Goals – Murray 3, Rouda 2, Wulf, Smith, Waldron, Worner.
An undermanned Springvale team were completely outplayed by the Box Hill Hawks on Sunday.
The Scorpions, with only 5 listed Saints players (and one rookie) in the team, were already under the pump going into the game and despite sharing the lead at quarter time were eventually beaten by 80 points.
Best players were hard to come across in a team missing many of its 2004 regulars. The Scorpions are now entrenched at the bottom of the ladder but the impressive senior performances from the likes of Montagna, Ferguson and Sam Fisher on Friday night suggests that the opportunity to play four quarters of footy in a good standard competition is only going to help their development in the long run.
Once again Allan Murray played a lone hand in the forward line, kicking 3 goals from very limited opportunities. Murray has returned from injury in good form, kicking 8 goals in the last two weeks and 26 goals from 12 matches for the season as he stakes a claim for a place in the Saints line-up.
Nick Stone battled manfully as he has done all season, taking 7 marks and collecting 20 possessions in a difficult game for the club. The return of Barry Brooks to the team has meant that he hasn’t spent as much time in the ruck as previous weeks but he was still effective dropping back in front of the oppositions tall forwards. The sheer number of forward entries by the Hawks made it impossible for defenders like Stone and the impressive Springvale trio of Ben Heenan, Jason Rouda and Daniel Rigg to stop their opponents every time.
Springvale captain Steve Harrison, veteran Damian Carroll and John Kosch were amongst the better players, working tirelessly in the midfield. Brett Moyle collected 20 possessions in a solid performance. Daniel Wulf and Josh Houlihan struggled to make a big impact but they weren’t alone in a forgettable afternoon of football.
Springvale host Werribee at Shepley Oval next Saturday afternoon. The Scorpions were too strong in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season and need a win to move off the bottom of the ladder. All Saints fans are encouraged to attend.
