A beautiful morning greeted Old Trinity as we arrived at Learning World for the clash against top of the table, University Blues. I decided to park near Lygon St to avoid my fourth parking fine of the decade. I am sure I have funded a water fountain or park bench somewhere on campus as a result of my parking infringements. I am a tortured soul when it comes to car parking at Learning World. You don't have to pay for parking at Football World! (Another reason why I love it so much!)
Old Trinity's intensity had been questioned in past weeks following disappointing performances against Old Brighton and Old Scotch. This was not to be the case this week. Led by Jed Burgess and Chris Beaton, the tackling intesity from the beginning of the game was outstanding. Though University Blues held a handy lead at the first break, Old Trinity played a very competitive brand of football.
Josh Humbler stressed at the break to continue the aggressive approach and it paid dividends early in the second term with an early goal. Johnny Gillies and Chris Pawsey were gaining plenty of the football and Nathan Bachli and Will Bowman were controlling their wings respectively. At half time University Blues held a 5 goal lead.
No one is ever happy with being 5 goals down at the main break, however having been to the "depths of badness" in previous weeks, the coaching panel felt Old Trinity were still well and truly in the game. What Old Trinity lacked in the first half was a big target up forward. Is it worth giving Jay a call to see if he can play a few games? He is fit! 0425781103 is his mobile number. Give him a call, not a text!
The intensity and effort couldn't be questioned in the third term, however again, we couldn't get the score on the board. Old Trinity's inside 50 count had matched Uni Blues up until this stage of the game. Effective tackles doubled ineffective tackles which was a major improvement on previous weeks. Tom Oldfield, newly appointed "Stats Man", struggled to keep count of the ineffective shepherds. He will have to improve if he is to be considered a serious statistician.
The third term was a reasonably even affair, however Uni Blues began to gain control in the midfield giving their forward more opportunities to score. Richard Troon continued his excellent form across half back and Fergus Stewart continued to ruck tirelessly. 33 points behind at the final break.
An early goal got hopes up in the last quarter but the trend from the third term continued and Uni Blues kicked the next three majors to secure the points. To the credit of the green and gold men the final ten minutes were played with just as much intensity as the first ten minutes of the game. A pleasing sign!
I don't like losing, in fact I hate it! However, I can accept a loss when I feel my team's effort and intensity is at 100%. We now sit 1-4. It's time to deliver! See you on the track!
