Bulleen Templestowe    2-2   3-4    6-8   8-10    58

1^st Q

Old Trinity started well but early fumbles let the opposition of the hook. Lewis was winning the hit outs and Guerra, Beaton and Bowman delivering but lost opportunities up forward allowed the Bulleen boys to turn the ball over and score easy goals. Bowman slotted the first for the T boys and Ampt and Eckersley added to the total. Ahearne won lots of the ball, as did Young and Coutts.The backline was under extreme pressure and allowed unmarked players to run through the corridor. Bulleen used this advantage and kicked 2-2 for the term.

At quarter time Old Trinity led 3-3 to 2-2.

2^nd Q

The second term was an even event. Both sides played attacking running football and the homeside kicked 1-2 to the O.T’s. 1-3.Bulleen slowed the game, crowded the Old Trinity forward line then attacked from halfback. The O.T.’s were over using the ball by hand and foot instead of going long and the stop / start tempo of the game reduced scoring opportunities. Lane had plenty of the ball but was worrying the crowd with last second delivery. Young was strong as usual. Humann was looking dangerous with his pace while Pacconi gave everything.

At half time Old Trinity led 4-6 to 3-4.

3^rd Q

With minor changes made at the break Old Trinity hit the park full of running. Beaton was rested due to illness. It was a solid quarter of football with both sides ‘having a crack’. Eckersley and captain Humann added to the score but the job was not over. Bulleen ran and set up a 3-4 term to the O.T.’s 2-2. Backline players to stand up included Morrison, Ahearne and Coutts. Lewis enjoyed the ruck contests and Guerra, Pacconi and Eckersley crumbed packs and delivered with purpose. Henschell / Hale were rotating effectively. Moretti and Soligo were trying but could not find free space in a congested arc. Hale / Johnson were rotating effectively and working hard.

At ¾ time it was line ball – both sides on 44 points.

4^th Q

The game was there to be won! The Old Trinity boys would not lie down! The quarter was even for a long period but the visitors kicked points instead of goals! Bulleen got a break but first gamer Anthony Potenza had different ideas as he snapped a great goal to put the visitor’s within reach. Coutts, Morrison and Fogarty had chances but could not register a major. Widdowson played out a solid quarter, as did Johnson. As the time clock ran down Bulleen grabbed a 2 point lead with two minutes to play. Old Trinity went forward where Bowman marked and put the O.T.’s in front with a minute to play. The centre bounce saw Trinty win the ball, go forward and Ampt put the icing on the cake with a left foot shot… Old Trinity by 10 points. The game was won in the last four minutes.

Goal kickers – Ampt 3, Bowman 2, Eckersley 1, Hale 1, Potenza 1, Humann 1

Best Players – Wisenfeld, Eckersley, Bowman, Ampt, Bradley, Morrison.

Coach’s comment – Great to get the points. The Old Trinity spirit of never giving in and running with purpose got the team over the line in a near photo finish. Well done!

Everyone must train this week in preparation for the final home game next week and our upcoming finals.

Helpers today – Doug Humann (boundary),