Friday night football was on the agenda for the Panther Vets vs South Belgrave. Susan St was the venue and the tight confines was certainly a test for both teams. A four game losing streak, for the Vets, was uncharted territory.

South Belgrave came to play and were up and about and chirpy as they dominated around the packs and out wide. Lucky to be within striking distance at quarter time with a late goal, a seethng Shark gave what could only be described as a good old fashioned spray. Not afraid to name names he implored the group to stick to the structures and to be smarter when kicking up forward; “If I see anyone kick it to the forward line and hit the opposition standing by themselves I’ll go off my @#$% head….. Seriously!!!”

It had the desired affect. We were in front within a minute into the second quarter. Killa and Coathy provided targets up forward and what they didn’t catch was cleaned up by the crumbers. Fitz, Mouse and Stricko. G belied the fact they hadn’t trained or played prior and ran amok. The second quarter was the difference in the end. Congestion football was the order of the night and Richo and Lora weren’t given much room to do their damage but in the end their class and run and carry won out. Burnsy dominated around the ground with his marking and body work.

The reliable backline of Seado, Cocker, Jay and co. were disciplined. The last quarter was what only could described as a nil all draw and if there was a last train out of Eltham the crowd would’ve filtered out before the final siren to catch it. No doubt about this team they play with determination, self belief and willingness to play for each other. Irish Paddy won the beer award for his courage (If only someone could think of a more original nickname). Matty W came good with his promise as the barman, “One for you four for me.”

Next game at Bayswater on this Friday night.

Q1        Q2           Q3             Q4

Eltham             1.1-7     5.6-36     8.8-56    8.10-58

Sth Belgrave    1.5-11    3.5-23    6.5-41     6.7-43

Eltham

Goal Kickers: L. Richardson 2, M. Tallack 2, S. Kilby 2, S. Lorenzini, B. Maylin

Best Players: M. Seadon, A. Burns, T. Fitzgerald, B. Strickland, L. Richardson, S. Kilby