The scribes can write the script but it’s the actors that bring it to life.

And the scribes had a fantastic storyline for the last game of the year. Rambo’s first 300-plus game at home, and an occasion for the club to show off its legend, the game was preceded by his (and the team’s) presentation to the faithful. Nearly 100 people had crowded into the Cohen Rooms to pay tribute to Ramsden and listen over another fine lunch to news presenter Peter Hitchener.

The game was viewed as being very winnable – the obvious result to follow such celebrations - and the anticipation was that the supporters would see some vintage Rambo marking and straight shooting for goal.

Unfortunately the St Bede’s boys were reading from another page.

As seen repeatedly this year, the Old Trinity team, while it tried hard, still was unable to challenge a side well above it on the ladder. Again Trinity started well, and had more of the ball in the first quarter, and again it was unable to convert its opportunities into a decent score. With fewer forays into its forward line, the Mentone Tigers were still able to outscore the home side. The second and third quarters saw St Bede’s Mentone flex its muscles and start to take the game away with its structured running game, while Trinity seemed to go back into its shell and seemed unwilling to take risks at the contests.

Trinity conceded many goals when the ball was at a stoppage deep in its defence. Trinity’s inability to defend its goals in these situations (with the drawn game against Old Brighton being the standout exception), whether due to loose tagging by Ts backmen or a lack of support by the Ts midfields has seemed to be a problem all year.

On the up-side there were again encouraging performances – by both newcomers and stalwarts. Kris Spassopoulos – yet another first gamer up from the under 19s (and doesn’t that augur well for the future), had the jitters early but showed some positive signs throughout the game. His big, mature body was valuable in the midfield providing some needed bulk and strength in the engine room. Robert Humann is another Trinity youngster who has grown in the last 8 or so games. He was strong in defence, holding the crucial front position in many contests and generally beat his opponent, proving his value as a solid backman and frequently as a forward.

Dayne Coulsen-Hoffacker possibly played his most mature game for the season. More than the quantity of possessions, it was the quality that stood out; when he got the ball he did something productive with it, and his confidence grew as the game went on, taking a couple of strong overhead marks in the last quarter. Heath Banfield continued on from his good form against Collegians, and had another standout game. After a couple of mistakes early, and some signs that he might be off his game, two courageous marks in the second and third quarters seemed to spur his desire for physical contact, and, similar to Coulsen-Hoffacker, was looking the best he’d looked all season by the last quarter.

Brendan Iezzi and Matty Jessup were again Trinity’s biggest ball winner and its best inside midfielder. Iezzi’s efforts off the half back gave Trinity enormous drive, while his moves forward of centre provided a valuable springboard for attack. Jessop worked hard all day and his efforts were rewarded with repeated clearances out of the centre.

So the day wandered to its conclusion like an oft-seen play. And yet, the game was not without its scripted magic moments – and in the last quarter, to boot. There for all to see, and cheer, was Rambo’s one handed pick up, his classic running loop to face the goals (so NOT today’s football!) and his assured marking under pressure (and no protection). But undoubtedly the moments most loved by the supporters on the balcony were the two prodigious kicks, from well outside the 50 arc, which sailed comfortably and assuredly half-post high and directly above the motionless goal umpire to score majors.

OLD TRINITY

Goal Kickers: A. Ramsden 3, B. Walsh 2, A. Hore-Lacy 2, R. Troon, D. Coulsen-Hoffacker.
Best Players: B. Iezzi, D. Coulsen-Hoffacker, H. Banfield, M. Jessop, R. Humann, K. Spassopoulos.

OLD TRINITY                             0.3     2.5     3.8     9.10-64

ST BEDES/MENTONE TIGERS      2.4     7.7     10.9    16.11-107