Round 11 12^th July 2009 U10
vs Beaumaris Blues @ Beaumaris.

St Kilda City                 2 goals 8 behinds 20 points
Beaumaris                    4 goals 2 behinds 26 points

Luckily enough the previous days winter weather held off somewhat, as the boys battled the Beaumaris mud and the biggest ground we have played on this year. Beaumaris had beaten us earlier this year in trying conditions at Wattie Watson, so this was to be the square up.

Coach Simon Doquile was back from Darwin and pumped for the day. Captain Matthew McNaughton lost the toss and the Saints kicked against the breeze in the first quarter. Into attack straight away and pretty quickly on the board with a behind, Beaumaris reminded us of their strengths as the blond brigade took it the length of the ground to bottle it up in their forward pocket. Riley Siegel was dominating, picking up possessions at will and Oliver Woods and Max Weir in defence were desperate at the ball. Elijah helped to lock the ball in and Lukas Rowe took a telling mark in the last line. With Beaumaris holding their positions well, they countered our defence and shortly broke through for the first major of the day. Both sides added another point each for the quarter to leave Beaumaris 1 goal 1 behinds to the Saints 2 behinds at the first break.

The coach was happy with the first quarter effort and asked the boys to go long in the second quarter. Although we had a lot of the play we couldn’t seem to come to grips with the huge ground as the boys resorted to handball instead of kicking it long. This seemed to be a consequence of the Saints all getting dragged into the play instead of holding their positions. As a result when we got possession, the boys only had a sea of Blue to kick to. Charlie Williams and Charlie Hicks were giving us plenty of drive but Beaumaris again showed good ball handling skills as a team as they kicked one against the wind to go further in front. Andrew Tzimas was continuing his good form of last week and Lachy Harris had already worn his fair share of Beaumaris mud by the time the half ended with Beaumaris in front 2 goals 2 behinds to Saints 4 points.

Max Weir was moved into the middle for the third quarter and showed great touch to get it forward against the wind and then follow up minutes later for a mark in the goal square. The Saints were on the board and coming back. Against the wind we pressed forward but skill errors let us down a bit as we turned the ball over for Beaumaris to clear. Just when it looked like we were going to hold Beaumaris scoreless for the quarter, they managed a great snap from the forward pocket to restore their lead at three quarter time 3 goals 2 behinds to the Saints 1 goal 5 behinds.   

Still in it the coach said as the Saints peppered the goals in the last quarter. Three straight behinds after play see sawing around the wing, saw us a single goal down with a couple of minutes to go, with Beaumaris tiring and  unable to clear it out of defence. Just what we needed as Connor Bannister swooped and kicked truly to level the scores. The bench were looking pleased, but this didn’t last long as Beaumaris found their mojo again and through good teamwork and marking kicked a decisive goal to regain the lead. The Saints took the ball forward and again were in possession when the siren sounded to leave us on kick down. At the final siren it was Beaumaris 4 goals 2 behinds to the Saints 2 goals 8 behinds.

Although the Saints had more scoring shots, Beaumaris deserved their win, holding their positions well on the big ground and running and kicking a bit better than the Saints on the day. A good effort from the boys and we will have another crack at them during the lightning premiership.

Goal kickers for the day were one to Max Weir and Connor Bannister. Player awards went to Howie Persson, Lachy Harris and Oliver Woods with the coaches’ award going to Max Weir and opposition award to Andrew Tzimas.

Go City!

Round 10 28^th June 2009 U10

vs Mordi-Brae @ Wattie Watson.

St Kilda                        4 goals 7 behinds 31 points
Mordi-Brae                    4 goals 3 behinds 27 points

With both under 9 sides kicking the dew off the ground before us it was perfect weather for the U10 start. Dean Laidley, Terry Wallace, Nathan Buckley, Darren Crocker but what was forgotten in amongst all this movement was Simon Doquile handing off to Rob McNaughton. The questions were being asked and hopefully answered today.

Captain for the day Harvey Emerson lost the toss and the Saints kicked against the breeze in the first quarter. In what proved to be an indicator for the rest of the game, Andrew Tzimas got first touch out of the centre and with Riley Siegel, Alexander Martin and Matt McNaughton, the Saints were first on the scoreboard, albeit just a point. Mordi-Brae did well moving the ball to their half forward line, for the skipper, Harvey Emerson, to clear courtesy of a free kick. Riley Siegel was again amongst it early picking up on the run and finding Elijah Kingsley on our half forward line. A long bomb and some sheparding from Andrew Tzimas saw Matt McNaughton taken in the back. The resultant shot only registering another point. In the mean time the Saints suffered their first of many injuries for the game with Charlie Hicks coming off because of the blood rule.  

Mordi-Brae took the ball convincingly around the wing, where despite some dogged defence from Dae Szydlik and Monty Murdoch, they found an open forward line and converted for the first goal of the day. Taking it out of the centre, Mordi-Brae were cut off by Max Weir at full back and working with the running Lachy Harris, the Saints kicked long to where Oliver Moore read the ball well and put it into the Saints forward line again. Mordi-Brae countered well and a free to Dae Szydlik, as a Mordi-Brae player tried to barge through the pack, kept them at bay. But Mordi-Brae did manage to lock it in their forward line for the rest of the quarter and luckily they could only register a few points as Sam Champion, deputy vice captain Connor Bannister and Max Weir kept up the pressure on their opponents. At quarter time it was Mordi-Brae 1 goal 2 behinds to the Saints 2 behinds.

The second quarter started with a great clearance from Elijah Kingsley out of the middle and some real commitment at the ball from Dae Szydlik with a smother and James Halliday who dove on the ball to keep it forward for the Saints. Vice captain Oliver Woods came into the game with a run around the half forward line, finding Monty Murdoch who kicked long for the Saints to lock the ball in their forward pocket. A rushed behind saw a wayward kick out from Mordi-Brae to a waiting Alexander Martin, who ran in from point blank and put the Saints first major on the board.

Out of the centre again and a great gather, run and handpass from Dan Parish to Matt McNaughton saw Andrew Tzimas mark on the point post and play on with a banana kick for another Saints goal. Some great pressure from Dan Hocking saw Mordi-Brae cough the ball up and as we watched in amazement Lachy Harris was pinged for ‘hold on the ball’ for probably the first time this season. James Halliday continued his efforts, his in and unders stopping any Mordi-Brae attacks. Riley Siegel copped a shoulder injury and was escorted from the ground for treatment. Against the flow, Mordi-Brae switched play across the halfback and ran the ball all the way forward. Despite some valiant efforts from Lukas Rowe and Charlie Williams, the ball bounced favourably for Mordi-Brae who goaled on the run. With not much time left in the quarter Charlie Williams ran onto the ball and found an unmarked Oliver Woods who bounced twice turned and but for a great smother from Mordi-Brae, might have registered another goal for the Saints. At half time it was the Saints just ahead 2 goals 4 behinds to Mordi-Brae 2 goals 2 behinds.

