Williamstown CYMS vs Old Ivanhoe (Reserves)

The reserves faced a tough season opening assignment against Williamstown.  Finalists last year and with a Senior side widely tipped to top the ladder in 2019, Williamstown would provide a good test as to where the Reserves outfit sits.

The boys opened brilliantly and with the advantage of a reasonably strong breeze, had piled on 4 goals within the first few minutes.  Williamstown however, steadied and kicked three of the last four goals of the term.  At ¼ time OI led by 14 points (5.3.33 to 3.1.19)

Many felt the assisting breeze was worth more than the 14 point lead, the boys, however had an excellent 2^nd quarter playing strong defensive football, laying several strong tackles and not giving Williamstown any room to move.  Both sides scored two goals for the quarter, with OI 7.9.51 slightly extending its lead to 18 points, ahead of Williamstown 5.3.33.

With the breeze in the 3^rd quarter, OI broke the game open.  There were several passages of excellent team football that left Williamstown in our wake.  With a six goal to three 3^rd quarter, the lead had extended to 37 points at the final break (13.11.89 to 8.4.52).

Williamstown, with two early goals and a strengthening breeze at its back held hopes of an unlikely come back.  The boys showed excellent resolve to dominate play for the next ten minutes and hold the ball in the forward line.  In the end, the final score of 14.15.99 to 10.9.69 was reflective of the trend of play throughout the game.

Best Players

Tim Fidler was superb across half back and racked up a number of important possessions and James Kandiliotis linked up with his team mates repeatedly to create many scoring opportunities.  Will Coulter up from last year’s U19s demonstrated poise beyond his years and Nick Marshall bored in in his usual manner, setting up a number of goals with well-timed release handball.  Ben Leach chipped in with two important goals and was also damaging in the midfield.  Rounding out the best was Jordan French another younger member of the team who was impassable down back.

 Williamstown CYMS

Old Ivanhoe Grammarians