Old Melburnians defeated St Kevin’s Old Boys by 14 points in last night’s historic Premier B clash at Sportscover Arena. Melburnians had first use of a significant breeze to the main scoreboard end and they made the most of it, kicking five goals to none in the opening term.
A large crowd was on hand to see the first Premier B senior match under lights on a Wednesday for premiership points, with VAFA CEO Michael Sholly declaring the special event a roaring success.
“We would like to think the clubs and suporters have enjoyed this unique opportunity, and maybe there is room for this type of fixture in the future.”
In the second quarter, Old Melburnians extended their advantage as they held St Kevin’s to just four goals whilst they managed two goals into the wind themselves, including a brilliant banana goal by Alex Armstrong from the boundary line.
Armstrong continued his form in the second half as OM’s pushed their lead out to 49 points at the final break. Armstrong had five goals to this point and St Kevin’s would need to draw on every ounce of their comeback win against Old Trinity from the week before.
St Kevin’s kicked the first goal of the final quarter inside 10 seconds and they added four more goals in the next 10 minutes to reduce the deficit to inside four goals. The comeback was well and truly on.
However Old Melburnians steadied through a counter attacking goal to Hywood and the game then entered a congested stalemate for 10 minutes ultimately leaving no time on the clock for SKOBs to kick the required three goals. A series of misses costing the SKOBs another memorable comeback win.
The two teams are both sponsored by the Melbourne Physiotherapy Group and played for the Melbourne Physiotherapy Group Cup that was presented on the ground at the conclusion of the match.
The coaches of both sides also nominated two players from their own team as the best player and coaches award.
Alex Armstrong won the best player from Old Melburnians coach Nathan Brown for his five goals, whilst Lewis Haralambous received the coaches award.
Daniel Harford nominated Phil Edgar as his best player, and presented the coaches award to Billy Kanakis.
All the players were excited about playing a night match and the skills certainly didn’t suffer for it as both teams had players taking big marks and constantly hitting targets.
Sportscover Arena is hosting another night match tonight as Old Trinity and Old Haileyburians complete Round 8 of Premier B’s senior matches. The bounce is at 6.45pm and the broadcast of the match is on 96.5FM from 6.30pm
Old Melburnians 13.9.87
St Kevins OB 10.13.73
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