Scotch College

Football Club season review

At the time of our last update, things were looking incredibly promising for the OSFC, with a number of teams on the verge of competing in finals action.

From this cluster, it was to be the reserves side, coached by Serge D’angelo, who would show the way, putting in two magnificent finals performances to take out the A Section Reserve Premiership for 2005.

On the same day the reserves announced themselves as the team to beat with a crushing win over Old Xaverians, it was that same opposition which so swiftly and decisively ended the Seniors’ season in the first week of the finals.

Having gained the ascendancy midway through the first term, it took Xavs until late in the third term to put sustained pressure on our defence. However, this did not translate into scoreboard pressure until the last quarter, and when this did come, we were unable to stem the flow and a bitterly disappointing end to the Seniors’ season resulted.

Nevertheless, without question, the reserves’ performance on this day acted as a tremendous boost for the club, and it was with great excitement that the team prepared for their grand final. On the day, the players quickly proved that they had waited long enough for their opportunity, and led by the experience of Jeremy Sutcliffe and Col Phillips, and the youthful enthusiasm of Lachlan Armstrong, Nick Allen and Scott Cations, the team put in an almost flawless performance, coasting to a massive victory over Old Melburnians.

Everyone associated with the reserves should be proud of their effort, and we hope that now, with a taste of finals success, some of the younger brigade can replicate their performances at Senior level.

In amateur football, every season brings with it a level of personnel change around most clubs, and it is with the utmost respect and best wishes for all future endeavours that the club has parted ways with Senior coach Dale Tapping. In his four years at the helm of our great club, Dale has taken the Senior side to three finals campaigns, and perhaps, some might say, only a small distance from ultimate success, especially during the 2003 Finals Series. a true players’ coach, Dale’s effort, communication and tactics paved the way for our performances of recent years.

The warmest thanks to all coaches of 2005, especially Dale Tapping, Serge D’Angelo, Andrew Millar, Sandy Robertson, Bruce Armstrong and Ian Leith, who were absolutely unwavering in their dedication to the club.So once again preparations have begun for next season, with the bar raised higher yet again by our rivals old Xavs, and newly appointed Senior coach Barry Price and a young and enthusiastic playing list keen to set the pace in ’06.

Tristan Beranger
Captain, Old Scotch Football Club