Match Reports 2009
Sporting Pulse Ladders and results can be found here BHN 4.4.28 defeated by Knox 9.16.70 (?) Our last game of the year was a home again, against the top of the ladder Knox. A few notable outs in Eddie, Cookie, Hershi, Aff etc etc, and it seems to be that we have not quite managed to get our best team on the park all year. Those that do play, offer their all. Conditions moderated towards the start of the game with the wind dropping and the rain holding off. The ground was in excellent condition and no real excuses other than a 2-3 goal breeze to the train track end. Simmo got the recognition that he richly deserves as he ran through the banner to acknowledge 150 games. The first quarter was hard and tough, with Knox getting out of the gates well with the first few scoring opportunities and the first major. This was closely followed by the boys in brown and gold into the wind. Damo and Rex working hard out of the middle and Jimmy looking very comfortable in the full back position. Nice to have the big target down forward, well supported through the day by the blowfly fleet in Matt and Woodsy. T-Rex came off second best in a head clash with the Colonel and needed to be stretchered off as he seemingly briefly lost contact with reality (unlike Sean who does it on purpose). Particular thanks to Kim, Gav and others for their excellent support and I am pleased to let all know that Justin should be fine and is out of hospital. The second saw us use the breeze and goals to Matt, Mick and ...wait for it...Woodsy(!) saw us go into the major break only about a goal down. The second had seen Ash, Simmo, Ben and Smitty all do well, while Con and Alex were everywhere. Much better use of the football than we had seen in previous weeks and we were up and about. Army reckons our third was almost the best for the year and shows what we can do if we put our minds to it and use the pill well. Losing our big ruckman for the day and with JT sidelined with the flu, Woodsy became our main target up forward and as usual was very seldom beaten in a marking contest. The back line was rock solid and Nuts was showing his customary strong marking and use of the ball, well supported by Mick who had been dropped back. The last saw us run out of legs a little, but our endeavour was great all day. Attacking football was called for and unfortunately, this meant some turnovers and loose players. To keep a top side to 9 goals is a great effort, to not kick one after 1/2 time is a little dissappointing. And so the season finishes 4 wins - 5 losses. Our best year so far, and more importantly, signs that we can bridge the gap between us and the top 405 sides. Thanks to everyone who played, supported, coached, administered, photgraphed, ran water etc etc. Our heartfelt appreciation in helping us old blokes run around and pretend to be young. SEE YOU IN JANUARY FOR PRE-SEASON!
BHN 2.3.15 defeated by Werribee 21.12.138
A long trip way over the wrong side of the Yarra saw us take on the Divisions measuring stick, Werribee. Seeing some of the scores that this team had kicked, it was always going to be a difficult task to get close, let alone defeat them. That's the way the day panned out.
Fantastic facilities and a ground in excellent condition made the day one of clean, fast-flowing football...mostly from them, and occassionally by us also.
4 goals in the first to Werribee and a single to Box Hill saw the first quarter not without hope. Werribee tended to win the majority of the centre clearances, but we had our share of entries into the 50, Mick and Hershi both looking strong on the lead and dangerous. From the outset, it was clear that Werribee as a team, are where we hope to be in a year or two. Quick, precise ball movement despite the pressure that we placed on them. The pressure was also not reflected on he scoreboard. T-Rex doing well, Nuts going...well...Nuts, Damo hard at it, Smitty back from his ribs...all doing well.
The second was more of the same. A bit of tunnel vision fom Box Hill, failing to use some of the width and runners out wide, and tending to look down the line a little too much. Easily getting to the half forward line, but just not able to get that one extra kick needed. Our runner, Clavical was a standout, turning what would have been an uncontested Werribee mark into a hard ball get...:). About 8-9 goals down at half time.
A few changes at half time didn't seem to make too much difference. Easy goals from Werribee out of the middle, kicked accurately from a long way out. Our pressure was still good, our intensity didn't drop, skill level and decision making a little less impressive. SB and Nuts were in a competition for the worst kick of the day...I'm giving it to Nuts...by plenty. Newish boy Jeff, moved onto the Full Forward tried hard, Smitty collected a Werribee bloke with an accidntal head high tackle, Ash continuing his stellar year, well supported by Damo, Simmo, JT and Matt.
