By Geoff 'Joffa' Newstead
After a bright start to the season in Round 1, the Mooroolbark Mustangs came back to earth in Round 2. The only highlight for the day was the Senior Women registering a hard fought draw against Waverley Blues at Heights Reserve. It was close all game with only a few points separating the teams at each change. A bit more accuracy in front of goal by the Mustang girls may have seen the result go their way. Tahlee Steele, playing her first game at senior level, was named best with S. Haberfield, Doevelaar, McMaster, Carrucan and Beer also featuring in the best.
Final Score : Mooroolbark 5 – 10 – 40 drew Waverley Blues 6 – 4 – 40
The Reserves and Seniors ventured to Quambee Reserve to take on North Ringwood in very warm conditions. The Reserves struggled all game against the very strong and classy Saints. There were very few highlights with the Mustangs’ only goal coming late in the game. With a number of new players in the side, it will take some time to gel as a team so hopefully, they can look forward to some improved performance as the season progresses. Best players were Argus, George, Sheedy, Stares, Bates and Hamilton.
Final Score : North Ringwood 13 – 19 – 97 d Mooroolbark 1 – 3 – 9
The Seniors game was also a very tough encounter with very little in it for the entire game. The Mustangs fought it out right to the end but ended up going down by 14 points. Sadly, the Mustangs sustained a number of serious injuries with Jett Hartman going to hospital with severe concussion, Braedon Dobie also going in the ambulance with a suspected broken collarbone and Jarrod Gilbee suffering a shoulder injury. All at the club wish them a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them in the green and gold again in the near future.
Final Score : North Ringwood 13 – 9 – 87 d Mooroolbark 11 – 7 – 73
Best Players : Peacock, Noonan, Downie, Riley, Jarrod Gilbee, Maki
Goals : Gebert 3 Peacock 2 Dobie, Kennedy, Gilbee, Wright, Ryan Colliver 1 each
