Hi to everyone out there,
Round 16 action saw the OFC head out to Woori Yallock in absolutely magic conditions. After many weeks of wet and heavy conditions, Saturday was a very welcome sight for all players from both clubs.
In C Grade Netball, the girls sewed up the double chance with a very convincing 32-14 victory. Despite missing four regulars through injury and illness, the girls stepped up and got the job done with no fuss. Caz Fuerst and Elise Tanzen were again strong in goal. Elise scored 19 to go to 2nd in the league goalscoring. Becky Scott continued her excellent form in mid court and Bernie Fitz was again outstanding in defence, along with her sidekick Elle Rose. It will be the first time we will have a team representing us in finals in netball so some exciting times ahead.
In B Grade, we took the court looking a bit undersized in defence but attacked the game with real vigour. At Qtr time, we were 2 goals down but playing well. The 2nd Qtr saw Woori open up a strong lead with great netball. Whilst trying to catch up, we rushed many passes and this led to several turnovers. At halftime, a re-structure took place and the girls again took to the court with real purpose. Stacey Riddiford ran herself ragged, and Mary Taylor and Bec Gray lifted in mid court as well. With Kristy Rhodes and Bernie Fitz (again) really locking down on the Woori goalers, we outscored Woori 14-12 in the 2nd half but went down 41-26. Our 2nd Qtr (outscored by 15 which was the final margin) let us down.
Otherwise a really good effort !
In A Grade, it was a total domination by our girls from start to finish.
After opening up a 10 goal break at Qtr time, the girls powered to a 33-7 halftime lead. Without singling out any individuals, we were winning all positions with every player having an influence. The third Qtr was outstanding with OFC scoring a further 16 goals to Woori's 1. The girls went on to record an exceptional 60-15 victory which is win number 4 for our A Graders. Our best winning year in A Grade since we started. Melzy Thomas starred in goal with a club record 43 goals. Her combination in goal with Lucy Allman (15 goals) was terrific. The mid court of Melzy Walter, Brooke Northey and Sammy Royce was fantastic and the defence, led by Cassie Meadows, Nat Sloan and Georgia Patton was both miserly, as well as at its rebounding best. Super result girls !
Just quickly, a special thanks to Jen Riddiford who took care of her usual team managing duties on the weekend. She was pretty unwell and spent the night in bed, missing the Trivia Night function as a result. Really great effort Jen !!
In U18s football, our boys were still in the hunt for top spot and the week off in finals so a strong effort against Woori was required. From the outset, they were a class above the opposition and raced to a 13 goal to 1 point lead at halftime. The return of Luke Hill from Eastern Ranges and the addition of Matty Michalos in recent weeks really strengthened the side. The boys continued on in the 2nd half with a very disciplined effort. At siren time, we finished at 27.15.177 to 3 points. Lukey Hill kicked 3 goals in a BOG display whilst Matty Michalos chipped in with 4 goals (5 last week)
In Reserves footy, our boys were coming up against a side that had shown some really good recent form, particularly with some experinced heads in their side. An innacurate start really allowed Woori to remain in the contest at Qtr time, OFC leading 3.5 to no score. We added a couple of goals in the 2nd Qtr but Woori struck back late with some goals of their own and the margin remained the same as Qtr time. Woori certainly threw the kitchen sink at us in the 3rd Qtr and for the 1st time in the day, we looked 2nd to the ball and a little rattled. At 3/4 time we clung onto a 15 point lead and with the competition being so even this year, we just had to dig deep and keep the lead at all costs. Woori had other ideas though and began to run over the top of us. With only seconds left, Woori had kicked 4 goals to our 2 for the term and we held a 4 point advantage.
When the siren went, Woori had a set shot at goal from only 20 metres out.A goal would win it for them, it missed and we hung on 9.10.64 to 9.7.61. Not convincing, but a win is a win and we were put under real pressure by Woori which is good for our boys. Sammy Schauble and Stevey Flutter were absolutely outstanding for us all day. A finals spot has now been sewn up which is fantastic news. The Reserves could finish top or 5th its so even.
We'll have to see how it unfolds !
In the Seniors, we came up against the competition yardstick and we certainly came out of the blocks in fine style. We were keen to really test ourselves against finals opposition at a finals venue. Woori held a 5pt lead at Qtr time and the match itself was quite a spectacle in the brilliant conditions. The Second Qtr saw a number of errors creep into the OFC game and Woori capitalised to take an 18pt advantage at halftime. Our third term was really poor, our hard running and pressure which has become our trademark this year went missing and Woori's ball use was perfect. We were outscored 9 goals to 3 to be 54 points in arrears at 3/4 time. To our credit, we worked really hard in the last to outscore Woori but the damage was well and truly done by then. Final Scores were OFC 14.12.96 to Woori 22.9.141. Totally outclassed by an outstanding football side. Nicky Broomhall and Dylan Troutman were very good players for us over the whole game. We still sit in 5th spot, needing 1 win out of 2 to sew up a finals spot. This weeks contest at home against Wandin is absolutely crucial to our season finals chances.
Briefly in other news, we have our supporters day function coming up this weekend. If you haven't been in contact to RSVP your place, please email Gerard Credlin by lunchtime Tuesday on gcredlin@bigpond.com It kicks off at 2pm outside in the big marquee.At halftime of the Senior match, we also have the Ladies Day Afternoon Tea inside the clubrooms which includes a guest speaker. The Reserves footballers will be dressing up and waiting hand and foot on the girls so make sure you get there for that one.
That winds up the review, keep an eye out for Bloodlines later in the week and make sure you get up the hill this Saturday for our final home match for 2010 !
Kindest Regards
Tim Scott
Secretary
OFCFNC 2010