Saturday, 5th April, 2014
ALEXANDRA FOOTBALL / NETBALL CLUB
The Alexandra Football/Netball Club started the 2014 season with an away game at Yarra Glen for two games of football and three games of netball. The Reserves welcomed some new players including Shane Hill together with Devin Grant, Peter Hoornweg and Leonard Jenkins who have returned to play at the Rebels this year. Captain Jason Krijt led the players out after new coach Corey Jack and assistant Paul Wallis inspired the players in the first pre match address. The Rebels started well with Jack and Len Jenkins leading the way, Jock Blakeney marked strongly for two goals. Yarra Glen had the better of the second quarter as an injury to James Kidd left the Rebels without any players on the bench. Alex again broke even in the third quarter showing lots of endeavor with Stephen Steiner and Daniel Roper prominent in the midfield as the Rebels were well in the game at the last change trailing by only fourteen points. The lack of interchange options was a factor as the home side again got on top in the last quarter but Alex fought the game out and will be much better as they add a few more players to their list. Best players included Daniel Roper in his best game for the Reserves, Stephen Steiner as always strong at the ball, Corey Jack of course led by example and Len Jenkins won many kicks through experience, Brodie Arnott and Devin Grant in the ruck. Awards: Rebels $50 Incentives – Corey Jack and Daniel Roper, Mt.Pleasant Hotel $20 meal – Stephen Steiner, Commercial Hotel $20 meal – Devin Grant, Commercial Hotel 5 pots – Brodie Arnott.
The Seniors welcomed new players Russell Comb, Tim Cook, Andrew Cowlishaw, Scott Hill, Brent Jane, Jayden Murphy and Sandor Redzic as well as Lyndon Purcell returning to the Rebels and Jack Tossol in for his first senior game. Taking on the Thunder to challenge the team many expect to be one of the main contenders this season and the Rebels began to the old railway end goal and were soon on the new electronic scoreboard when new forward Andrew Cowlishaw converted from a down the ground free. Play became very congested as each side struggled to gain the ascendancy and it soon became obvious that the home side were formidable opponents. Chris Mullins was prominent early sending Alex forward but the Thunder defense was able to repel most attacking moves. It had been an even first quarter with the home side’s accuracy giving them the eleven point lead at the first change. Yarra Glen attacked successfully early in the second quarter before Alex went forward for a free to Lee Rowe but his shot was just short. Yarra Glen was getting on top in general play with their fifth and sixth goals as Alex struggled to match up loose players all over the ground. After a series of behinds Damien Toomey finally kicked the visitors second goal but the Thunder were quick to reply. Alex ran the ball well out of defense on occasions but was indecisive going forward whilst the home side’s forwards looked the more dangerous. With only two first half goals Alex certainly had to improve to challenge Yarra Glen. Things got worse as the Thunder kicked the first goal of the third quarter before prized recruit Brent Jane now at centre half forward kicked a long goal but again Yarra Glen was able to quickly reply after a series of uncontested possessions around the ground. Alex won the ball out of the centre on one of the rare occasions and Rowe’s long shot hit the post, but shortly afterwards he was given another opportunity and he made amends. It was now goal for goal but Alex was making little headway on the scoreboard. Tim Cook another new player who looks the part as a half back flanker forwarded for Jane to kick his second goal, a further Alex goal to Jane was preceded by two home side goals but a further goal to Cowlishaw and a long goal to Ben Cooper concluded a better quarter but the margin was still 44 points at the last change. The last quarter was similar to the third with Jane (2), Conor Heaslip and new player Jayden Murphy kicking goals for the Rebels but the home side was able to answer every goal with one at the other end. Whilst injuries to Goonan, Miller, Mullins and Walker restricted the Rebels interchange options Yarra Glen’s smaller players were the big difference as they won many uncontested possessions through the centre and forward. Alex with many new players learning to adapt to their new team’s structure etc will improve. Best players included Sam Kidd who led the defense which was under constant pressure, Brent Jane who started well in defense with his long kicking game and finished with five goals when he went forward after half time, William Walker, Damien Toomey, Tim Cook, and Jayden Murphy all had some influence. Awards: Molesworth Hotel $20 meal – Andy Daly; Rebels $100 Incentive – Ben Cooper, Caltex $25 fuel card – Brent Jane, Mt.Pleasant Hotel $20 meal – Jayden Murphy, Commercial Hotel $20 meal – Russell Comb, Commercial Hotel 5 pots – Scott Hill..
Last Thursday’s Rebel Raffles are sponsored by Anvil Angus and Mt. Pleasant Hotel, Reddrops Foodworks / Beauty of the Blade, Eildon Bakery / Outdoor Education Group, Alexandra Quality Meats / Alexandra Windscreens and Yea Chinese Restaurant / Bailey Funerals and were won by Sandor Redzic, Michael Purcell, Jess Lucas, Michael Rouget and James Kidd. The Anvil Angus Jackpot did not go off and will be worth $150 this week so come along and buy some tickets at $1 each but you need to be at the Club rooms at 8.00 pm for the draw.
Do not forget to order your Club merchandise – polo shirts @ $40, polar fleece jumpers and hoodies @ $60. Also available in stock are Club stubby holders @ $7, travel mugs, peaked caps and beanies @ $15, cook books @ $20, bumper stickers are free. The Alexandra History Book is also back in stock, available at the Alexandra Newsagents @ $20. Thursday night dinners are also popular with main course and sweets for $10, everyone is welcome.
This Saturday we return to Rebel Park and take on Kinglake for two games of football and three games of netball. After the games everyone is invited into the social rooms for the awards and to enjoy our Club hospitality and Melissa Stevens has organised the first function of the season, an I Pod Shuffle night. Free entry with songs to be purchased from Melissa for $5 each with a chance to win prizes if your song comes up at pre-determined times during the night so come along to the Club rooms for a great Saturday night, everyone is welcome.
Last Modified on 08/04/2014 22:36