The coach was happy with efforts of all in the first half and asked for the same in the second half. Dan Hocking started the Saints up attacking the ball, but Mordi-Brae had the numbers around the ball and took it forward. All of a sudden the Saints looked at sea with the defence waiting for the ball whilst their opponents attacked the ball. This led to a Mordi-Brae goal and out of the centre they took it forward again, with wayward kicking saving the Saints. The pressure exerted by Mordi-Brae saw the Saints kicking erratically out of the back line, often trying to centre it instead of going safely around the boundary line. Mordi-Brae capitalised and kicked another goal. Dan Hocking again provided a platform for attack, and finding the Mordi-Brae defence all pushing forward, broke the lines to find Matt McNaughton on the Saints half forward. Matt tried to hook it to an unmarked Sam Champion, but the ball bounced askew and went through for a point. Charlie Williams was another injured Saint, as he too, needed the trainer’s attention. Mordi-Brae quickly took the ball forward again where Dae Szydlik and Oliver Woods fought to keep the Saints in the contest. Mordi-Brae had dominated the quarter although only getting two goals straight. Could the Saints respond?

The coach was positive at three quarter time, reminding the boys they had the wind and asking them to kick long. Max Weir went into the middle, with Elijah Kingsley, Lachy Harris and Andrew Tzimas who again had first touch to drive the Saints forward. Following up, Elijah Kingsley found Alexander Martin who kicked into the pack and getting the bounce he wanted Lachy Harris slotted a long goal. The Saints were in front and it seemed the whole side had lifted. Now it was the Saints turn to dominate as Noah Rowe gathered on the wing and kicked across goal for Charlie Hicks to slot it back to centre half forward and find Lachy Harris waiting. Going back and concentrating, despite the Mordi-Brae taunts, Lachy kicked through the ball for his and the Saints second in a matter of minutes, putting us in front. With the Saints still dominating possession, the game got a bit ugly with some opponents playing the man and not the ball, perhaps seeing the writing on the wall as Matt McNaughton narrowly missed twice in a row to put the Saints further ahead. To their credit the Saints did not succumb and played the game out with Charlie Hicks, Dae Szydlik, Max Weir and captain Harvey Emerson battling hard to hold Mordi-Brae scoreless for the quarter.

A tough game and a good result with key players missing on the day due to school holidays. Apart from a patch in the third quarter where Mordi-Brae showed us how to go after the ball with more desire, it was a good team effort and fantastic last quarter. Kudos to the ‘coach’ who ticked all the boxes, even if he did think that some players who weren’t playing today were actually out there.

Goal kickers for the day were two to Lachy Harris and singles to Alexander Martin and Andrew Tzimas. Player awards went to Matt McNaughton, Charlie Williams and Alexander Martin with the coaches’ award going to a deserved Andrew Tzimas.

Go City!

Round 8 14^th June 2009 U10

Vs Cheltenham Panthers @ Wattie Watson.

St Kilda                        9 goals 11 behinds 65 points
Cheltenham                  6 goals 2 behinds 38 points

A perfect day for football with the bay as flat as a tack and the mildest of breezes blowing to the Esplanade Road end. With a lot of illnesses and unavailability’s the Saints numbers were the lowest for the year with a squad of 21 taking on the Cheltenham Panthers.

Captain for the day Oliver Moore lost the toss and the Saints kicked with the aid of the slight breeze in the first quarter. Cheltenham started the better taking the ball out of the middle but Sam Champion blocked the first attack getting the ball to Matt McNaughton who found Alexander Scott with a short kick and in turn passed off through handball to the running James Halliday on the wing. Cheltenham returned fire and Henry Boileau showed the advantage of playing in front receiving a free kick on our half back line. Cheltenham still managed to keep the ball in their forward line and but for a great smother from Dae Szydlik could have been first on the scoreboard.

Captain Oliver Moore capitalised on Dae’s smother, picking up the ball and finding Alexander Scott on half back who kicked to an unmarked Matt McNaughton. Matt found vice captain Alex Martin at centre half forward and through the agency of Dan Parish posted the first score for the day for the Saints, a behind. Cheltenham cleared but only as far as the wing where Lukas Rowe teamed with Henry Boileau and Sam Day who kicked back to centre half forward. Again Cheltenham proved equal gathering and running the ball around the far wing. Luckily Lachy Harris playing in the full back line mopped up and found Patrick Frencken, who quickly got it onto Alexander Scott and set it up for a big mark to Alexander Martin. Turning and kicking quickly the ball cleared the pack and ready as ever Matt McNaughton made short work of the rest slotting home the Saints first goal for the quarter.

Out of the middle it was Alexander Scott dominating as he found deputy vice captain Monty Murdoch who handballed to captain Oliver Moore for a long kick, but only to find a sea of Cheltenham defenders. Taking the ball around the far wing Lachy Harris cut off the attack, running, bouncing and going long for Henry Boileau to receive and head goal ward. The bouncing ball beat a few but in his element Matt McNaughton again showed poise to calmly put it straight through the middle. Out of the centre Cheltenham took it away and just as they looked like scoring the siren went. At quarter time it was the Saints 2 goals 2 behinds to Cheltenham still yet to score. 

Cheltenham came out firing in the second quarter taking the ball out of the centre and roosting it forward. Sam Day and Lachy Harris were in and fighting their bigger opponents, but a free to Cheltenham and a switch of play across the ground saw Cheltenham run it to the goal square and put their first on the board. From the middle Lucas Rowe received a free kick but Cheltenham cut of his pass and looked like going into attack before Patrick Frencken dived in front of his opponent and wrested the ball, allowing Nick Watson clear through handball. Cheltenham were marking well, but Lachy Harris, on the ball this quarter, found Gus Doquile in the forward pocket who lined up but could only manage a point. The Cheltenham kick in from full back was taken off the pack by Matty McNaughton and his centred kick found Noah Rowe in the goal square. Noah kicked through the ball for the Saints first goal of the second quarter. Shortly after Dan Parish copped a push in the back that landed him face down in the turf. Dan wasn’t able to take his kick and was helped off the ground by the trainer.

The Saints took the ball out of the middle and Gus Doquile seemed to have the ball on a string as he marked, kicked and did everything but register a major. It was a fantastic mark from Dae Szydlik that allowed him to find Lachy Harris with the long kick into the forward line being swooped upon by Howie Persson for a great snapped goal. Just when the Saints looked in control, Cheltenham turned it on, kicking two goals in succession controlling the centre and running the ball really well. At half time Cheltenham had narrowed the gap with the Saints 4 goals 4 behinds and Cheltenham 3 goals 1 behind.

