SAINTS STORM INTO 2010 Div2 GRAND FINAL

Date 18th September 2010

Final Scores
Québec Saints 1.1 4.5 8.8 12.9 (81)
Central Blues 0.2 0.2 2.3 2.3 (15)
Goals: Saints: Cam Beaman 5, Mat Wilson 3, Mark Morin 1, Daniel Barker 1,
Darrin Haverhoek 1, Ronan Shaughnessy 1.

Match Summary:
The Québec Saints opened up their 2010 finals campaign by making their fifth gruelling road trip of the season to take on the Central Blues in the 2nd semi-final in Toronto. Last years dominant semi-final win over the Blues a distant memory as only four players from that victory were in the line-up and the Blues 2010 version a much improved outfit from 12 months ago. With the Saints post-Stark era also beginning the captaincy was bestowed for the first time on an Australian, Saints spearhead full-forward Mat Wilson.

In cool conditions with a light breeze slightly favouring one end of the Humber North field the Saints and Blues seventh head to head match got underway. Québec won early use of the ball thanks largely to the man who is the engine room of the Saints midfield - Darrin Haverhoek. Kicking into the slight breeze they were able to get some forward momentum but the Blues defence stood tall preventing the Saints from kicking an early goal. The new look Blues midfield rebounded strongly moving the ball through centre for their first inside 50. The Saints defence of Oxley, Duff, Bretiere and Nixon not giving an inch. Ryan Oxley fearlessly throwing himself into the contest time and time again. After some scrappy play through the midfield the ball was worked to the Saints half-forward, a quick pass over the top to Daniel Barker who was streaming forward giving the goal sneak enough room to run into an open goal and kick the games first. A few minutes later the siren sounding causing confusion in both camps, after what was seemingly an extremely short quarter. The Saints with a slender 5 point lead kicking into the wind 1.1 (7) to the Blues 0.2 (2).

Some minor changes to match-ups were made and the Saints hit the second quarter running. Wood once again dominant in the ruck as Ronan Shaughnessy began to make his mark on the match. The Saints began to work the ball effectively through the corridor creating more inside 50’s and more scoring opportunities. A brilliant crumbing goal to Mark Morin and two to classy centre half-forward Cam ‘Richo’ Beaman gave the Saints some much needed breathing space. The Blues unable to penetrate the Saints defence, Ed Duff and Greg Bretiere repelling all attacks to keep the Toronto team scoreless. The Saints using the wind well, seven scoring shots to zero giving the bleu et blanc a 27 point half time lead. Saints 4.5 (29) to the Blues 0.2 (2). The Saints scored early in the third but the Blues hit back hard. Both teams trading goals. Ed Duff couragessely backing into a pack of two Blues to effect the spoil. Duff despite heavy contact bringing the ball to ground and thwarting another Toronto forward thrust. Haverhoek was destroying the Blues through the centre. The West Australian star winning the contested football on countless occasions and kicking his first of the match. With the match still in the balance and the ball in dispute on the Saints half-forward line Lindsay Belzie took possession streaming forward before spearing a pass into Mat Wilson who had been dangerous all day. The Saints emerging from the third quarter further in front and in the box seat for their second consecutive Grand Final appearance. The Montreal based team leading by 41 points with a quarter left to play.

With Shaughnessy in full stride unstoppable across the wing the Saints put the foot down in the last term and closed out the match. The forward line structure of Wilson and Beaman had been too strong for the Blues to contain. The Captain kicking two in the final term to end with three for the match and Beaman adding one to finish with five. Defender Oxley had been moved into the midfield and immediately continued his stellar performance. Shaughnessy added his first for the afternoon and the lead had blown out to eleven goals, the Saints marching into the 2010 OAFL Division 2 Grand Final in two weeks time. Saints 12.9 (83) defeating the Blues 2.3 (15).