Football and Netball action returned to the top of the hill on the weekend and boy was the wind blowing hard. It made conditions for all teams very difficult, but we were able to come away with 4 wins from 6 matches against typically strong Healesville outfits.
In Netball, our C Graders had one of their best wins for the year against a fellow finals contender. It was a super tight contest right the way through, both sides gaining the ascendancy at different times. During the 2nd Qtr, our gun defender Sonja Fitzgerald twisted her ankle and took no further part. It could have been the difference, but 1st gamer Alex Wall filled the void and combining with Caz Fuerst, they both had standout matches. With Beck Scott and Emily Dunn working hard through the middle, they set up numerous chances and a powerful final Qtr by goalers Elise Tanzen and Kristy Rhodes saw "The Swannies" home 22-16. They now sit 2 games clear in 3rd spot and can sew up a finals appearance if they can win the next 2 matches.
B Grade's performance was one of the seasons highlights, notching their 1st win of 2010. From the outset, they were sharp and switched on and playing nothing like a bottom of the ladder side. Georgia Taylor and Lisa McKenzie formed an unstoppable force in front of goal, Elle Rose was a rock in defence and Stacey Riddiford continued her solid form with terrific link between defence and attack. With a 38-31 final scoreline, it was a start to finish victory and excellent reward for hard work. The win sees the girls climb off the bottom, well done !
A Grade were up against a powerhouse side and were under the pump right from the start. Missing key players from attack and defence this week didn't help, and the injury sustained by Sammy Royce early in the 3rd term meant that we didn't have a bench for the 2nd half. The girls were outclassed for three quarters but had a fantastic last Qtr to eventually go down 26-58. Cassie Meadows and Georgia Patton stuck to their guns all day in defence whilst Steph White was excellent through the mid court.
In football action, the U18 match was 1st v 2nd and at halftime, it was living up to the billing with our boys holding a 3pt lead. Unfortunately though, they were outscored 6 goals to 1 after the break to go down
12.9.81 to 7.8.50, recording their 1st loss for 2010 and losing top spot to Healesville. Tim Tatlock snagged 2 goals whilst U16 player Lachey Meadows continued his impressive form with BOG honours along with Dom Woodfield and Josh Wallis.
In the Reserves, we were coming up against a fellow finals aspirant and with the competition so tight, a win was absolutely a must. The boys worked hard in the 1st half to obtain a 3 goal lead at the main break. A magnificent defensive effort in the 3rd Qtr saw another 2 goals to zero added before the last Qtr blew open. We again held Healesville goal less whilst adding 5 of our own to win 13.10.88 to 3.5.23. A brilliant effort in tough conditions that sees the OFC back into 3rd position. Brady Schubert backed up his 7 goals from last week to kick another 4 whilst Stevey Gannell, Symon Hill and Gav Nautili were standouts on the day.
And to the Seniors and our result against the "Valley Bloods" last time was fresh in our minds. We were looking to atone for that effort as well as looking for our 5th win in a row, and trying to consolidate our position in the top 5. We started against a strong wind and did really well to keep the opposition to only 1 goal although not scoring any ourselves. The 2nd term opened up a little with our boys kicking 4 goals to 2 to take a 4pt halftime lead. Healesville came out firing in the 3rd Qtr, using the wind well and we looked like we had no real answers except to just hang tight and wait for our chance in the last Qtr. We went into orange time facing an 11pt deficit and had it all in front of us. The last term saw the "Mountain Bloods" click into gear, adding 3 goals 4 and keeping the opposition to only 2 behinds to run out 9.12.66 to 7.15.57 victors. For the home side, U18 Blakey Walter was a key with 4 goals whilst the Millwood boys, Tom and Owen, and Andy Evans were all standouts.
We still sit in 4th spot, 2 games clear of 6th placed Monbulk but have a tough month coming up with 3 of the next 4 matches against the top 3 sides, plus this weeks tough road trip to Warby.
A reminder that this Saturdays matches are at Warby/Millgrove with all the awards and meals etc to be held at Kellys Restaurant in Mt.Dandenong from 6.30pm. The Junior club is back at Olinda on Sunday hosting Gembrook/Cockatoo so get along to have a look at our future stars !