The last saw the pattern continue. To our credit, we didnt stop trying and I personally was very suprised at the final score, it certainly didnt feel like the hiding that the score board reflects. I was also amazed that we kicked so few goals. This loss gives us a target to work towards in the future.
Particular congratuations must go to Matthew Simpson, playing his 150th for the club, was awarded B.O.G. for Box Hill...well done Simmo.
Thanks to the supporters for coming down to watch, greaty appreciated!
Three training sessions and one game to go, lets try to finish off the year in a positive manner.
BHN 0.5.5 defeated by Cranbourne 9.9.63
Wind, wind and more wind was the order of the day, and not just from Matt due to all the cheese he consumes! Not a bit of shelter to be seen for about 2kms and the wind was actually making people dizzy!
We lost the toss and battened down the hatches against the wind. We seemed to get off to a reasonable start, Cranbourne kicked 4 for the term, two of these passes to somewhere near CHF and then blown through with the gale. Running the ball into the wind was a challenge, we did manage to post a minor, and came to the huddle at quarter time thinking we had done well.
Unfortunatley, we were unable to capitalize with the breeze in the second. We had plenty of it and a number of very, very, very close shaves (?) just missing. Cranbourne having had the benefit of experience, ran the ball into their forward line well and kicked one or two for the quarter. Clean possessions were a bonus and lots of possessions were missing their targets. "Nuts" Amoore, Ash were holding their own and Damo, Simmo and T-Rex all trying hard.
Ther half time break was a chance to settle. Clearly on a day like this one was, both teams were going to load up the backline and scoring opportunities were scarce. Again, a solid quarter of footy from the Box Hill boys, limiting the scoring chances and only 7 goals down at the last break. Most of us feeling that we were still a chance. Particularly given that we have had 2-3 8 goal quarters this year. JT was rock solid all day and a few telling marks by Jeff, in for his first game of the year were fantastic to see. Joffa also doing well in the testing conditions.
Unfortunately, we were again unable to convert while Cranbourne were running the ball well into the wind. Our attempts to convert left the back line a little undermanned and Cranny scored 2 good goals. Very disappointing to not score a major in the game and one would hope that this will spur us on against the top two sides in the last 2 games of the year.
BHN 4.5.29 defeated by Federal/Bayside 10.12.72
On a cool dry afternoon, we faced up to Federal, for what would be our most significant game of the year. Win, and we consolidate our spot in the four. Lose, and we fall back to the pack. Once again, we started poorly, and found ourselves having to chase a result. Lack of intensity, inability to convert, and poor decision-making cost us dearly. We were not without triers. Our defence toiled manfully, led by "Nuts", Bomber & SB. Ash continued to impress with another consistent effort, and Damo & Simmo worked hard at the coalface. Gerard,Jackie & Chambo gave us much-needed enthusiasm when they entered the fray, and Joffa never stopped presenting. T-rex did his bit against some quality opposition, and Browny did his bit, until his shoulder gave way. Matt also played four solid quarters of football. We must be frustrating the @#$! out of our supporters, as we are very inconsistent, and very unpredictable. When we're good, we're good, when we're off our game... Three games to go. All big challenges, let's get behind Armie, and fight for one of those top four spots.
BHN 16.4.100 defeated North Footscray 7.10.42
Another perfect day for footy...we have been lucky this year! A 2pm start saw the boys in red and white turn up en masse, in a bus, a good idea! Some big names back in for the Demons with Mick, Ben, Hershi, G, Herps, Adam (and probably some I have forgotten) take on some of the roles of Tony, JT, Joffa (and others I have forgotten).
The first quarter saw us urged on by the coach to show some intensity after a pretty lack lustre performance the week before, and to our credit, we did raise it a little, although maybe not enough for Army's liking. The Footscray boys got of to a great start, kicking the first 2 of the game and getting some good use out of the middle. A centre square huddle saw us reorganize and kick the next 4 before the Footscray team found another major. Having Mick down front straightens us up nicely as does the mobile Hershi at CHF. Eddie up the ground a bit and Matt playng his role payed off, as did the move of Pratty to the last line of defence. Simmo is clearly the fastest 40 year old on the planet, but does seem to have learned to slow down before he kicks! A high scoring affair in the first with Box Hill up by 2 goals at the first break.
