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Old Trinity ventured to Toorak Park for the big clash against Old Xavs. Old Xavs were full of confidence following a convincing ten goal victory against Collegians on the opening day of season 2010. Old Trinity were intent on putting on a more competitive showing than the practise match three weeks prior. That day Old Trinity resembled the Washington Generals as Old Xavs showed the small gathering every trick in the football book of amazing and wonderful football feats. The away rooms at Toorak Park are a delight to visit each year. The pungent odour of fresh possum urine greeted Old Trinity players as we prepared for the big game. Well at least I think it was possum waste! It may well have been one of the boys trying a new fragrance of men's aftershave.
The game started very frantically with Old Xavs kicking the first two goals of the game in quick succession. They held a four goal lead late in the term however Old Trinity edged closer with two late goals. Andrew Hore-Lacy proved a lively option up forward. He needed to lift after a disgraceful display of undisciplined football which resulted in two 25 metre penalties and a goal. That was a SNARL! Ben Weissenfeld gained plenty of the football in the midfield and backline. He used it well and set up many forward thrusts.
Goals against the wind was the main reason Old Xavs held a handy lead at half time. Tim Delphine was holding the fort down back against a very good opponent and Matt Weissenfeld was using the ball creatively out of defence. Angus Greene was Brett Burton like in his approach at the football. He kicked Old Trinity back into the contest with his mercurial marking and goal kicking. Scott Meighan was solid as always across half back. His misely defensive game almost had his opponent in tears nearing the half time siren.
The feeling in the rooms was good at the main break. It was in fact the shortest half time break in football history as Old Xavs were unfurling their senior flag at 1.45pm on the oval. I was told by the umpire that the 1pm rule would be applied. If anyone knows what the 1pm rule is can they inform me as I have absolutely no clue as to it's origin and meaning.
Old Xavs opened up a seven goal lead early in the third term and things weren't looking good. The application of the Old Trinity players in the following twenty minutes was outstanding. Matt Hale kept jumping high in the ruck. He will be playing in the ruck this week! Angus Greene kicked a long goal against the breeze to bring the margin back to within five goals. He used the protection of the large building at the Malvern Rd end of the ground to his advantage. Tom Oldfield continued his football evolution as a creative key backman. He gained plenty of the ball and used it effectively. Old Trinity was still in the game at the final break and kicking with the wind in the last. An upset was on the cards!
I would love to write that I inspired the side to a memorable victory with my stirring words. Unfortunately this was not the case! Old Xavs flexed their muscles, ran harder and used the ball better to run out clear winners in the end. Jim Wilson and Nick Bradley battled hard throughout the last quarter but Old Xavs had the better of the last quarter. They won the first three quarters by five goals and the last quarter by five goals. 5 + 5 = 10. A ten goal loss at the final siren.
This week we return to the nation of football, Football World, for a clash with Old Brighton. At stake is a 2-1 start to the year. A must win game! There are going to be some tough decisions to be made at selection so all players must train!
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