Panton Hill: 17.12-114
Mernda: 19.17-131
Goal Kickers: R. Woods 4, D. Butler 4, J. Whitcher 3, J. Ballock, G. Oakley, P. Cisek, T. Power, N. Grimshaw, D. Pratt
Best Players: D. Pratt, P. Cisek, B. Strongman, W. Box, G. Oakley, N. Grimshaw
Once again the Hills got off to a solid start, but this week they were really able to make it show on the scoreboard. The Redbacks were winning the ball at the centre bounces and moving the ball very efficiently into the forward line. By quarter time they had established a 5 goal lead and were looking the goods. It was much more even contest in the second with Mernda pegging back a few but the boys steadied and maintained their 5 goal buffer at the big break.
Throughout the 3rd term Mernda gradually reduced the margin to be leading by a point at the final change. Mernda grabbed the ascendancy in the final quarter to run out victors by 17 points.
Pratty worked hard all day and was best on ground while Cisek posted another very solid performance in his second game for the club. Strongy, our one-armed captain was impressive out of the back pocket as was the usual suspect, Will Box.
Coach Ramsay’s focus this season is to do the things within our own control and stay disciplined. Giving away some ten 25 meter penalties was unforgivable in such a close match.
RESERVES TAKE ANOTHER SMALL STEP FORWARD
Panton Hill: 0.1 2.1 3.1 5.3 (33)
Mernda: 6.2 8.4 13.6 22.16 (148)
Goal kickers: Wise 2, Tanti, Anderson, Francis
Best players: Strongman, Carr, Coleman, Wenborn, Francis, Wise
The Panton Hill reserves side were again disappointing on Saturday afternoon, this time against Mernda. However, whilst the result on the scoreboard was again very deflating for the Redbacks, this week was an improvement on the first two games of the season. Nonetheless, Coach John Manzoney was clear in delivering a post-match message to the players that a more committed and disciplined four-quarter effort was required if the reserves team is to experience victory any time soon.
Paul Strongman was clearly the best player for the Hills, which was particularly impressive on Strongy’s part as he was still getting over a bug that he fell ill to during the week. The return of Grant Carr to the ruck this week was highly beneficial to the side, as Grant won the majority of the tap-outs in the middle of the ground.
Some highlights of the match included some very good forward pressure work by Grenville Wise, resulting in him bagging two goals, whilst first gamer James Anderson also managed to split the middle, in a promising first-up display.
The reserves side will be travelling to Pitcher Park in Alphington on Saturday to take on the Parkside team. The playing group will need to put in a tough and disciplined effort on the training track this week if they are to get close to victory this week.
