Three-in-a-row for Falcons

BALLARAT has made it three-in-a-row as they continue to leave their mark on the new-look Gridiron Victoria league, recording a 16-14 victory over Monash in trying weather conditions at Alfredton Oval.

Battling strong cross-winds and sub-zero temperatures, the Falcons were consigned to a scoreless first half, with the Barbarians tallying a touchdown and two-point conversion late in the first quarter.

A stirring half-time address from Falcons coach Alex Spittle, keeping his players outside in the conditions while Monash returned to the shelter of the clubrooms, kickstarted the Falcons as they took to their run game to counter the strong crosswinds.

Running back Duncan McIntosh was brilliant when the game was up for grabs, using his speed to dominate the Monash defence for a touchdown halfway through the third quarter, with quarterback James Stephens connecting with wide receiver Eddie Carey in the end zone for a two-point conversion.

The pressure of the Falcons line-backer Dave Parker resulted in a fourth-quarter fumble from Monash, with the turnover closely followed by rookie running back Rhys McCormack finding the end zone for a touchdown. The relenting winds allowed for the aerial combination of Stephens and Carey to again combine for a two-point conversion.

Monash did not relent however, maintaining an aggressive push downfield in the air and on the ground, with imposing quarterback Sean Roche rushing for first downs that were difficult for smaller framed Falcon defenders to prevent.

A Monash touchdown with 5:27 remaining in the game could’ve turned the tide of the match, but the Falcons defence rallied to prevent the two-point conversion and proceeded to maintain field position to allow their offence to see out the clock.

The victory saw the Falcons secure sixth place on the Gridiron Victoria ladder, the highest placed of the former division two teams who now find themselves in an amalgamated division one.

Next for the Falcons is a tough contest against the fifth placed Geelong Buccaneers on Saturday in Geelong. The improving Falcons will look to their defence to shut down the Buccaneers strong run game, in a match that will start to shape the makeup of the playoffs.

BEST – Ballarat: Duncan McIntosh, Peter McKay, Jack Watson, Rhys McCormack