The third quarter started with Daniel Hocking in the ruck and it paid dividends as the Saints managed to lock the ball in the forward pocket. Bailey Troeth at centre half forward brought the ball in and Lachy Harris pumped it forward, where Gus Doquile, continuing his first half form, roved the ball off the pack and put a long kick straight through the middle. Henry Boileau, playing in the centre this quarter took the ball from the bounce and courtesy of an Oliver Moore sheppard found another ball magnet in Alexander Scott. A running Howie Persson then handed off to Lachy Harris but he was off target and the ball went out of bounds. Cheltenham managed to work the ball back to half back, with Harvey Emerson and Patrick Frencken providing some great bullocking work and keeping it under wraps. From a ball up a huge punch from Dae Szydlik towards goal found Matty McNaughton who put the Saints further ahead with his third of the match so far. The Saints were on fire as Alexander Scott took the ball out of the centre again and roosting to the forward pocket, watched in amazement as Gus Doquile outdid both Daniel Motlop and Matty McNaughton to somehow find daylight between the two uprights from a seriously acute angle.

Just when the onballers Dan Hocking and Henry Boileau were dominating, Cheltenham turned the tables to take the ball out of the centre and with minimal effort slot a long goal from centre half forward. The full back line of Sam Champion, James Halliday and Sam Day had not let their opposition get a sniff this quarter, but as Cheltenham attacked again they were under pressure. A clearance from Harvey Emerson to Monty Murdoch found its way to Daniel Hocking who roosted long for Alexander Martin to trap the ball and in his now customary turn and release, put the ball back in the Saints forward pocket. What looked like a free kick to Lukas Rowe went unrewarded and a smother by Cheltenham on a Bailey Troeth kick, bounced favourably for Cheltenham who found themselves with an open paddock and ran the length of the ground for a goal that put them back in touch.  At three quarter time it was the Saints in front 7 goals 6 behinds to Cheltenham 5 goals 2 behinds.

With Cheltenham kicking to what had been the scoring end in the last quarter it was still game on. The coach reminded the team of the game against East Malvern and the boys came out and took it up to Cheltenham. The onball brigade of Dae Szydlik, Lachy Harris and Matt McNaughton really put in to give the Saints first use of the ball. A great mark from Gus Doquile only resulted in a point, but shortly after Lachy found an unmarked Alexander Scott in the goal square, who made no mistake with a long left footer, to put the Saints further in front. Sam Day and Sam Champion again teamed well to repel a Cheltenham attack and Dan Hocking found Lukas Rowe with a neat pass to bring it back into the Saints forward line. The Saints peppered the goals for the next couple of minutes with James Halliday getting into the action and Nick Watson firing off handpasses to his teammates to relieve the Cheltenham pressure. Harvey Emerson found Bailey Troeth at centre half forward and Dae Szydlik kicked long for a point off the pack. Monty Murdoch was on top of anything coming out of the Saints forward line, and was well backed up by Henry Boileau at full back

Cheltenham did manage a goal as they caught the Saints off guard, but the quarter ended with the Saints on top. A great pack mark by Dae Szydlik at centre half back set the tone for Bailey Troeth, Oliver Moore and Sam Day to finish off the game strongly. With just a few seconds left on the clock Sam Champion found Howie Persson who ran through the middle and found Matt McNaughton at centre half forward. With the siren about to blow, Matt let loose and watched as the ball sailed through the middle and the umpire gave the all clear, just as the siren sounded.

A good four-quarter effort from the boys, with Cheltenham only outscoring us in the second quarter. Like all our games it wasn’t easy and Cheltenham had their chances but we were a little more polished in the goal-kicking department, and our back line worked hard all day.

Goal kickers for the day were four to Matt McNaughton, two to Gus Doquile and singles to Noah Rowe, Howie Persson and Alexander Scott. Player awards went to Noah Rowe, Bailey Troeth and Alexander Scott with the coaches’ award going to Dae Szydlik.

Go City!

Round 7 31^st May 2009 U10

Vs East Brighton @ East Brighton.

St Kilda                        2 goals 3 behinds 15 points
East Brighton                2 goals 0 behinds 12 points

A bit of a debacle this week, with the 10am game being rescheduled to 8:45am. Normally not a problem, assuming you find out before 8:45am on game day. Unfortunately the team manager (who shall remain nameless) neglected to check the fixtures for changes leading up to the round.

Anyway, we got a start just before 9:30 with team positions based loosely on arrival time. As it turned out the duration of the quarters (or half) was also based loosely on the number of minutes before 10am, at which time another game was starting.

Captain for the day Lachy Harris (who won the privilege by winning the longest kick contest at training on the previous Thursday) lost the toss, although as it was still so foggy noone could actually find the coin anyway, and we kicked into the fog.

What little could be seen from the boundary line was confusing as with both the Saints and East Brighton looking the same from behind, we found ourselves applauding the opposition (not that we don't do this out of fair play anyway....). Without a warmup the Saints looked a bit rattled and East Brighton took full advantage and put two goals on the board fairly quickly, getting in first for the ball in the cold morning conditions. The Saints managed a point late in the quarter, and as the boys came into the break that seemed a good result as to a man (or boy) they were all shivering.

The coach didn't keep them long, just asked the boys to keep moving and try to get in first for the ball. A few strategic changes to the line-up on top of that and they were out for the second seven minute quarter. 

The second quarter looked more like the Saints as we attacked the ball and Gus Doquile kicked our second behind, touched by East Brighton on the line. Dae Szydlik got the ball to Matthew McNaughton a minute later and the Saints were on the comeback with a goal on the board. Play seesawed between half forward lines before the siren went with the ball deep in the East Brighton half. At half time it was East Brighton 2 goals to the Saints 1 goal 2 behinds.

By this time the fog was starting to clear and with time of the essence both teams stayed on the ground for a shortened break, with Trish Harris struggling to find any takers for the oranges. As play started the third quarter became both the third and fourth quarter as the 10am deadline loomed. Taking it into attack the Saints were rewarded with a free in front of goal as the East Brighton ruckman tried to barge through the pack. Somehow the ball ended up with Matt and he coolly slotted it through for his second of the day to put the Saints in front. Although the rest of the quarter produced some good rebounding football by both sides, East Brighton were in the ascendancy with Dae Szydlik producing a couple of match saving marks and Noah Rowe also defending strongly. With visions of last week's narrow loss to East Malvern in everyone's mind the Saints held on grimly and when the siren sounded at 9:59 and 55 seconds, the Saints were three points in front.

A draw would have been more fitting, as due to circumstances the game never reached the dizzying heights of previous encounters, but the boys still got on the park and had finally warmed up by the time it came to ‘The Saints go marching in'.

Goal kickers for the day were two to Matt McNaughton. Player awards went to Noah Rowe, Oliver Argyrou and Gus Doquile with the coaches' awards going to Sam Day and Matt McNaughton.

Go City!

Round 6 24^th May 2009 U10

vs East Malvern @ Wattie Watson.

St Kilda                        6 goals 6 behinds 42 points
East Malvern                6 goals 10 behinds 46 points

Having beaten St Peters last week, we came up against East Malvern today, who had played out a draw with St Peters earlier in the year. A really good challenge as we were a bit down on personnel this week, including the late loss of Alexander Martin who chipped a bone in his ankle and is now on crutches.

