Hi to everyone out there,
Last weekends action saw us host our final home match for 2010 against Wandin FNC. Whilst the Doggy footballers have had an indifferent year, the netballers have been strong and so it proved with the matches being split at 3 wins a-piece. The windy conditions made all games very difficult !
In Netball, our C Graders in 3rd spot, took on 2nd spot Wandin, who were out for some revenge from our win in the earlier match. We certainly took some time to get going but we held tight on the scoreboard and at halftime, we were only a handful of goals behind. Our 3rd quarter was outstanding, the girls really stepped it up and you could sense the change in the game. We levelled the scores at the final change and felt that we had the momentum to run over the top. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out that way as Wandin took the initiative and ran out 31-25 winners. Wandin will be our opponents in the Qualifying Final in 2 weeks time. The girls have 1 more tough hitout this week against 4th placed Mt.Evelyn before finals action begins.
In B Grade, our girls took on the top side and came away with a pretty creditable performance. From the outset, we took it right up to Wandin, but getting the score on the board again proved to be a tough assignment. Defensively we worked hard from start to finish, but the class of the opposition shone through, as they continually opened up holes and scored. In the end though, a 19-46 loss was a terrific effort. Wandin have scored over 200 goals more than us this year, and have conceded 250 goals less than us. Once again, the girls have had a crack !
In A Grade, things got off to a bad start with Helen away, Mel Walter having to fill in and umpire at the last minute, Cassie Meadows getting injured in the B Grade match, and Georgia Patton resting (playing a high level comp Grand Final later in the day). Taking on one of the competitons powerhouses was going to require all hands on deck, this was not to be the case. Wandin opened up an 18 goal break at the 1st change and never looked back. Nat Sloan played her heart out in defence under a constant barrage, Lisa McKenzie went into goals and gave some spark in her 1st A Grade match. Steph White and Brooke Northey battled on bravely in the mid court despite the tough situation. In the end, the girls went down 14-76. Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier this week when they take on the undefeated Mt.Evelyn. Great effort girls !
In U18s football, our boys were still in the hunt for top spot, currently sitting 2nd on % to Healesville. A strong win was required and the boys set about the task immediately. At halftime, with a commanding 20 goal to 0 lead, the coach called on the side to step it up and get that % back. The 2nd half saw even more outright dominance with 10 and 14 goal quarters respectively. The final score finished at 44.21.285 to Wandin 1.0.6 Most importantly, the boys gained 47% and shot back into top spot by 12% with one game to go. With Healesville travelling to 2nd bottom Silvan, top spot will go right down to the wire. There were many outstanding performances during this match but undoubtedly, Lukey Van Lierops 17 goals from the midfield will be something we'll be talking about for some time yet.
Congrats Luke !
In the Reserves, the battle for the double chance continues for our boys in this years, extremely even competition. Without setting the world on fire, the boys got down to business in tough conditions to grind out a 1st half lead of 6 goals. Defensively they were pretty good but had not had the real passion to run hard and open the game up. "Keithy" drove this point home at the main break and the boys continued to work hard through the 2nd half. Eventually, they pulled away for a 15.8.98 to 4.2.26 victory. Kirky Irvin returned to some real form with 5 majors whilst Stevey Gannell continued on his merry way with yet another brilliant display. This weeks games are critical. If we win, we will keep 2nd spot and the double chance. Lose, and we will drop to either 3rd or 4th depending on other results. Lets just win this week boys to be sure !
In the Seniors, we needed a win to lock in an Elimination Final at Alexandra for 2 weeks time. Wandin had just knocked off Warby the previous week and appeared in some good form. A strong start to the game was required and when the skipper called correctly and kicked with the strong breeze, we set about winning a game of football. Opening up with a 10 goal to 1 opening, the boys were clean and direct with Owen Millwood, Tregoning and Rosier getting plenty of footy and setting up many forward entries. Working against the wind in the 2nd term was a tough task as Wandin opened us up a number of times, outscoring us 5 goals to 1 giving us roughly a 6 goal break at halftime. The message was simple, run hard and handball and blow them away in the "premiership quarter". This we did, kicking 7.6 to 1pt to open up an 83pt lead at orange time. the last term fizzled out as we were outscored by a copule of goals to record a 21.17.143 to 11.9.75 win. Blake "Buckets" Walter and Glenny Stevens both led the scorers with 5 goals each, whilst "18yo whippet" Andy Greenall wound back the clock with a Best On Ground display across half back. This week we travel to 4th placed Mt.Evelyn, who more than likely will be our opponent in week 1 of the finals. A cracking contest between these sides is promised !
A quick note of thanks to Gerard Credlin for organising and hosting our supporters day function last Saturday. For all those who attended, a terrific afternoon was presented and enjoyed. Thanks Gezz ! Also the Ladies Day function took place and a big thanks to the boys who dressed up (or didn't dress at all) and did the waiting duties. I know the girls appreciated your efforts and had a great afternoon !
As mentioned previously, we are at Mt.Evelyn this weekend for the final home and away round for 2010. Sadly, this will be the final matches for our A and B Grade netballers for this year, but the other 4 teams are locked into 1st Division finals which is an outstanding effort.
John Faull had surgery last week to remove a benign tumor inside his skull. From all reports, the surgery was a success, with the tumor completely removed, and Johnny on the road to recovery which is the perfect result !
Don't forget that this Saturday night is our traditional 1-100 night, hosted by Mark and Linda Dalziel. If you don't have a ticket, Mark may still have 1 or 2 left but you'd better catch him quick because they "WILL" definately go. Presentation Night is set down again for AFL Grand Final eve, Friday 24th September at Marybrooke. We'll release more details in the coming weeks !
Hope you enjoyed the read and "Go the Red n Whites"