1st XVIII report (June 17): SPC d BHS

1st XVIII Match Report – June 17, 2015

St Patrick’s College 20 -“ 13 -“ 133- – – d Ballarat High School 2 -“ 1 -“ 13

Goal Kickers: Mickitja Rotumah-Onus 6, Simon Butler 2. Tim Liston 2, Ollie Nash 2, Sam Mead 2, Jett Hermann 2, Will Clark 1, Cameron Tranter 1, Jarman Reid 1, Lachlan Thornton 1,-

Best Players: Mickitja Rotumah -“ Onus, Jett Hermann, Mitch Canny, Matt Geary, Nick Stuhldreier-

St Patrick’s College defeated Ballarat High School by 120 points in a display that underlined the College’s incredible playing depth. With four players making their debut for the College’s 1st XVIII programme, it was a vastly different looking side to the team that defeated Ballarat Grammar two weeks prior. With the addition of these four players, it has brought the total number of students to have represented the 1st XVIII this year to a staggering 75 players, highlighting the College’s commitment to provide a programme that is both inclusive and developmental in nature.-

The first quarter was relatively even but SPC was able to pull away and finish four goals clear at the first break. Matt Geary, who was the acting captain for the day, was outstanding winning several centre clearances and picking up possessions at will, whilst Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Simon Butler were great targets up forward with both boys kicking two goals apiece.

SPC played consistent football in the second quarter having seven scoring shots to two. Matt Geary continued his strong form in the ruck, Ambrose Gillett was dominant in the key central position across half back, Lachlan Thornton was creative with his foot skills across the middle of the ground, whilst Mitchell Canny who was playing his best game for the 1ST XVIII programme brought others into the game by his clever use of the ball.

The challenge was put to the playing group at half time to continue their ascendancy whilst focusing on the style of football that has become symbolic of the 1st XVIII in recent years.

The third quarter provided the coaching staff with an opportunity to rotate player’s through various positions providing them all with the unique opportunity to play in positions that were foreign to some of them. The most pleasing aspect of this was the grace and respect that the playing group displayed when informed of our changes.-

In the last quarter we were able to play our best football of the day kicking nine unanswered goals in a most dominant performance. The intensity around the packs led by Ollie Nash as a mobile ruckman certainly lifted whilst the ball movement by the highly skilled and creative Mitchell Canny and the run and carry from the equally as talented Jett Hermann provided our forwards with several goal scoring opportunities. Mickitja Rotumah-Onus continued his fine form for the College’s 1st XVIII programme, kicking two goals for the term for a combined tally of six, whilst Tim Liston, moving from his defensive role down back, kicked two very opportunistic goals. Sam Mead, who qualified for this 1st XVIII jumper for having his fifth game of the year, also kicked two goals for the term in a very lively display. A real highlight of the game was the goal kicked by Cameron Tranter in his debut game for the College. The look of unrestrained joy on his face when he kicked the goal will be one of my lasting memories of the game and reinforced once again how important school football is to our boys.-

The BAS Grand Final now awaits us on Wednesday, July 22 before a Herald Sun Semi Final the following week. It most certainly is an exciting time but all players must continue to prepare and recover well for each match to give themselves the best chance of competing somewhere near their best.

Howard Clark

1st XVIII Coach