St Kilda captain Max Weir lost the toss and the Saints kicked against the breeze in the first quarter to the Esplanade end. Quickly we were into attack courtesy of Lachy Harris, but just as quickly East Malvern countered and running the ball the length of the ground, kicked a goal. From the centre East Malvern took it away, bombing long, but attacking the ball Henry Boileau, ran, bounced twice and found Lachy on the wing. Squaring it up Lachy found captain Max Weir at centre half forward, who played on across goals and the ball was locked up in our forward pocket. An East Malvern clearance only got as far as Matt McNaughton who put it back into full forward, but East Malvern cleared, again running the ball to their half forward, but this time Deputy Vice Captain Bailey Troeth mopped up returning the ball around the wing. Still East Malvern persisted but now it was Dan Parish’s turn, running the ball, bouncing and laying off to Vice Captain Oliver Woods who pumped it into our forward line. Charlie Williams, on the end of Oliver’s kick with a mark, pushed out a handball to the running Alexander Scott, but his kick found East Malvern in defence.

It seemed as if the Saints had settled, although most of the play was now in the East Malvern forward line, with the Saints defence standing resolute. East Malvern peppered the goals but couldn’t register more than a point. Sam Day playing in front of his opponent received a free kick, from which he found Dan Hocking. Riley Siegel was in and under the packs, and from another point to East Malvern; Elijah Kingsley marked and found Lachy Harris, who took off around the wing like a jackrabbit. Matt McNaughton got on the end but couldn’t hold the juggled mark, and East Malvern returned, with Henry Boileau rushing the ball through to keep East Malvern at bay. With seconds to go East Malvern broke through again, and at quarter time after keeping the Saints scoreless they had 2 goals 6 behinds on the board.

Kick it long and straight down the middle were the instructions at quarter time. East Malvern were still dominating the centre clearances, but catching them on the rebound Lachy Harris found Howie Persson who pumped it deep into our forward line. East Malvern pushed numbers behind the ball and locked play up nicely in our forward pocket. A clearance only got as far as Bailey Troeth who teamed well with Patrick Frencken to get the ball back to centre half forward. Henry Boileau playing midfield this quarter fought hard for the ball and got a handball out to a lurking Howie Persson who snapped truly from 20 metres out to put the Saints first goal on the board. Captain Max Weir was giving his all, but East Malvern were sharking well off the packs. Dan Parish again provided run and drive this time handballing to Bailey Troeth, who found an unmarked Howie Persson. Howie’s kick into full forward saw the Saints playing behind and a great saving play from the East Malvern defence cleared again. The umpire was giving quite a deal of latitude with the ‘hold on the ball rule’ as the Saints bumped their bigger opponents, but weren’t receiving the rewards. Henry Boileau was in the thick of it again and when Nick Watson took a great mark in the back line and cleared, it was only a courageous effort from an East Malvern player that stopped the Saints attack. It was enough, however, to catch the Saints out of position and East Malvern goaled. Out of the centre Dan Parish was terrific as he found Lachy Harris. Playing on Lachy was tripped and catching his opponents unawares ran around and roosted a long goal for the Saints. For the rest of the quarter the Saints kept the ball in their forward line, with Matthew Rush fighting hard to keep it there. Riley Siegel found Callum Welsh on the half forward line and Oliver Argyrou with a great smother, stopped an East Malvern clearance. Combining well, Oliver Woods covered for Lachy Harris, who again drove the ball into our full forward line where a great pack mark from an East Malvern defender saved what looked like a certain goal. At half time it was East Malvern in front 3 goals 6 behinds to the Saints 2 goals 1 behind

The Saints knew the third quarter would tell the story of the game and when East Malvern took the ball away from the middle it wasn’t going how we intended. A purple patch, which commenced when Oliver Moore got a free kick in defence and found Lachy Harris, ensued. Lachy found Matt McNaughton who ran the ball and delivered to Oliver Woods, who deftly stepped around a couple of defenders and running into goals slotted it. Lachy again provided the impetus out of the centre for a Gus Doquile screamer at full forward. Gus easily put it through the uprights and the Saints had hit the front. Nick Watson from half back, who gathered on the run and found Patrick Frencken on the wing, started a lovely piece of play. Patrick passed to Connor Bannister who found Oliver Woods, who in turn delivered to Matt McNaughton. Playing on around the boundary, Matt produced another classic goal, which would’ve tested Daniel Motlop on his day. Andrew Tzimas was starting to bob up around the forward line and Elijah Kingsley layed another bump that stopped the East Malvern forward in his tracks. A reckless piece of play by the Saints defence gave East Malvern a 15 metre penalty, that put them straight in front and gifted them a goal to keep East Malvern in striking distance. Howie Persson took a screamer and Andrew Tzimas tried another banana kick that just curled around the wrong side of the goal posts. Bailey Troeth and Charlie Williams were racking up kicks and Oliver Moore, Connor Bannister and Dan Hocking were also enjoying the quarter.  A set shot from Gus Doquile just fell short and in the ensuing rush Oliver Woods, right on the siren, kicked it through, with the umpire taking his time to award the goal as the Saints supporters held their breath. At three quarter time it was the Saints 6 goals 4 behinds to East Malvern 4 goals 7 behinds

At the break the coach praised the boys for what he called their best quarter of football for the year and asked then to again kick long with the wind. Little did he know…….  The last quarter started with both sides fighting hard for the ball. It seemed fairly even as East Malvern took it forward and hit the post, and the Saints took it the length of the ground and also managed just a behind. Alexander Scott and Andrew Tzimas were giving there all as play seesawed between half forward lines. Dan Hocking took a great mark and cleared the lines and Oliver Argyrou took two marks in a row to repel East Malvern attacks, but the pressure applied by East Malvern was unrelenting and they broke through for a goal. The Saints took the ball forward from the ball up and Callum Welsh had a chance but kicked across goal for East Malvern to rush a behind. With the Saints 4 points up East Malvern again took it forward, and this time managed to bottle it up in their forward pocket. A snap for a point put us 3 points up, and an errant clearance luckily only resulted in another point to East Malvern. With a minute to go we were still 2 points up and in possession. East Malvern cut off a long clearance by captain Max Weir and rebounding quickly they managed to weave their way through our defence to just clear the pack and score the goal they were after. 4 points up with less than a minute to go. From the ball up Charlie Williams managed to get the ball to Bailey Troeth, but Bailey’s kick was the last of the game as the siren sounded whilst it was still in the air

A disappointing result after a great third quarter, but East Malvern deserved the win, controlling the centre and packs for most of the day. With a little bit more scoreboard pressure early in the last quarter, it might’ve been too much for East Malvern, but an enjoyable game to watch nonetheless and hey “You win some you lose some”.    

Next week we’ve got East Brighton at Hurlingham Park, so we hope to rebound.

Goal kickers for the day were two to Oliver Woods and singles to Lachy Harris, Howie Persson, Gus Doquile and Matthew McNaughton. Player awards went to Riley Siegel, Elijah Kingsley and Daniel Hocking with the coaches’ award going to Lachy Harris.