The ball was coming out of the middle well, with Ben and T-Rex feeding Woodsy, Damo and Simmo. Eddie and Ash on the wings finding plenty of it and new man, Jimmy showing his footskills with some lovely hit ups to the leading forwards. To the credit of the Footscray team, it did seem to spend a lot of time in our forward line, but looking at the scoreboard, it was a 3 goal to 2 second quarter. Pratty having arguably his best game for the year was cleaning up down back and finding the tireless Matt and Eddie out wide. Geoff "Nuts - The Hand of God" Amoore was putting on a show for some mates who came to watch, spoiling the few that he was unable to mark. 9 goals to 6 at half time.
The support of the ball carrier was much better than last week, with a lot more shepards and running options seen. Clavical Gav, back for his first in a while was doing well across a back flank, supported by Paul, also back from injury. " Eggs" Benny Day was presenting well and the running game started to return. A 5 goal quarter with some very accurate kicking and clever snaps to the hot spot.
Urged on in the last to kick a bag, we were unable to penetrate the Northeners defences. They had plenty of numbers back and fought on well, keeping us to a single major for the term. Again, the extra nights training seems to be paying off with a lot of players running out the game strongly, particularly Damo, Ash and Eddie amongst others. Hershi having a day out at CHF/ Flank, marking everything and running everywhere with pace, while "the Yank" was having his head marked by a North player. All players contributed and difficult to pick the best.
Many thanks to North Footscray for a game played in good spirits assisted by being well umpired. Thanks to the off field personnel, Keith for the 312 photos that I have culled somewhat, Affie for coming down to help with the bar and all those supporters and players that came to watch.
BHN 4.7.31 defeated by Hallam 16.6.102
Well it seemed like a great day for football. Conditions were good and the ground, apart from the middle was in an excellent state.
A few big in's in T-Rex, Geoff Amoore, but a lot of out's in Hershi, the two Day boys, Con, Smitty and Browny amongst others. Special mention to Sash, Deano and Nunz for their first game in BHN colours. The mood in the change rooms was good, but that seemed to be were we left it.
T-Rex was dominating the hitouts, but we were unable to make use of this and get any clear possession out of the middle, his influence nullified somewhat by the proximity of the circle to the centre square, meaning that really, there were about 6 of each team in the centre at any stage. Damo "Dutchie" and Simmo hard at it as always. We were getting to the ball second, and on the odd occassions that we did get their first, the heavy pressure from Hallam saw us fumble and use the wrong option. Unfortunate for Dean to go down badly in the first with what looked to be a nasty knee. We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. The back line were under the pump and we a little short down there as well. The two Jeff's doing well but outnumbered. a 6 goal to zip first quarteer.
The second started in a similair manner, a lack of pressure on the Hallam ball carriers. Woodie, Afie and Nunz came on and all made an immediate impact. SB playing a great spoling game and Ash and Pratty presenting well up forward. Too many players waiting for the easy possesion, and only a few willing to go and get the ball.. unfortunately three more injuries in Nunz, Tony and Bomber all off for the remainder of the game, leaving the structure completely out of whack.
In the third, we saw our second nomination for the Mortimer Award, Joffa being ejected for the remainder of the game, again eating into the possible ways we could set up. At least there is an extra slab next week!
Matty moved on to their gun and beat him in contested possessions, well don Matt. Sash and Jackie Chan started to come into the game, 250 legend Peter Woods flying back with the flight of the ball was either courageous or stupid, but was uable to beat three opposition players. Too many easy possessions, a lack of structure, some doubtful goal umpiring decisions and a lot of injuries saw Hallam knock us off for our first loss of the year.
As Army said, we are a new side this year, we need to get our bad football closer to our good football. A game next week gives us a chance to redeem ourselves. See you at training Tuesday and Thursday this week.
Match Report by Dave Smith.
(SB-thanks to those that came to lend a hand and support...Smithy, Paul, Tuba, Tony Leonard, Wazz, Sean etc etc etc and those I have left off. To all the injured players, please let us know how you are, all the best and we hope nothing too serious.)
