VAFA 2021: Peninsula no match for Prahran Assumption in Division 1

Peninsula’s speed and spirit wasn’t enough to truly test Prahran Assumption in its VAFA Division 1 match at Toorak Park.

Rob Bambery on the move for Peninsula. Picture: Pearcey Presents

A goal to Prahran Assumption in the first eight seconds of Saturday’s match was the forerunner of a tidal wave of scoring forays which decimated the pre-game hopes of Nick Claringbold and his Peninsula Old Boys.

Prahran was to win every quarter, eventually having 29 scoring shots to 12 to win easily 13.16 (94) to 8.4 (52).

Another lion-hearted rucking display from Mike McLellan and the committed midfield work of tackling machine Josh Goudge lifted the Pirates momentarily in the third quarter, Goudge’s second goal reducing Prahran’s lead to 11 points after six minutes.

But bigger and stronger all around the ground, Prahran steadied again and were never again challenged.

Jim Logan (blurred vision) and Hayden Cribbon-Rigg (knee) were early causalities, Logan sitting out for almost a quarter before returning and having an impact with his run and flair.

McLellan and Goudge shared best man afield honors, McLellan’s impressive season-start likely to see him well ahead in the club’s best and fairest medal.

Goudge featured in the play of the day early in the final quarter when he marked and instinctively handballed to Logan who goaled from 50 metres.

Shaun Payze was moved into defence. Picture: Pearcey Presents

Slow starters all season, the Pirates had only one forward entry in the first 15 minutes and it was deep in time-on when Ben Stewart shared the ball with evergreen veteran Shaun Payze resulting in Peninsula’s only goal for the quarter.

Payze later was moved into defence to combat the marking power of Prahran’s arsenal of tall forwards and took several fine defensive marks on the last line.

Tom La Brooy and Blake Hillman also had strong matches while Jake Williams’s brave mark deep in defence shortly after half-time stopped a certain goal.

Key forward Alex Marshall re-injured his knee on the concrete perimeter on the outer fence and doubled over in pain. The club hopes he can still be available for Saturday’s game against Kew.

Coach Claringbold said one win from the first five matches has not been the start Peninsula had hoped for, but he was full of praise of the efforts of his undermanned team in working its way back into contention in mid-match.

“Our lads gave everything,’’ he said.

“We’d hoped to compete and even run over them in the last quarter but it wasn’t to be. You can’t question their spirit or desire.

“People forget that none of us played at all last year and it’s taking time for everyone to settle and be sure with the ball. It’ll come.’’

The return of silky-skilled Sam Harrison after hamstring issues will be a feature next weekend.