Go City!

Round 5 17^th May 2009 U10

vs St Peters @ East Bentleigh.

St Kilda                        8 goals 2 behinds 50 points
St Peters                      4 goals 7 behinds 31 points

After a tough hitout with Oakleigh last week, today we came up against an undefeated St Peters on their home patch,

St Kilda captain Henry Boileau lost the toss and the Saints kicked against a slight breeze in the first quarter. Where we struggled early last week, this week with Lachy Harris back in the middle we took clean possession as Lachy found Alexander Martin, back in for from injury and illness, to put St Peters under enormous pressure. A tap from Elijah Kingsley found Harvey Emerson, freed up this week from his full forward duties, and on the run Alexander Martin picked up turned and slotted the games first for the Saints. Back in the middle and this time it was Alexander Scott racing in from the wing to drive it forward where Alexander Martin again attacked the ball and in a near repeat of his previous effort put his and the Saints second goal on the board for the quarter.

The game was fairly congested and the umpire was letting a lot go as Charlie Williams copped a full on push in the back that left him eating dirt, only to hear the umpire call play on. There was some heavy bumping from both sides as St Peters caressed the ball into their half forward line. Max Weir charged out of defence and was backed up by a desperate Howie Persson who found Lachy Harris marking, but St Peters rebounded from Lachy’s kick and caught the Saints out of position to get one back on us. Captain Henry Boileau, who keeping the ball in front of him knocked it forward until he picked it up and cleared to the centre, broke a period where St Peters looked like taking control. Henry found Daniel Hocking, who go it onto Harvey Emerson and again Alexander Martin was in the thick of it this time kicking it deeper into our forward line where deputy vice captain Charlie Hicks was lurking. Charlie calmly evaded the pack and left the goal umpire in no doubt as he posted the Saints third.

Although we were on top St Peters took the ball out of the centre and despite a desperate dive on the ball from Oliver Moore, St Peters had the numbers to square the ball up and bridge the gap with their second. In the following passage St Peters again took the ball forward where Lachy Harris copped the weight of the pack falling on him, to leave Lachy with an injured ankle that required the trainers to carry him from the ground. His teammates lifted around him and a long kick from the resultant ball up by Dae Szydlik saw Alexander Martin take an absolute screamer. What was even better was Alexander’s quick play on and roost over the top of the awaiting pack where our smiling vice captain, Matt McNaughton held his ground to mark in the goal square. Although still thinking of the Murrumbeena game last year, Matt put his head down, kicked through the ball and registered the Saints fourth for the quarter.  

At quarter time it was the Saints 4 goals straight to St Peters 1 goal 2 behinds. A great start and a great return from Alexander Martin, who dominated the quarter.

Straight into attack in the second quarter, St Peters were able to slow play down on the Saints half forward line, with the umpire still letting things go and a rolling maul developing. ‘Enough of this’ thought Max Weir after a while as he grabbed the ball and crashed through the pack to split the uprights and put the Saints further in front. Back on again, Lachy Harris combined with Andrew Tzimas, whose roost found Callum Welsh on the half forward line whee a centring kick into full forward saw Max Weir taking a screamer in the goal square. Max put it straight through for his second of the quarter. Daniel Parish was again rucking well out of the centre as he gave our mid fielders first use of the ball, but St Peters were not to be denied as they fought hard, but only to shake their heads in disbelief as their nemesis from the first quarter, Alexander Martin; this quarter at full back, marked and kicked back over their heads. Sam Champion in defence was doing all the team things as he shepparded and blocked for his teammates and Andrew Tzimas was collecting kicks around the ground.

Play became locked on the wing, where Monty Murdoch and Patrick Frencken fought a running battle with their opponents to see who was in and under first. Henry Boileau out from full back this quarter and Alexander Scott kept the opposition at bay with strong running play, but gradually St Peters pushed forward until a deft kick from a pack was marked by a St Peters forward, who kicked truly to keep them within reach. A shot at goal after the siren by St Peters was off target and at half time it was the Saints 6 goals straight to St Peters 3 goals 3 behinds.

The third quarter saw St Peters mount a strong challenge, with the ball in their forward line for most of the quarter. Connor Bannister took several marks and cleared well to hold St Peters at bay and Dae Szydlik was again resolute in defence with his strong marks and running, but after a couple of points St Peters managed to goal to again reduce the margin. James Halliday was in on a nice piece of play, combining with the hard running Oliver Moore to get it into our forward line, only to see St Peters run the ball the length of the ground, and but for a solid attack on the ball from Sam Day could’ve seen yet another goal to St Peters. Patrick Frencken continued to fight for the ball on his wing and Sam Champion was still providing support in and under the packs. The Saints had been held scoreless for the quarter with St Peters putting on a single goal. At three quarter time it was St Kilda 6 goals straight to St Peters 4 goals 5 behinds, and game on.

At three quarter time the coach asked the boys to be in first for the ball. ‘All I want you to do is to try and get in for the ball first and help your teammates’, as St Peters had showed us how to do it in the third quarter. A great Sheppard in the first minutes by vice captain Matt McNaughton, left an opening for Gus Doquile, who ran on and kicked the Saints first for the quarter. Charlie Williams, recovered from earlier injury, was now finding heaps of the ball, and along with his partner in crime Daniel Hocking, were just too fast for St Peters. St Peters did manage a point, but a huge kick out from Alexander Martin; found Andrew Tzimas, who chopped up the opposition through the centre and kicked long to full forward. Max Weir pounced, but his kick was astray and found the Saints first behind for the day. A Connor Bannister Sheppard and a well executed passage of play from full back that saw marks to Dae Szydlik, Henry Boileau and Elijah Kingsley in succession resulted in the ball being driven deep into the forward line where Charlie Hicks, Callum Welsh and Oliver Moore applied the pressure the coach had asked for at three quarter time. A kick from Monty Murdoch found a diving Howie Persson who marked, went back and keeping the ball low just cleared the pack for a goal that saw the fat lady singing.    

After a great last quarter by the Saints we had won, 8 goals 2 behinds to St Peters 4 goals 7 behinds. The Saints held sway for most of the day thanks to an accurate first quarter that made it hard for St Peters to catch up the leeway.

The Saints went marching in again, and must now prepare themselves for another big game against undefeated Dingley next week at Wattie Watson.

Goal kickers for the day were two to Alex Martin and Max Weir, with singles to Gus Doquile, Charlie Hicks, Howie Persson and Matt McNaughton. Player awards went to Harvey Emerson, Sam Day and Callum Welsh with the coaches’ award going to Alexander Martin and Charlie Hicks. Special thanks to Riley Siegel, who was an emergency this week, but ventured out to watch his mates, and was ready if anyone was unavailable at the last minute.

Go City!

Round 4 10^th May 2009

Vs Oakleigh @ Home.

