U9 v Upwey
Upwey played host to the hottest ticket in town this week.
With the season nearing its finale, it was another entertaining night with the Olinda young bloods putting on a show.
In what has been an incredibly impressive season…. the team is now fully focused on another successful carnival campaign.
It will be a huge week on the track with an open training session/captains run scheduled for later in the week.
U11s v Mt Evelyn
A short roll down the hill to Mount Evelyn for Olinda’s second last game in the regular season, against the second placed team on the ladder, who had suffered their only loss for the season the previous week.
Playing on the back oval, it was always going to be a tough muddy slog for the troops.
A hard fought seesawing first half saw the scores level at 1.1.7 a piece at half time, and our boys adding a single goal in the third giving Olinda a one-goal lead heading into the final term.
The final quarter was a heart stopper, with Mount Evelyn kicking the first goal and levelling up the scoreboard half way through the final term.
With parents and coaches biting finger nails, the young bloods rallied in the dying stages, adding a behind, then kicking the sealer in the final minute.
A great win in tough conditions. The perfect preparation heading towards the finals.
Final Score
Olinda 3.2.20 def Mount Evelyn 2.1.13
U12 Girls v Mt Evelyn
The Olinda girls came to play today. With finals chances at stake, the team was focused from the warmup. Their strength and tenacity did not disappoint from the first bounce and when the ball moved into our forward line early, a quick goal had the players up and players up and about.
The signature Olinda pressure was on display with Olinda winning a large portion of the contested ball in the mid, and the forward line fighting for every goal they could snap. The defense was tight with a solid structure that turned the play over when our opposition got chances to score, a real testament to those players challenging every contest.
It was a great fight by both teams but Olinda’s pressure was just too much for Mt Evelyn, adding to Olinda’s chances to play finals.
U13 Boys White v Belgrave
Belgrave were always going to be tough competition in trying conditions. One of the teams in the division without a top division side, their best players were always going to challenge us. The boys fought really hard all day and were competitive throughout.
They were rewarded late in the game with two goals and should be really proud of their efforts.
U13 Boys Red v Mt Evelyn
The top of the table Under 13 clash did not disappoint as Olinda headed out to take on Mt Evelyn for the third time this season.
With one win each so far, the Olinda boys were set for a big game with a primary focus of getting off to a good start. However, as they have done on the previous two occasions, Mt Evelyn jumped out of the gates strongly kicking the first two goals of the game.
Much to their credit, the boys stabilised kicking two goals of their own to even the ledger at quarter time.
It what was a really good contest, both teams were applying excellent pressure making clean ball handling and scoring difficult. Olinda’s backline was tremendous as they defended relentlessly.
The side knew it would take a full four quarter effort to get the chocolates, and other than a slight concentration lapse at the start, the Olinda lads were excellent as they continued to work on winning the “one on one” contests.
The rewards eventually came on the scoreboard as we recorded an impressive 22-point victory.
A nice confidence booster with the knowledge that we still have plenty of improvement opportunities as we head into the pointy end of the season.
Final Scores Olinda 6.6.42 def Mt Evelyn 3.2.20
U14 Girls v Belgrave
In the last game for the season (next week is a bye), Olinda’s girls headed over to Belgrave to take on the ladder leaders.
It was always going to be a tough outing but the development and improvement shown over the course of the season was on full display. Whilst Belgrave set up better in the forward half, creating quick opportunities to score, Olinda’s pressure at the contest around the ground was excellent and their ball movement created opportunities to move the ball forward.
In the end Belgrave were more consistent around the ground, with strong tackling pressure and better forward structure and showed why they are top of the table.
U15 Boys v Mt Evelyn
Round 13 saw Olinda travel to Mt Evelyn on an overcast and drizzly afternoon.
The first quarter was hard fought with Olinda’s only goal coming through Lenny Barry, after Ry Tudor showed great vision to hit him up 35 metres in front of goal.
The second quarter was a dour affair, full of contested ball and stoppage work with the half time scores level at 2.2 apiece.
However, the third quarter opened up and was a lopsided affair with the home side rattling off five straight goals to Olinda’s two points, off the back of hard run and spread.
The fourth quarter was once again a relatively even affair but, by the final siren, Mt Evelyn had run out comfortable winners.
For Olinda, Will Meyer was unbeatable at Full back, ably supported by Liam Jennings, Mitch Hirst and Flynn Lewis who never stopped trying.
Up forward,River Bellemo was a strong presence while Khevin Chumber and James Dixon worked hard all day.
Final scores
Mt Evelyn 8.5.53 def Olinda 2.5.17.
U17 Boys v Upwey
Undermanned and under lights, Olinda headed to Upwey for a Friday night clash.
With no players on the bench, the boys rolled up their sleeves and dug deep to play some of the best footy they have for the year.
Although Olinda were overrun in the end, to go down by four goals, the boys can be extremely proud of their effort and the never give in attitude that they showed.
