Women’s Seniors
UHS-W 1.5.11 – De La Salle 2.3.15
Goal Kickers: Abbey Mills
Written by Kyra Greenway
After last year’s season being cut short due to a certain pandemic, we were all so excited to be back, even on a grey and drizzly Melburnian day in Malvern East.
De La Salle was short in numbers so it was 16 a side and the wonderful Matthea stepped up to play for their side.
Our team started strong. Amy P, Bella, Ezra, Lucy, Zoe and Hannah all consistently attacked the ball in a way that is nothing short of inspiring.
An epic goal from our legendary 50+ gamer Abbey made the scores level at half time.
At 3/4 time we were only a goal behind – De La Salle 2.3-15 and UHSVU 1.3-9 – and directing all our efforts towards locking in that missing goal.
A while into the 4th quarter, Bridget unexpectedly came running towards us at the bench. She said “my finger isn’t pointing the right way!” with a…smile? Bridget came off and Tegan sent me on. Suddenly yours truly found herself taking her first ever set shot for goal! I missed but I’m so happy I came so close!
De La Salle finished with a win by 4 points.
It was a delight to play again, and both sides made an impressive effort. Well done to all!
Men’s Seniors
UHS-VU 10.2.72- Preston 11.7.73
Goal Kickers: Patrick Brookes 4, Tom Rocke 2, James McGee 2, Harrison Rocke, Noah Seiderman
Written by Jacob Best
The senior side came into round 1 keen to commit to their new playing style and game plan. After a really positive preseason under new head coach Paul Rocke, the team was keen to compete and build some synergy with a group that had numerous changes to last years. Todd Cracknell completed his first coin toss as UHS stand in captain with resounding success, however the team was unable to capitalise on their first quarter kicking with the wind of Preston’s tennis court size oval.
The second quarter was a slog for UHS going against the wind and still trying to find a spark or chemistry to get things going positively. Half time was used to reset and attack the third quarter. Ezza Ramsay was a house on fire coming out of the middle for the whole quarter as UHS took full control of the game in the third and pinned Preston in their D50. The efforts of Josh Hoevenaars and a Rocke who can finally play somewhere other than full back in Harri were also key to UHS treating Preston like a team that hadn’t won for over a year.
Unfortunately a conversion rate of 4 goals 9 behinds in the third would come back to be UHS’s undoing as Preston used the wind in the 4th to level scores late and eventually go 7 points up with a minute of game left. The dying stages of the game were kept interesting by Pat Brooks (finished with 4 goals and was a class above all day) who took a mark that looked good from every angle, including underneath it, and Tom Rocke who snuck forward to kick his second and put UHS a point behind with seconds left. Preston won the final centre clearance of the day keeping themselves a point ahead at the final siren.
Men’s Reserves
UHS-VU 15.11.101 – Preston 6.7.43
Goal Kickers: Matthew Mallia 3, Ned Couper-Johnston 2, Basile Nock 2, James Gilfillan 2, Spencer Gigacz 2, Leon Trinh, Lachlan Brown, Thomas Woodlock, Lachlan Allen
Written by Spencer Gigacz
The first game of the season started off with a bang for the Men’s Reserves as they trekked to the wild northern suburbs for a hit out with rival Preston on a blustery Saturday. With captain Gabe Adderly choosing to kick with the wind first, UHS scored seven goals to zero to go into the first break with a 44 point lead in a dominant display that could only be soured by an injury to Lockie Allen.
The second quarter was much more of a tussle as Preston had their turn with the breeze and UHS switched to a more defensive mode of play. The backline was a highlight during this quarter as they repelled a number of entries as Preston took advantage of the breeze. Jamie Stackpole was excellent in defense, taking countless intercept marks and marshaling the backline. Despite the breeze, UHS were able to kick two goals in response to Preston’s three, to head into the main break with a 38 point lead.
Despite a tense stalemate to start the third quarter, including a number of missed shots, UHS went on to deliver a solid quarter. Following a half time rev-up by new coaches James McGee and Alex Henry, the team knew that one more good quarter might just be enough to quell any fight left in the Preston side. As nerves set in, the ball pinged back and forth to open the term, with neither side able to get a goal early. Eventually the deadlock broke, with UHS finishing the quarter kicking 3.4 to Preston’s 0.1 and taking a 59 point lead into the final break.
With the game nearly won and cramp setting in, the fourth quarter saw some tired bodies and tough footy being played. In particular, the courage and toughness of Damien Nelson was on full display as he ran back with the flight, crashed packs and forced his way through contests to earn best on ground. Despite a couple of late goals from Preston, UHS managed to stay on top for much of the final term and finish the game with a 58 point victory to set up the season.
Congratulations to the new coaching staff led by James and Alex, who were excellent in their first hit-out of the season, revving up the players and shifting the magnets. Congratulations as well to all the players who played their first game for the club and contributed to the first win of the season for the green and tan including; Basile Nock, Ned Couper-Johnston, Harrison Tomas, Mathew Cafaro, Hussein Abdi, Nick Ferguson, Walter Isaacson and Jack Decorsey. While there was an even performance across the team, Damien Nelson, Jamie Stackpole and James Gilfillan were standout contributors for the day.