St Kilda City                    4 goals 5 behinds 29 points
Oakleigh Dragons            3 goals 6 behind   24 points

Back to Wattie Watson again under a lot more pleasant conditions than the last time we were here, but against an opposition looking to make the day as trying as they could for the Saints.

St Kilda captain Howie Persson lost the toss and the Saints kicked with a slight breeze to the Ormond Esplanade road end in the first quarter. Straight away Oakleigh were into attack and peppering the goals. Henry Boileau was formidable in the last line of defence, ably supported by Callum Welsh in repelling the Dragons attacks. Oakleigh had come out running and were leaving the Saints in their wake. A point then another point before Oakleigh managed to get the first goal of the day on the board. Back to the centre and we were a 50/50 chance again, but Oakleigh took it away. Again Henry Boileau was in the thick of it, this time teaming with Sam Champion, who took a saving mark, to clear it to the wing. But when Oakleigh returned, it was Alexander Scott, who dashed through the pack, but was crucified by the umpire for holding the ball. Luckily the resultant shot resulted in just a point.

Finally the Saints got into gear with captain Howie Persson teaming with vice captain Elijah Kingsley to get the ball our side of the centre for the first time. Riley Siegel came into his own with some hard running and team play. Lukas Rowe pushed the ball forward where Riley Siegel found Max Weir, who kicked long to centre half forward and a leading Oliver Woods. Pushing down the ground Riley was on the receiving end of Oliver's kick and a snap towards goal found Gus Doquile, who marked 15 meters out. Straight through the middle and the Saints were back in it.

Again Oakleigh took the ball out of the centre, but once again Henry Boileau was in the way and though the ball stayed in the Oakleigh forward line they didn't bother the score for the remainder of the quarter. At quarter time it was Oakleigh 1 goal 3 behinds to the Saints 1 goal. Oakleigh had dominated the quarter but the Saints were hanging on. The coach congratulated the boys and in particular the backline and asked that the boys work harder on being first to the ball.

The second quarter saw some changes with Max Weir in the middle. Together with James Halliday and Matthew Rush and Monty Murdoch on the wings they were providing the fight the coach had asked for. Oakleigh still managed to get the ball forward, where it became congested and locked in the forward pocket. Out of a pack Oakleigh managed to get off a shot on goal that curled back in nicely, to them ahead by a goal. Although Oakleigh were still looking quite polished, and were running the ball well, their delivery to teammates was less poised. The Saints took advantage and Dae Szydlik found a running Max Weir, who with Riley Siegel's assistance, bombed long. The ball fell from the pack and Callum Welsh pounced and a great screw kick split the uprights. From the centre Dae Szydlik and Max Weir cleared and thanks to some great desperation from Daniel Hocking, the ball was locked in the Saints forward line. Elijah Kingsley found Patrick Frencken with a great pass and playing on Patrick passed to Oliver Woods for a mark at centre half forward. Kicking long, Matt McNaughton swooped on the loose ball and hit the post with a long snap. Rebounding by Oakleigh through the middle, Nick Watson cut off the attack and showing great desperation Noah Rowe was crunched as he threw himself on the ball. Fittingly, the quarter finished with Oakleigh mounting another charge and Henry Boileau standing resolute to mark. At half time it was Oakleigh just in front 2 goals 4 behinds to the Saints 2 goals 1 behind.          

The breeze had picked up slightly for the third quarter, and it was a determined Saints that came out to play. Straight out of the centre courtesy of a Daniel Parish tap to Alexander Scott who found deputy vice captain Harvey Emerson on the half forward line. The clearance by Oakleigh from Harvey's roost found Harvey again and a shot on goal was marked by Oakleigh in the square. All of a sudden Oakleigh were on the defensive as a rampant Saints attack peppered the goals. Patrick Frencken was in and under the packs and Monty Murdoch continued on from last weeks display to lead Oakleigh to the ball. Lukas Rowe found Connor Bannister on the half forward flank, and in a ‘special' piece of play Connor kicked and followed up, marking the ball himself, playing on and clearing the Oakleigh defence to find Harvey Emerson lurking in the goal square. Harvey having hit the post already, didn't need to be asked twice and put it straight through the middle. The Saints had hit the front.  Taking it away again it the Saints kicked a couple of points. Harvey Emerson was providing a focal point in the forward line, and Dae Szydlik and Max Weir were out to give him plenty of opportunities.

Connor Bannister was also giving the Saints plenty. Alexander Scott and Patrick Frencken were first for the ball setting up many opportunities for the Saints. When Bailey Troeth found Callum Walsh lurking, it looked simple as he drilled it down Oliver Woods throat whose high ball was marked by Connor Bannister straight in front. The crowd held their breath as Connor went back and drilled it to put the Saints further in front. The siren went shortly after and the Saints had dominated the quarter. At three quarter time it was St Kilda City 4 goals 4 behinds to Oakleigh 2 goals 3 behinds.

Everyone knew that there were no guarantees, as Oakleigh had the scoring end in the last quarter. The coach asked the boys to keep running and get in first. The Saints continued on their third quarter form with captain Howie Persson breaking the packs. Matt McNaughton showed a bit of magic and just missed the goal from a running snap. To their credit, Oakleigh continued to run the ball, but Oliver Argyrou in the last line of defence took a couple of telling marks to keep Oakleigh at bay. Elijah Kingsley put a big bump on an Oakleigh play maker to stop him in his tracks and his later chase down of an opponent through the wing and half forward were what the coach wanted to see. When Oakleigh did get a goal against the tide, they lifted and threw all they had at the Saints in an attempt to get the goal they needed to hit the front. The backline held solid, with midfielders Howie Persson, Alexander Scott and Max Weir pushing into defence to limit Oakleigh to only two more points.

At the final siren the Saints had prevailed, 4 goals 5 behinds to Oakleigh 3 goals 6 behinds. The Saints third quarter had held them in stead, and a very good Oakleigh outfit, went down by just a couple of points again. A great effort by the boys as Oakleigh held sway for most of the day. Oakleigh ran the ball well at every opportunity, and we can learn from this, but our delivery to position and teamwork was slightly better. Oakleigh also showed us the benefit of getting in first, and thereby getting your hands on the ball first. 

Goal kickers for the day were singles to Gus Doquile, Harvey Emerson, Connor Bannister and Callum Welsh. Player awards went to Daniel Parish, Nick Watson and Connor Bannister with the coaches' award going to Henry Boileau.

Go City.

Round 3 3^rd May 2009

v St Bedes @ Mentone.

St Kilda City                10 goals 11 behinds 71 points
St Bedes                      1 goal     1 behind    7 points

What a difference a week makes. From mid winter back to near tropical conditions, the Saints ventured down to sunny Mentone.

St Kilda captain Dae Szydlik lost the toss and the Saints kicked against a slight breeze to the scoreboard end in the first quarter. It was a frenetic start with Charlie Williams seemingly having the ball on a string, combining with Lachy Harris and Deputy vice captain Alexander Scott to push the ball forward. Howie Persson, in for his first game of the year after injury, was certainly making up for lost time, bustling and powering in the middle. It wasn’t long before the pressure on the St Bedes defence allowed Bailey Troeth to get free and put the first for the day on the scoreboard for the Saints.

