Day 3 - Tour Match v Geelong Grammar & Kardinia International College

It was a welcome return to what I've been informed was typical Melbourne Autumn weather after the unexpected heatwave that greeted the teams yesterday. Although we have yet to enjoy the sheer delight of the truly typical Melbournian day in which all four seasons are on display, the rain and the wind still provided the students and staff with some worthwhile challenges, e.g. the deftness, speed and agility required in finding shelter when the inevitable showers came down. Still, if it was a choice between artificial turf and 28 degree heat versus a rain soaked and lush green oval where a sliding tackle would not result in 3rd degree carpet burns, then nature's own would probably just shade it. Surprisingly, the students also decided not to take up the offer of a swim at St Kilda in the afternoon.

The students were given a choice of some arcade game action or staying back at the hotel after dinner. Half the group took the former option in the hope of striking it lucky on the multitude of games on offer. The possibility of spending $50 to win thousands of tickets to then purchase $10 worth of rainbow sherbet was simply too big a temptation to resist. There was also the small matter of the air hockey rematch between Dougie "Arsenal" McIndoe and Mr "Liverpool" Ibrahim after the former's sudden death extra time win on Monday. When Dougie took a 6-1 lead it appeared to be all over with Mr Ibrahim heading for a humiliating defeat. But like that famous night in Istanbul, a comeback that seemed nigh on impossible was complete as the puck found its way in the goal with the match ending 7-6 in Mr Ibrahim's favour. As the evening at the games arcade drew to a close, all that was left was to cash in the tickets and pick up the booty - 100 or so rainbow sherbets. Good luck trying to sleep tonight!

Thursday will be another big day with games against Carey Baptist Grammar School in the morning followed by the MCG tour and a visit to the Eureka Skydeck.


Open Girls v Geelong Grammar

The weather in Geelong was cold and rainy. 

The plan for the day was mapped out in our match discussions. The aim was to keep shape and width to create angles going forward so we could get the team moving forward in possession and into the middle and final third as quick as possible.

In the first half, we started well and kept possession, playing through the opposition. Both teams had equal opportunities to score. Due to the cricket pitch and weather, we struggled to keep possession and pass more then three sequences. The play was inconsistent. 

In the second half the girls came out firing but could not put the ball away. The game was tense as both teams made similar errors in possession and had equal opportunities. Jessica pulled out three brilliant saves to keep us in the game. When the forwards got the ball they were dynamic and looked threatening. Our defenders struggled getting goal side of the oppositions fast paced forwards but did enough to clear the ball and old them out. 

Overall all the girls communicated well and continue to give each other positive support and productive feedback. We look forward to the game tomorrow and watching them continue in their football growth and gain valuable game experience. The score today was nil all. Go Saints!

Ivor Nuñez

Girls Football Coach

Development Squad v Kardinia

The second day of the tour saw us travel out to Kardinia International College on a bleak, wet and cold morning.

With tough conditions on hand the Saints played exceptionally well. In the opening minutes, numerous goal scoring opportunities were available for both teams. Much to our delight the first goal was scored by Jason, through some outstanding lead up play by the Saints around the 10 minute mark. 

In a see-saw game, Kardinia college fought back and took control of the game by keeping controlled possession on the ball and creating numerous shots on goal. If it hadn't been for Adam in goals again, we could have easily been 3 or 4 goals down by half time. However, the magnificent saves saw us going into half time with a 1-0 advantage. 

It was reiterated at half time that we need to complete basics in terms of passing, moving and keeping possession of the ball. A few more team and player tasks were set in order to fix a few of the problems we were having in the first half. 

The start of the second half saw us come out the more dominant of the teams, with the vast majority of the possession being kept by the Saints. Unfortunately a costly error at the back, and the resulting foul lead to a penalty kick being given to the opposition around 5 minutes into the game. Much to our dismay a Kardinia player stepped up to the spot and slotted the penalty into the bottom left corner.

The Saints fought back by switching the play repeatedly in order to move the opposition out of position. Unfortunately, Nathan and Jason were unable to finish any of these chances. Late in the half Charlie stepped up to take a corner after some outstanding lead up play down the wing. Charlie delivered a wicked low cross from the corner which managed to take a lucky deflection off the defender and into the goal to give the lead to the Saints 2-1. Not long after this, the referee blew the final whistle to give the Development team their first win of the tour.

Whilst it is nice to win, I have let the players know that it is more important that we develop not only as a team but as individuals and I believe in this game we achieved these goals. Players worked collectively to achieve the Team Task and players were able to achieve the individual tasks that I set them.

Our next match sees us travel to Carey Baptist Grammar School for what should be another intense battle! Come on Saints!

Mr Leong

1sts v Geelong Grammar

After a tough game the day before, the saints First XI were keen to redeem themselves, and hopefully, get a first win of the tour. 

From the outset, the saints boys dominated Geelong College in every aspect of the game; breaking the deadlock within the 5 minute mark, after a goalkeeper error, and a quick snapshot from Jack "Sturridge" Thompson. 

Quickly after this, an expertly whipped corner by Khoi Pham-Sultan, found the head of Nick Rooney, who calmly placed the ball into the net with his head. 2-0 saints. 8 minutes in. 

From here, the saints maintained the great pressure, and after a long period of possession, a silky through ball from Chris Meyer found the lethal Jack Thompson, and with a cool head, he slotted it past the keeper. 

Half time, 3-0 saints. 

Various changes at the halfway mark saw the introductions of Hunter Bland, Tim Kraft, and Jono Raymond, whom all continued the great football being demonstrated by the saints boys. 

Another goal from Jack Thompson in the opening minutes of the second half showed that the saints boys were on another level to Geelong College, and from here, the boys continued to dominate them.

Shot after shot, goal after goal (with the exception of Dougie Mcindoe, and his very unMessi-like shooting) saw the score fly to 11-0 at the final whistle, with goals from:
Nick Rooney (1)
Chris Meyer (1)
Dougie Mcindoe (1) - finally, after about 20 shots -
George Cummins (2) 
Jack Thompson (3)
Charlie Cunningham (3). 

Special mention must go to Charlie Cunningham, who absolutely dominated the opposition throughout the entirety of the game, bagging his 3 goals, and 4 assists! 

Despite the weaker opposition it was a masterclass performance from the saints boys, well done boys!

Dougie Mcindoe and Nathan Boreland