The netballers started in wet and wild conditions in Dingley before it was cancelled in the interests of player safety.
The Thirds made the trek out to a windy Cheltenham on Saturday morning for their first away match of the season. Following a call out an hour before the game they managed to put together a team of 17 players, who were all keen to back up round one’s great win with another strong performance. Using a strong breeze to dominate the play in the first quarter, wastefulness in front of goal prevented them from converting this dominance into an early lead, and they entered the first break down by three points, having kicked five behinds. The second quarter saw the dominance of play reversed with the change of ends, however Cheltenham were able to take advantage where South Yarra weren’t, sending home nine goals to take a 51-point lead into the main break. Following half time, the Yarras once again enjoyed the benefits of kicking with the wind, and this time were able to convert their dominance into goals, kicking four for the quarter. Although the results were better, inaccuracy continued to plague the side in front of goal and a score of 4.14 at the final break left them trailing by 20 points despite having enjoyed five more attempts at goal. As the wind was accompanied by heavy rain, this deficit was always going to be too much to overcome for an undermanned Yarra’s outfit, and a scrappy final quarter saw Cheltenham emerge 37-point winners. Despite the score line, there was much to be encouraged by for the Thirds. Most players relished the extra game-time offered by the absence of an interchange bench and enjoyed solid individual performances. Additionally, the upside of missing some regular players for Dallas was the opportunity to trial some players in different positions to usual, providing options for the remainder of the season.
The Reserves and Seniors played new comers to Division 3, Springvale Districts. The conditions were more awful than a Donald Trump Tweet.
The Reserves welcomed a new look, with its new coach, Anton Tidmarsh, its new captain, Blake Tolley and his vice captains, Christopher Dore and Daniel Murphy. Furthermore, there were at least five debutants and welcomed back four past players. The Yarras started fantastically with Lange booting two goals and Muzza contributing to a goal as well and held a two goal lead at quarter-time. Lange booted another in the second term before the siren and the Yarras were down by only seven points at the major break. Unfortunately the Yarras couldn’t find a way to score another goal and were strangled by the opposition’s full press and the horrible conditions. Gliddon assisted his midfield by dominating the ruck contests whilst Scarlo was in and under every pack. The stalwarts of the backline, Costello and Presland were incredible. Springvale Districts were victors by 35 points.
The Seniors begun the game kicking against the wind and allowed Springvale to get a 5 goal to 1 jump, Dave Cannizzo looked to spark the boys with a beautiful snap after being set up by best mate Cory Brady. Sauce was great in the ruck but more polish kept Springvale around the 6 goal margin for the rest of the day. Smithy battled well down back, Steg, Bird Maher and Pane Jnr all featured in the bests. The final result a 55 point lose. Given the opposition are touted as early favorites for the flag the lads played well and will take many positives in to next weeks game against Blackrock back at the Den.
Get down and support the club at our first home game for the 2018 season next Saturday, 22nd March 2018.
Girls footy also got off to a flyer with a great win in their first practice match against Chelt, there Season proper starts next weekend.
Special thank you to all of our sponsors including Brady Tiling, Hawthorn Hotel, Rounds Real Estate, Simply Health, Hunter Industrials, Safety-Wear, Avon Tyrepower, Bendigo Bank (Surrey Hills/ Canterbury/ Ashburton/ Balwyn), Merchant Electrical, and all 250 Club, past player members, partners and all Player sponsors.
Last Modified on 15/05/2018 12:43