The Ménages proved too strong for a good quality OM’s unit in a top of the table clash at Stradbroke Park on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten status at the half way mark of the season.

In a physically tough, yet high skilled match worthy of the 1v2 billing, the Ménages were resolute in their endeavour to finish the first half of the season strongly and were simply uncompromising in an excellent four quarter team effort.

The midfield set the standard from the first bounce with Torre, Purcell, Evans and Trovato winning the tough inside contests and were ably supported by makeshift ruckmen Daniel Meehan and Rory Lynch who both competed well against taller opposition.  Lynchey warmed to the roll and capped off the day by winning the Dimmatina Restaurant voucher for BOG.

Tom Grigg was at his courageous best at centre half back and Josh Hanger continued his consistent season with his pace and precision kicking, giving great drive all day from his wing.

Michael Hennessy was again assertive in his attack on the ball at centre half forward and Matt Altis, who is getting better each week, was outstanding at full forward, marking strongly, kicking 7, and leading from the front in showing his teammates the importance of forward pressure, with two memorable run down tackles forcing spillages and creating goal opportunities out of nothing.

A feature of this 2010 side all season has been the unselfish spread of goalkickers and again on Saturday there were 10 individual players who kicked goals.

After an injury plagued pre-season and a late call up on Saturday morning from the emergency list, Peter Doyle played his first game for the year and won the coveted padlock for best defender and is another player who has grabbed his opportunity and has put his hand up for a regular spot in this team.

With a handful of players being late call ups to the 2’s last Saturday, the competition for regular places is certainly hotting up as the boys head to the mini break with a deserved top of the ladder position and a 2 game plus percentage buffer.

The Ménages have now established themselves as the benchmark in this 2010 competition, but with the full knowledge that finals aren’t won in June, and can expect to be hunted each week by opposition teams for the rest of the season.

We go into the break full of momentum and confidence and will restart in Round 10 on Saturday week ready to fire again.