31.5.09
BHN 12.11.83 defeated Diamond Creek 5.6.36
After a foggy morning, the afternoon turned it on for the Supers match at Elgar Park. In unchartered territory, looking for three wins on the trot, the mood was a little flat in the rooms before the game. A few big outs in T-Rex and Geoff Amoore, along with some rotations in Affie, Tilch, Cookie and a few injuries saw us still being able to field a full, good quality side along with 6 n the bench. The Day boys back in straightened us up in the forward line.
The first quarter saw a reasonably even contest, with the Creek boys putting on the first score after a turnover in the backline, but with The Demons getting back with a quick reply. The Creek boys clearly had the size on us, a vey tall side with lots of heavy bodies and they made us aware of this by their contest at the ball. The Demons looked a bit sluggish, not following the game plan to the best of our ability and it showed with a lot of stoppages and some good clearances from Diamond Creek. An arm wrestle in the first.
This theme continued into the second. Lots of scoring oppportunities, with the ball seeming to spend a lot of time in our forward line, but unable to kick accurately, also hindered by the numbers around the ball. Con coming into his own on the wing, Mick presenting all day and Ben taking on the rucking duties in the forward line with the wall being built across the centre. Damo starting to get some clearances and Simmo as fleet of foot as ever. New recruit Chris "Jackie" Chan having a great game across the centre line kept pumping it in. One point the difference at half time and some issues to address. I was reminded a little of the Federal game last year.
Some structural changes during the half time break saw us clear the forward line up a little and leave some space for the forwards to lead into. Pratty presenting well, Hershie offering heaps and Joffa playing a great game on the flank. Again a big third quarter from the team, putting on 6 goals straight to one goal from the Creek boys. It is amazing the difference made by playing to a structure, bringing the runners into the game, honouring the team mate running into space and basically doing what we train for, can make. Mick chimed in with a few more, SB at CHF leading more up the ground, Ben into the ruck giving a good contest, Damo and JT getting first hand on the ball from the middle. Troy provided some very close checking on their small forward and made him earn every possesion. A good team quarter with no passengers. 8 goals to 3 at the end of the third, and looking to put on some more.
It was a physical last quarter, as was most of the game. A few down field's from late hits and the endeavour of both sides could not be questioned. Woodsy taking a heavy blow had us all a little scared, however, it it was going to happen to someone, probably shouldn't be surprised that it happened to him! The highlight was Gerard chipping in for his first goal after a nice pass from the Colonel. Again, fitness playing a big part and the long preseason paying off. Joffa had plenty of it, Damo running out the game strongly, Mick presenting well, Con finding space, Matt acting as polyfilla. Jackie getting leather poisoning. A little bit of a shame that we couldn't put a few more on the board as requested in a stirring three quarter time speech from the coach, but a win is a win. Diamond Creek never gave up and continued to hit the packs hard. a 4 goal to 2 quarter.
Thanks to all those supporters who came down and especially to Urban, Nobby, Affie, Desi and Kotsa for their support (particularly to Desi after a large night!). We will need a consistent 4 quarter effort against Hallam for our next away game, rather than the stop/start stuff we have shown in the last 2 games. Get to training!
17.5.09
BHN 14.7.91 defeated Eastern 7.6.48
Despite the dire weather predictions and training sessions focusing on wet weather play, Sunday turned out to be a perfect day for football and to celebrate 250 games for club legend Peter Woods. Nobby gave us an inspiring talk on how much Woodsy has given to the club over the years and if ever there was a day to win for one of your team mates then today was the day. Peter led the team on to the field and employed the help of his son Chris to burst through a fantastic banner organised by John Tsaclidis.
The boys were suitably fired up and BHN were first out of the blocks with a fantastic first quarter of Footy kicking four goals to two points. The onballers were hard at it and putting their bodies on the line. Matthew Simpson, who smothered, spoiled and harassed all day set up the forwards with some lovely kicks into the forward line. JT was in and under with first hands on the ball and Affie and Con being the link men moving the ball quickly and smoothly. First gamer Ash Brown was proving to be a revelation at Full Forward taking some great grabs and converting. One particular highlight was his one handed mark in the goal square in the third quarter.
Second quarter saw Eastern start to regroup and although we had most of the ball we found it difficult to convert with poor movement into the forward line. Eastern managed to peg 2 back and we went into half time with a 4 goal lead and our tails up.
