VAFA 2021: Peninsula loses to Old Camberwell after slow start

The Pirates pushed Old Camberwell before losing to the early flag favourites in VAFA Division 1.

Harry Crothers was among Old Camberwell’s best players in its win over Peninsula. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Far from being dismayed by a comprehensive loss to undefeated Old Camberwell in the Division One match of the day, Peninsula coach Nick Claringbold insists the gulf between the two teams will only be temporary.

Speaking after Peninsula’s 6.8 (44) to 13.18 (96) loss at expansive North Balwyn, Claringbold says his team was to be congratulated in holding the early flag favourites to just two goals in two quarters.

“We have great spirit here,” he said.

“And as some of our bigger players are available again, we are going to be up and about and a force to be reckoned with.’’

Peninsula coach Nick Claringbold. Picture: Andy Brownbill

After Cade Porter had kicked the opening goal in the first minute against the wind, Old Camberwell’s slick ball-use and aerial supremacy saw it add six unanswered goals to set up a matchwinning 36-point break at quarter time.

Ruckman Mike McLellan and midfielder Tom La Brooy were inspirational with their work rate all day, La Brooy’s brilliant run down the member’s flank setting up the goal of the game to evergreen Shaun Payze.

Minutes earlier La Brooy had been deep in defence throwing himself at a marking contest and stopping a certain goal with a defensive punch to the cricket nets boundary line.

Peninsula’s under siege defenders fought valiantly in mid-match, the speed and spirit of Ned Evans-Brumby reminding of the deeds of yesteryear from David Dench and some of League’s football’s most dashing full-backs.

Back-to-back posters from Ben Stewart and La Brooy in the second quarter were among the few goalkicking opportunities as Camberwell’s half-back line road-blocked Peninsula’s advances and expertly switched the ball to the flanks with well-drilled set plays.

“They were good for longer than us,” said Claringbold, “but our lads gave everything and the lessons learnt will stay with us.”

Rob ‘Bam Bam’ Bambery wished he had some of the strength of the Flintstones’ cartoon character when he was out-muscled in several marking contests, but his poise was notable even in heavy traffic. He is having a fine year.

Josh Goudge was another pivotal contributor, along with captain Tom Feldgen, who kicked Peninsula’s second goal in the opening minutes after the main break.

Hugh Peacock and Ben Watson worked hard, as did Alex Marshall, again used at both ends of the ground. Having started at centre-half back, man mountain Marshall was used at half-forward with impact after half-time.

There was some fine combination work late in the game from Nick ‘Dutchy’ Holland who shared the ball expertly with Blake Hillman, Stewart the beneficiary with his first goal.

Peninsula expect dashing defender Jimmy Logan back for next weekend’s game against Prahran-Assumpton at Sam Loxton Oval, Toorak Park.

The Old Boys have won only once in the first month of the season but Claringbold is confident is team has the potential to surge, like in 2019, when it made the preliminary final.