SENIORS

Round 13 saw massive game for a number of reasons. Staying in touch with the 4, keeping distance to the bottom half of the ladder, getting some confidence into our play, and more importantly, getting a win. A confrontation with our old rivals in Elsternwick was just the tonic required to issue the challenge to a determined Powerhouse, who have been fighting very hard to get that little sniff required that gets wins on the board.

Out of the side this week was Spider who suffered a Hamstring against West Brunswick, or was it obtained putting on those awful, skin tight, beige cords for the “Rock Star” day, Josh “Bums On Seats” Ericoli (Coops still cannot pronounce his name) who was given a 2 week holiday, Jaye Kurts away on business to the land of the long white cloud, Marty Leahy to bring his goal kicking machine back to the reserves, our skipper Fozie on a holiday of some sorts, and Wardey back to the Nursing Home. Into the side this week were Reecey after a standard week off nursing a sore String, “Petey Pete” Henshaw for his first senior game, Kyney the roughly shaven Irishman to give us some speed on the wings, Richie Benson after a weeks lay off, big “Rhino” back into the mix after some solid performances in the reserves, and Matt “T-Bone” Treaby who is a new guy to the club, and has certainly impressed with his form in the reserves, and work ethic on the track. Congratulations to both T-Bone and Petey Pete. Well done.

It was a strong North Westerly sweeping off the lake that brought a cold shiver down the spine, a wind strong enough to mess up the Fly’s comb over. Lucky Jados had a trim, otherwise that big afro would have been all over the shop. After a good pre-match preparation, the House were ready to rumble, and duly hit the ground running. The Wick’s were on the attack, but the House had their measure, and slammed home 5 goals into the wind. A late goal to Elsternwick gave them the narrowest of margins, but the House were certainly in front in general play. T-bone was great across half forward, providing ACE and Tayls plenty of chances to kick goals, and that they did. The back 6 was tremendous with their communication and team work. Sos held the dangerous Grace, Old Mate and Ed Woods alternated between Smith and Hunter, which allowed Benny White plenty of space to use his skills across half back. Petey Pete took to his first senior game like a duck to water, and Billy was excellent with his defensive pressure and attack. It was a great effort by the House, instigated by the reliable Jake Whelan, who’s pressure around the ball was team lifting.

The second term was a grind. Elsternwick showed their cards early and were on the attack, playing a floating player through the midfield, which unsettled the Powerhouse defence. The House needed to slot some majors in order to dent the confidence of their opponents, but the visitors kicked the first 2 goals of the term into the wind, and it was then catch up footy for the hosts. Elsternwick are a dogged side at the best of times, and we could not conjure up enough smart play to break them. The loss of T-Bone early in the quarter really hurt us as he was creating havoc across half forward. This left Moz on his own to crumb, and he was certainly playing his best game for some time. Bakes and Bahry tried valiantly in the midfield, and Coops was leading from the front. Although having plenty of the ball and playing reasonably well, Elsternwick continued to hold their slender lead. It was game on.

At half time, the House were confident, but needed to acquit themselves well. Elsternwick had extra motivation with their stalwart in Shane Mahoney playing his 300th game for the club. It was all hands on deck, and Elsternwick came out breathing fire. They absolutely peppered the goals, but credit to Powerhouse. That breeze had picked up, and was almost impenetrable at times. Edo must have had a sore leg kicking out, and we had to get him across half back as Smith was marking everything. Lovey was playing a great game, giving us a marking option across half forward, and Bull was rucking tirelessly, getting a chop out from Rhino, who was doing quite well. The Irish connection in Kyney and Lynchy were getting their hands on it, maybe inspired by Elsternwicks new Irish recruit, the red haired big burly bloke who apparently has only been around for 3 weeks, and played very well indeed. Powerhouse threw everything at the Wicks, and when Bakes goaled with a great piece of play close to the siren, we suddenly had a sniff. Richie Benson was on fire, especially in the 1st term, and backed up by taking a great mark right on the siren. However, the wind was just too strong. A great kick off the boot was pushed well wide. A great effort indeed.

The boys were still in this game, and needed that belief which had eluded us in recent times. Coops threw caution to the wind and swung Edo forward with the use of the breeze, in a valiant attempt to snatch this game. Billy was given the enviable task of guarding Smith at full back. However, Elsternwick got their hands on it first as the House tried to attack. Big Smith was just too big, too strong, and too good a kick. He banged on 3 goals in the last, all but snuffing out any chance Powerhouse had. The boys tried desperately and had a good term of footy. Reecey continued to run the ball up the ground, Jake was everywhere along with Bakes and Bahry, and the forwards tried very hard. Unfortunately, we fell short to a very tough and seasoned Elsternwick outfit, who really dug deep in this milestone game for their club.

