Scotch College

Great contest, but the good guys get up

Words: TIM WARD

A supportive Scotch College once again granted permission for the Old Scotch Soccer Club to stage a league fixture on the beautifully prepared McKendrick Oval. This year’s opponent on the fine, cool Saturday 5 July was Old Melburnians, a side with whom we were equal fourth on the ladder but ahead on goal difference, and a side OSSC had yet to defeat in a competitive league match.

Curtain raiser

The reserves game began with plenty of forward chances by Old Scotch thwarted by the OMFC defence. Shortly before the break, Old Scotch could have gone ahead had forward Pete Pallis managed to wrap his boot around a decent cross from an energetic Darren Hayden from the right.

In the second half, player coach Philip Grant marshalled the troops once again from the back and the midfield worked hard to create more openings. The Reds took control, but couldn’t quite find the ball or the shot to go ahead. Scotch held out for a 0-0 draw, with the boys pleased not to have conceded late on, as they were down to nine fit men.

The main course

The seniors were keen to set the record straight against a side they had never previously beaten in a provisional league match, a team that thumped OSSC in the reverse fixture back in round three. Despite a season-high number of injuries, the squad for this match was of high quality, thanks to an ever-growing recruitment program.

The opening 30 minutes saw the majority of possession with the home side, as well as the odd nervy moment in defence to unsettle the Old Scotch faithful. Chris Jewitt had a good tussle with the highly fancied Old Melbourne winger, and duly won the battle in his usual fashion. Dave Fielding had his own battle in midfield and was making short work of his opponent. Tom Murray was getting plenty of ball up front, and regularly won the war against a defender twice his height.

A defensive corner saw Scotch palm off an OMFC forward thrust through Chris Harley, who galloped, ball in tow, towards the halfway line and unleashed a telling diagonal ball to the onrushing Anthony Truong. Anthony had one too many defenders to beat, and held the ball up nicely for the supporting run of Nick Jewitt. A neat pass into Nick’s path, and with one touch, he unleashed a left-footed half volley into the top right-hand corner to send the home crowd into raptures. It was 1-0 to the good guys and confidence was high. Although the Reds then lost a little momentum, they went to half-time with their slender lead intact.

The boys knew a second goal was necessary to perhaps see out the game. It took a matter of minutes, and as the writer refilled the water bottles, an almighty ROAR could be heard from the change-rooms as Anthony Truong picked up the ball outside the box, skipped past the Melbourne sweeper and slotted home.

Old Melbourne were now desperate, and began to throw players forward in an attempt to get something out of the game. Old Scotch were happy to put men behind the ball and play on the counter attack.

With Scotch beginning to tire, the game began to swing towards the visiting Melbourne side as they poured forward in search of a goal. Christian Osadnik, Brad Whitaker and Tim Ward joined the fray with 15 minutes left, and it was clear what was required for the remaining time – defend! Meanwhile, Old Melbourne’s frustration was growing.

The referee added plenty of extra minutes to ensure Scotch hearts skipped several more beats on their way to the final whistle. But one final Andrew Alford clearance and it was all over 2–0 to the good guys.

After a quick clean-up, both sets of players and supporters ventured over to the H A Smith pavilion for a post-match drink and a friendly recap on the contest, cementing the healthy relationship that exists between the two clubs.

It was a very positive day for the Old Scotch Soccer Club. The club wishes to thank Mick Smith, Kate Paterson, Tim Shearer and Ian Gelling for all their assistance in making this day possible. GS