind proved the difference. Once they kicked an early effort in the final term to take the lead, it was always going to be difficult. To be fair, 'House never threw in the towel and a fierce and physical contest was played out in the final 10 minutes. A few costly turnovers lead to goals at crucial stages but the endeavour could not be faulted, as UHS ran out 3 goal winners.

 

Disappointing for Warde, who once again was hard at the ball, like he had been for every one of his 150 games for the club. Congratulations on a great effort, not bad for a man facing 50! Hopefully the boys can make in up for him later in the year, a finals meeting against this mob is a distinct possibility. 4 massive games to go before then, 3 against the top 3 which makes this week's meeting with old foe's Hawthorn all the more important in cementing a Finals berth.

 

                                 Q1  Q2  Q3 Q4

POWER HOUSE            1.1  1.4 4.6 4.7 - 31

UHS-VU                      1.2  2.2 3.5 7.7 - 49

 

Goal Kickers: M. Bull, M. Verberne, M. Leahy, D. Ashworth

Best Players: M. Bull, R. MacUmber, D. Maloney, S. Watson, D. Ashworth, B. Saulo