Even though Brunswick NOBSPC’s winning run in Ballarat came to an end against Prahran Assumption on Saturday in a close tussle, there were many positives to take out of Round 2.

For a start was the fact we dominated general play – more shots at goal and 15 more inside 50s being proof of that – and probably should have won. Secondly, was the performance of Old Mentonians in scoring 190 points against Ivanhoe which had us all nodding and saying, “Told you they were good.” Also, putting OM to one side, the results in Division One suggest it is an even competition.

Saturday’s game was played in conditions described as glorious by Ballarat locals, but had the rest of us watching from behind the glass in the pavilion. And we all had a grandstand view in the first quarter as both sides struggled to handle the wind and much of the play took place on the defensive wing, with scoring at a premium.

The second quarter was an exercise in frustration as the home side over-possessed the ball then butchered entries into the forward line.

Early in the third term we fell behind by 20 points and things were looking grim. Then came a excellent comeback led by the long-kicking Jeremy Nettlefold, who showed his teammates how to take advantage of the breeze which was now blowing to the western end. Four quick goals resulted and we hit the front. We then continued to dominate the balance of the quarter but blew a number of blue-chip chances to take a winning lead into the final break.

Prahran Assumption then showed they had learned from our approach to kicking with the wind and booted three goals in the first five minutes of the last quarter to wrest control on the scoreboard. Try as we might we could not convert the many chances that arose in the next 20 minutes. PA then nailed the door shut with two late majors. 0.5 to 5.1 for the quarter summed it up: bad kicking = bad football.

There were a number of good performances on the day. Kyle Docherty was again a real focal point at centre-half forward. Jeremy Nettlefold provided real drive, while Todd Cleary showed some form, as did last year’s club champion Gerrard Bence. Dean Beaumont did a good job on the ever-dangerous Robbins and Chris Ford was good when switched to defence.

Next Saturday looms as a huge game against PEGS at Gillon Oval on the Northway Honda Past Players Day. It is imperative that we get four points on the board to kick-start our season. See you at the game!