ROUND 2 v DUNNSTOWN
FOOTBALL
The oasis of green that is the Skipton Rec Reserve, also known by some as the “Emudome”, hosted our first home game this week.
The Under 12s got the day started having a convincing win against Dunnstown. Talking to coach Draffin afterwards, he said how pleased he was with the ability of every player in the side to contribute.
Skipton 6.3-39 to Dunnstown 0.1-1. Among the best were Pinky’s Pizza award to Sam Phillips and Skipcoin to Will Sheehan.
Before the Under 15s game we were presented with the 2018 Premiership flag by League Vice President Doug Hobson and League secretary Diane Ryan. It is a great tradition that the club and winning side get recognised in this manner. Thanks very much to the CHFL, and Doug and Diane in particular for helping to honour our boys efforts. With plenty of last years players and families watching on, this years under 15s took on the hope and expectations of our club. There is nothing more certain than the change of fortunes in junior football and we have gone from premiers to a development side. There is no shame in being in this position, and the right man is in charge, helping the new group improve and learn about the game. Kiernan’s passion for football and it shows through his experience and clear instructions will do a lot of good for his team. Final score was Skipton 2.3-15 defeated by Dunnstown 21.9-135. Aiden Walsh was named as best.
The reserves showed they are fitter and better drilled this year, at times they put together passages of play that the senior side would be proud of. There is nothing quite like a “twos” victory with the song sung with gusto, followed by a tight group enjoying each other’s company and cheering on their mates in the seniors. Skipton 10.10-70 to Dunnstown 5.8-38. Awards went to Josh Appleby and Brad Uwland.
The Senior side had a few forced changes, with Andrew Pitson and Lakota Stranks unavailable, but balanced by the return of Curt Townrow and Kal Dubbeldam from cricket commitments. We jumped out of the blocks early with Captain Adam Romey leading the way. Skipton put 6 goals to 2 on the board for the quarter. In the second term Dunnstown fought back, reducing the margin to two goals and at half time both groups of supporters knew we had a real contest. Skipton’s intensity, pressure and quick ball movement broke the game open in the third , getting away from Dunnstown, kicking 4.7 to 1.3 for the quarter. In the last, both sides kicked 3 goals with our margin and the victory secure. Final score Skipton 15.16-106 to 10.14-74. Some of the better players on the day were Mark Hoare, Xavier Lourey, Kal Dubbeldam and Sam Peeters.
Next week we head to Beaufort to take on the reigning premiers, hopefully getting closer to a full list available to play. Let’s get as many as we can to Beaufort and show them that the Emus mean business!
NETBALL
It wasn’t such a successful day on court for our netballers last Saturday as we played our first home game of the year against Dunnstown.
We did start the day very well with our under 13b girls again having another big win 18-1 against some tiny younger Dunnstown girls. Ingrid McIntyre-Smith played her first game of the year and scored her first goal to be awarded the weekly Skipcoin and new player to the club, Mia Larkins played some great netball to take the other award. It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm these girls are showing and their wonderful attitude to the sport.
Our under 13a girls were a little short this week compared to the height of the Dunnstown team and we struggled to match them, going down 15-23. We did have some good passages of play and are starting to gel together a little better each week. Holly Draffin tried valiantly against her taller goalie to take the Skipcoin and Cate Connell ran hard all game to receive the other award.
Our under 15s had another close game, unfortunately this time, going down 18-24. They are certainly proving to be more competitive this year and all girls have improved immensely. Sophie Cook was strong in GD to take the Skipcoin and newcomer Charli Ross doing a great job in goals for the other award.
The under 17 girls were really up against it this week, Dunnstown fielding some incredibly big strong girls in their team. This reflected in the 9-49 score line though it certainly doesn’t represent the effort our girls put in for the whole 4 quarters. New player Sarah Cushing tried hard and was consistent in defence to take the Skipcoin with Vivian Johnson-Knight fighting hard for the other award.
C grade were nearly 2 from 2 but Dunnstown made a big comeback in the last quarter to level the scores and leave us with a well fought our draw 26-26. With basically a new team this year, changes were made throughout the game with Narelle Larkins moving from goals to the wing and playing very well to receive the money and Gemma Molloy ever consistent in defence taking home the club award. So close girls!!
B grade fought hard and continued to apply pressure for 4 quarters with a stronger 2nd half but unfortunately still went down 22-33. There is certainly some positives to take out of the game with so many different girls in the new line up. Georgie Fay in defence did not give up, never does, to receive the money with Tash Whiteside playing well in WA taking the club award.
Our A graders worked tirelessly throughout their game and their persistence was evident but we were unable to match the Dunnstown side going down 28-56. We were well matched height wise at both ends taking away any advantage we may have had. Liz Wiliams and Sophie Draffin continued to apply amazing pressure in the defence end to take home the money and club award respectively.
So not such a good day for results but we look forward to working hard and bouncing back against Beaufort next week at Beaufort.
See you all then and thank you so much for your support so far, it’s fantastic to see so many supporters cheering all our girls on!