The message from Coops is that the game was a much more even 4 QTR performance from the players. The communication was a vast improvement, and the group certainly played a lot better team orientated football. You sense that if the group can just put everything together, it is going to click, and take a lot of stopping, regardless who is standing in our way. Let’s continue the progression and improvement by giving the club and your teammates your full commitment. We have the 1959 Premiership reunion at the rooms on Saturday, with an array of past players, legends and champions watching Powerhouse put in an inspiring display of amateur football.

Go HOUSE!

RESERVES

It was another local derby this weekend with Elsternwick making the short trip to a blustery Ross Gregory oval.  The early arrivals would have witnessed grounds-keeper Moth in full flight marking out the perimeters of the oval with supreme precision. 

Those who attended the half time beers would also have noted the self sacrifice made by the same grounds keeper as there was enough paint splashed on his legs to mark out the neighbouring junction oval. Fear not DB the club has kindly offered a wash in Kittens drivethorugh car wash for next weekend!

Down to business and once again the teamsheet showed numerous changes from the round 12 side.  Matt Treeby was elevated to the ones after a fine display against West Brunswick, Pete Henshaw was also promoted after showing some great form in recent weeks.  To balance the ledger the clubs wrestler Warde Elliot and goal kicking machine Marty Leahy resumed actinon in the magoos.  The side was futher streghtend by the return from injury of Mickey V and a haggered looking Dogga Watson who was showing all the signs of an awesome tour of europe.

Captain Luigi led the boys onto the field and had them fired up for the 11:40 ball up.  Powerhouse aided by a strong wind went on immediate attack and were soon getting the scores on the board.  Ronan was doing good work in his unfamilar role as ruckman.  Mickey Verberne was showing no ill effects from his couple of weeks on the sideline and kicked some Mickey V specials to capatialise on the homesides dominance of posession.  Marshall Bull was also showing what a valuable recruit he has turned out to be and continued his fine form in his second game of hopefully many for the club. At the defensive side of the ground Sammy Watson was doing what Sammy does best showing grit and determination which upset the opposing number 7 and eventually led to a redcard for the Elsternwick hero. The visitors did manage one 6 pointer for the quarter and at the break it was 4.2 to 1.1 in favor of the homeside.

The defense was called into action early in the second quarter with the strong wind assisting the visitors.  They managed to soak up this pressure and stuck to the game plan of attacking from the lakeside.  This allowed Steve Batten exhibit his ability to score from long range with a superb effort into a stiff breeze.  Paddy Arnold claimed an assist proving that even though dressed in white he can be a valuable asset to the team!  Marty was begining to find his range too and got on the end of a few long bombs into the forward 50.  On the wing Aaoran Miller was showing the type of form that might have Ricky Nixon opening a recruitment camp in New Zealand.  On the half time siren the house had doubled their lead with the scoreboard reading 8.6 to 2.3      

The mood was a bit subdued in the rooms at half time but Wardes forehead veins were soon pumping as he fired the boys up for the second half.  The boys responded on the resumption and built on their half time lead.  Eoin English inspired by his home countys progression in the All Ireland championship was kicking some fantastic goals.  Apparently there are "Wanted" signs with his mugshot all over Wicklow and who knows perhaps the reward of an All Ireland medal will be enough to attract him home.  Andy Boughen replaced the injured Ronan in the ruck and was getting to appreciate the brutality of the position by the end of the third quarter.  Sammy had shaken off the cobwebs and continued to dominate down the back as the defence kept their opponents goalless for the quarter.  At three quarter time it was 12.8 to 2.4

Uncharacteristly the house took the foot off the pedal in the last quarter and allowed Esternwick kick some majors.  This didnt take the gloss off a fine victory though as they added a further 3 goals to their tally.  The new recruits showed their class all day with Pav going in hard at half back, Choco seeing plenty of the pill all day and James Riley solid at the back and kicked two goals when released to the forwards.  Jessalenko Plazzer has improved with every game and was unlucky not to hold onto a hanger in the final quarter.  It was a team performance and its great to see Chooka get through another game and get primed for the tough challenges that lie ahead.  The house have yet to play 3 of the top 4 sides so alot of questions will be answered in the coming weeks