St Bedes took the ball from the middle but a rampant Max Weir crashed through and put the ball back into the Saints forward line. Sam Day showed the benefit of playing in front, as he received a free kick that resulted in a pass to Monty Murdoch and long kick in for Harvey Emerson to mark. What could have been viewed as a shot at goal was really a well-disguised pass to Howie Persson, who went back from 10 yards, but sprayed it for a point. St Bedes managed to run the ball into their forward line and though vice captain Callum Welsh put on a terrific bump (well…tackle) to hold up play, St Bedes got on the scoreboard with a point.

The Saints defence were showing great desperation. The mercurial Oliver Woods again stood out and captain Dae Szydlik showed his teammates how to attack the ball. When Lachy Harris took a screamer and delivered it to Bailey Troeth and onto Alexander Scott, it only took a pass from Howie Persson to Gus Doquile and the goal magnet had registered his first for the day. At quarter time it was the Saints 2 goals 1 behind to St Bedes 1 point.

The second quarter started much the same as the first, with a Howie Persson tap straight down the throat of Charlie Williams. Lachy Harris got on the end of Charlies kick, played on and making it look easy, kicked a long goal. St Bedes tried hard but it seemed the Saints had them covered. Riley Siegel broke a potential St Bedes attack, beating three players and centring the ball, where a deft handball from James Halliday to Dae Szydlik eventually found Sam Champion. Sam’s snap from the forward pocked pulled up agonizingly short, for St Bedes to clear. Oliver Moore pulled off a brilliant smother and his fighting for the ball frustrated St Bedes further. Shortly after, Sam Champion was in the thick of it again, giving off to James Halliday who found Daniel Hocking on his own. Daniel kicked truly and another goal was registered for the Saints. Out of the middle again courtesy of Charlie Williams and Charlie Hicks and Lachy Harris pounced threaded through the opposition and put his second and the Saints third for the quarter on the board. Back into attack again, and this time it was captain Dae Szydlik attacking the ball at centre half forward, running on and kicking truly. The quarter ended with Noah Rowe having a long torpedo after the siren from centre half forward, which fell short. At half time it was St Kilda City 6 goals 4 behinds to St Bedes a solitary point.

A great first half from the whole team, with the defence led by Henry Boileau and sidekick Lukas Rowe covering any potential attacking moves by St Bedes.

The team stayed out on the ground, enjoying the sunshine and wanting to get back into it. The third quarter started and this time it was the captain Dae Szydlik who was mopping up getting kicks. Bailey Troeth snapped for a point and the Rowe brothers teamed up around the grandstand side to bring the ball forward. Callum Welsh found Harvey Emerson and the Saints were in attack again for an Alexander Scott mark and huge kick for a rushed behind. St Bedes had come out to run the ball, but didn’t count on Henry Boileau, who returned fire and caught the St Bedes midfielders off guard. Yet another mark to Daniel Hocking and the backline and midfield, notably Lukas Rowe and Riley Siegel combined to once again find Gus Doquile up forward who put yet another on the board. To their credit St Bedes kept running, and finally broke through the Saints defence to score their first goal for the day, but when Daniel Hocking marked again and delivered to Sam Day after the bounce in the middle, it was yet again Gus Doquile courtesy of a layoff from Harvey Emerson who put the Saints further in front. At three quarter time, the Saints were up, 8 goals 6 behinds to St Bedes 1 goal 1 behind.

Have some fun the coach said to the boys in the last quarter and threw the side around a bit. Monty Murdoch took him up on this and ran rings around the St Bedes defence, but could only register points. Charlie Hicks also got in on the act leaving the opposition standing in their tracks, but narrowly missing. Sam Champion and Oliver Moore were also still going full tilt, and Howie Persson showed great teamwork in laying off the ball to teammates in better position. In what was one of the best pieces of play for the day, Henry Boileau came through centre half back, teamed up with Monty Murdoch, who found Oliver Woods at half forward. Straight on and centring into full forward where Charlie Williams marked and kicked a well deserved goal. It was open slather by now as everyone had a dip at the goals, but it wasn’t till Max Weir, with the last play of the day, charged through the pack and just beating the siren, put the Saints 10^th goal on the scoreboard. 

A really excellent team result, with ALL boys contributing. The defence was outstanding and handballing, teamwork and looking for each other a delight to watch..

Goal kickers for the day were three to Gus Doquile, two to Lachy Harris and singles to Dae Szydlik, Charlie Williams, Bailey Troeth, Max Weir and Daniel Hocking. Player awards went to Henry Boileau, James Halliday and Max Weir with the coaches’ award going to Howie Persson.

Go City.

Round 2 26^th April 2009

Vs Beaumaris Blues @ Wattie Watson.

St Kilda City                 3 goals   5 behinds  23 points
Beaumaris                    4 goals 11 behinds  35 points

First home game for the season, and first taste of winter and what will be soon widely known throughout the league as the ‘Watson Doctor’ or ‘Doctor Wattie’. It starts somewhere in the middle of Port Phillip Bay, does a circle of the Elwood oval and lands in the forward pocket. It seems the cycle is repeated.

St Kilda captain Gus Doquile lost the toss and the Saints kicked against the wind. It didn’t seem to phase the Saints, as the opening play went Elijah Kingsley tap to Lachy Harris, sidestep and kick to Alexander Martin, who marked, turned, kicked and found captain Gus Doquile. Onto his trusty left boot and the skipper had the first on the board for the day. Gus couldn’t have been happier if it was his birthday. Back to the centre and Beaumaris cleared this time, but found Dae Szydlik in for his first game of the year at centre half back. Dae took it round the wing, where Riley Siegel shepparded well for Lachy who found the leading Oliver Woods on the half forward line. Blocking from Andrew Tzimus allowed Oliver to bomb long with a resultant rushed behind, putting the Saints further ahead.

Beaumaris took it around the dominant wing to their half forward, but good teaming from Elijah to Charlie Williams cleared the first Beaumaris attack. Not for long though as Beaumaris looked to square the ball up into centre half forward. Out of a congested pack, Beaumaris managed to lay the ball off for a great snap goal to open their scoring. From the middle Beaumaris took it away again and preceded to bottle it up in the forward pocket, having a few chances but putting only four points in succession on the scoreboard. Daniel Parish ran hard and true for clearances and was ably supported by Noah Rowe, who was in and under the packs. Oliver Argyrou and Monty Murdoch, in for his first game, gave us drive around the clubrooms side of the ground, but at quarter time the Saints were down by 4 points.

The coach was pleased with the first quarter effort and instructed the boys to kick long and direct in the second quarter. Beaumaris had first clearance for the quarter, but a great mark and run on kick by deputy vice captain Daniel Hocking, put the Saints into attack, where Matthew McNaughton swooped and snapped for a point. Beaumaris brought the ball back in to a congested centre half back line, with Sam Day and Oliver Moore working hard to keep it there. From a ball up, Dae Szydlik drifted down and found himself with time to turn, snap and pump his fist for the Saints second of the day.