However in the third quarter, Box Hill North became complacent and we let Eastern back into the game. They played smarter football and were sharing it around well. Although a lot of their forward thrusts were repelled we seemed to be breaking down across the middle when moving the ball out and they kept pumping it back in, kicking 4 goals to get within 1 point.
Thanks to the Peter "the Fists of Fury" Woods and Geoff "the Hand of God" Amoore, who were outstanding with great marking and spoiling, we were able to hang on to the lead going in to the last term. In fact Geoff had arguably one of his best games for the club so far with a BOG performance marking, spoiling and setting up play from the backline.
After a suitable gee up from Super Coach Army and some restructuring in the last quarter, we started with a quick clearance and goal from Brownie who had worked hard all day. Damo who had been threatening to burst the game open all day, finally made peace with the umpires found his mojo and did just that with some great tough work in the middle. T-Rex was giving the onballers first use of the footy and Hershey and Eddie "Send me Spam" Zanella were pulling them out of everywhere kicking some great goals. Another to make the highlight reel for the day was the bouncing goal from Hershey but more impressive was his centring the ball from the forward pocket for a desperately needed third term goal to Damo.
Another good team performance for three quarters and there were too many names to mention. However we need to make sure we don't let our guard down and let the opposition get a sniff as we did in the third quarter. Sticking to structure and game plan especially when moving the ball into the forward line is what we need to keep focusing on.
Congratulations to Peter Woods on reaching his 250th and well done to everyone involved to give him a good win against a friendly rival. Thanks to Eastern for lining up at the start and playing the game in great spirit and we wish them the best of luck for the rest of the year.
Spots are going to only get tougher for the next game so make sure you are down at training and putting in some hard yards. Remember training form is playing form.
Thanks to all those players not selected, but who managed to come and support their team mates and the many volunteers and supporters that came down to assist.
Match Report by Matt Freeman
3.05.09
BHN 14.13.97 defeated Darebin 5.6.36
Nerves were the order of the day in our first game. We had been training twice a week since before Australia Day and hoping that this year may be a little different from the past couple. Great recruiting over the summer saw our numbers swell and at least 12-15 blokes missed out on a game today but will push for selection next round.
A beautiful day saw us kick the dew of the oval as the first game in a triple header. The ground seemed enormous, at least in comparison to ours!
The first 5 minutes saw the backline under a fair bit of pressure and Darebin pushing hard forward. Some solid defense from Bomber, helped out by Matt F, Jackie Chan and Geoff Amoore saw these attacks repelled, helped by some skill errors by Darebin. We pushed wide and saw some of our runners come into the came. Playing to the game plan in the second half of the quarter saw us pile on 5 goals, a couple of nice snaps from various players and our two talls up forward were getting good supply.
The second saw us again push hard with solid tackling and pressure on their ball carriers and an obvious increase in skill level on our behalf. Tilch and Cookie doing well, T-Rex dominating in the ruck, Simmo scooting around the pack and the game was going to plan. Lots of rebound from the half back line thanks to Matt, Geoff, Joffa and others. Noticeable was the first send off of the season, with that infamous hard man, Affie, getting carded. So... a slab next game and the Number one jumper for him! The start of the MORTIMER AWARD! If you don't know who this is, ask around. Well up going into the half time break.
The third saw more of the same, Chris T, Benny, Mick and Pratty all doing well up forward with some lovely delivery from our midfielders. Pratty a little wayward, but presenting in great fashion. The indefatigable JT looking the goods and the wide wings of the Reservoir ground were getting a good workout. Con and Alex taking some good marks and running all day. Hard at the ball was the order of the day, evidenced by Simmo's "gash", and Eddie's free kick, 15 meter penalty and goal.
The start of the last saw us go in with a 8 goal lead, but the concentration dropped off and Darebin kicked three unanswered goals before we switched on again and answered with two of our own. Adam seemed to want to stop our goals going through, or maybe just wanted on of his own! A lovely mark by Eddie, as his 40 year old mind trapped in the body of a 25 year old found some extra pace and space.
As Armie said after the game, we are by no means there yet, but our bad footy is getting better, while our good footy looks great. A little more control of the ball will be looked for next game against Eastern. Make sure you get to training, 42 into 26 doesn't go...you do the math.
Thanks to all our supporters and team mates who made the journey to assist, we don't get a game without you!
Sporting Pulse can be found here...
14.6.09