Again Beaumaris took it out of the centre and bustled it forward. Vice captain Lukas Rowe put the brakes on, but the resultant clearance was set upon by the Beaumaris team who kicked across goal for a behind. The kick in found Sam Champion marking and combining with Dae through hand passing to get it too Charlie Hicks at half forward. A courageous Beaumaris mark stifled the Saints attack, as Beaumaris countered and ran it all the way for a goal against the run of play. This time it was the Saints turn as we won the ball out of the centre, and locked it in the forward pocket. From a free kick, Monty Murdoch found a leading Matt McNaughton, 10 metres out and straight in front. Matt went back and drilled it through. At half time the Saints were leading 3 goals 2 behinds to Beaumaris 2 goals 5 behinds. 

Beaumaris had the best of the 3^rd quarter kicking with the wind and controlling the ball for most of the quarter. The back line was under the pump, with full back James Halliday and half back Matthew Rush working overtime. Lachy pushed deep into defence to give the team a hand, but we couldn’t seem to break the lines, and the ball kept coming back. There was some great teamwork being displayed, with Charlie Williams combining with Patrick Frencken and Daniel Parish linking up with Riley Siegel. Nick Watson produced some great efforts that saw him get the ball to Lachy and on to Gus Doquile for a close miss, registering a point. Alexander Martin continued to run hard and Oliver Moore constantly provided a target up forward. At three quarter time it was Beaumaris in front, 4 goals 11 behinds to the Saints 3 goals 3 behinds.

Only two goals the coach said at three quarter time, prompting some of the boys with a mathematical bent, to correct him, but the message was clear. Straight down the middle with the wind and the scoreboard will look after itself (with the help of Peter Watson of course). Beaumaris had other ideas and played well, continuingly running the ball and keeping possession against the wind. Oliver Woods was stemming the tide kicking long, and Nick Watson was also picking up kicks around the ground. Charlie Hicks was in hard and when Bailey Troeth took a sensational grab and kicked long it looked like we had their measure. A touched ball on the line reduced the deficit by a point, and when Elijah Kingsley had a shot that just fell short, the Saints were in overdrive. Time and a disciplined opposition combined to deny the Saints their second victory for the year, with the siren seeing Beaumaris still 12 points in front.        

A tough day at the office for the Saints, with the wind making it all the more difficult. Beaumaris played well deserving their victory after starting off slow and getting better as the day went on. The effort from the Saints was first rate, but looks like we are going to have to practice up on playing in the wind at Wattie Watson.

Goal kickers for the day were Gus Doquile, Dae Szydlik and Matthew McNaughton. Player awards for the day went to Patrick Frencken, Monty Murdoch and Andrew Tzimus and the coaches’ award went to Lachy Harris.

We are back at Wattie Watson for training this Thursday.

Go City.

Round 1 19^th April 2009

Vs Mordi-Brae @ Mordialloc.

St Kilda City                5 goals 3 behinds 33 points
Mordi-Brae                  3 goals 7 behinds 25 points

Back down to where it all started last year......

Already a few missing, the Saints lost Howie Persson and vice captain Oliver Argyrou on the morning of the game. Unfazed, the coaching staff made a few rotations and it was game on!

St Kilda captain Lachy Harris won the toss and kicked to the grandstand end in the first quarter. The skipper was unstoppable in the first quarter, giving our forwards first use of the ball. Henry Boileau was doing some great bullocking work and Matt McNaughton was again looking dangerous around the goals. Mordi-Brae were up to it though, repelling all attacks until a cross the goal attempt at a clearance saw Henry Boileau pounce and put our first major for the year on the board.

Mordi-Brae started to get their game together, but some solid marks from Sam Champion in defence and great run from Max ‘The Rock' Weir, kept the opposition at bay. Mordi snuck in a couple of points in a row, with full back Nick Watson wisely kicking back to the pockets, to be 3 points down at quarter time.

The Mordi-Brae coach must have got into his boys at quarter time as they came out full of run, and but for some inaccurate kicking, could have take the lead. Oliver Woods was a stalwart in defence, with some solid marks and great smothering. He was well backed up Alexander Scott and the hard running Oliver Moore, as the ball floated between half forward lines for most of the quarter, before Charlie Hicks produced a banana kick that snuck over the line for a goal. Daniel Parish was giving his all in the ruck and Harvey Emerson fought hard all over the ground to help keep Mordi-Brae goalless for the quarter.

At half time it was St Kilda 2 goals to Mordi-Brae 5 points straight. In front on the scoreboard, but Mordi were really testing us.

Mordi-Brae continued on from where they left off in the 2^nd quarter, getting first touch out of the middle, and their blonde brigade had our defence of Matthew Rush and Riley Siegel working overtime. Deputy vice captain Sam Day was still attacking the ball hard and Daniel Hocking took some telling marks, but we just could not break the Mordi-Brae defence. Daniel Parish was continuing his fine form and Oliver Moore held firm, but Mordi-Brae managed to score their first goal of the game and then hit the front with their second of two behinds for the quarter. Charlie Hicks continued to show dash and Callum Welsh impressed with his silky skills, combining well with Charlie Williams in a great attacking run.

Still, held scoreless for the quarter, it was anybodies, with the Saints one point down at 3 quarter time.

The coach gee'd the boys up for a big effort in the last quarter and got it. To everyones amazement, the vice captain for the day, Oliver ‘Nemo' Argyrou, came on still nursing a facial injury and picked up first possession for the last quarter. It must have been the first aid administered by our trainer, Wendy Pakes, as our other injury struck ruckman, Elijah Kingsley, marked strongly twice, to kick two points and put us briefly back in front. Not for long though as Mordi-Brae counter attacked the length of the ground to score a goal and wrest the lead back. Max Weir dominated the clearances for the next few minutes and with the skipper Lachy, got the ball forward where Connor Bannister marked, went back as everybody held their breath and slotted it.

Straight out of the centre again, courtesy of Andrew Tzimus, who ran hard all day and Gus Doquile showed a bit of magic on the forward line to snap truly and put us further in front. To put the icing on the cake, Gus repeated the performance, the shining green boots scoring their second for the quarter. Not to be outdone, Mordi-Brae bustled it out of the centre and right on the final siren kicked a goal to leave them in deficit by 8 points.

A great first up effort by the Saints, including parents, friends and relative support against a very good opposition. The coaching staff of Rob and Simon was elated as ‘The Saints Go Marching In' was belted out for the first time this year in a home and away match.

Goal kickers for the day were two to Gus Doquile and singles to Henry Boileau, Connor Bannister and Charlie Hicks. Player awards for the day went to Oliver Moore, Sam Champion and Charlie Hicks and the coaches' award went to Oliver Woods.

Don't forget the Pie night on Thursday after training at the Peanut Farm.

Go City.