ROUND 5 v ROKEWOOD/CORINDHAP
FOOTBALL
In a day reminiscent of times past Skipton travelled to Rokewood and had a clean sweep of the football. A good, vocal crowd was in attendance, supporting our teams.
The under 12s had a scrappy game for three quarters, leading all game, until they put some good play together in the last, getting away to a good win. Skipton 3.3-21 def Rokewood 1.0-6. Awards to Oakden Williams and James Read.
The under 15s again played an entertaining game, and are improving each week. Very impressive is the way they listen to Kiernan’s instructions, carrying them out to the best of their abilities. Final scores, Skipton 12.10-82 def Rokewood 1.1-7.
Awards to Bailey Meek and Andy Wills.
The reserves improved again, welcoming back the old war horse Tim Gawne. Gawney commented that in his time at Skipton he had never experienced the feeling of togetherness and common purpose that he saw on Saturday. There is more upside yet in our reserves, and sitting at 4 wins and 1 loss , more fitness and skill from continuous training together will only help. Skipton 13.8-86 def Rokewood 3.8.26.
The senior game promised to be exciting, we had come to Rokewood with great expectations last year and been defeated, so we were a little nervous. We had three inclusions, Mitch Bruns our assistant coach playing his first game for the season, Luke Bell after performing well in the Reserves previously and crowd favourite Tim Huglin returning after a spell in the twos. Omissions were the three injured, Sam Peeters, Michael Madden and Josh Hassan. Skipton continued the good form from the last quarter against Hepburn, moving the ball well against the breeze, with many contributors, among them especially in the first half was Andrew Pitson, Pitto was wearing a very close tag but still managed to have a major influence on the game. Mitch Bruns showed what an asset he will be to our team and rock solid defence with great contributions from Josh Draffin among others were prominent. Curt Townrow was a great target in attack and finished with 5 goals. After half time we lost Xavier Lourey with concussion but Bailey Thompson stepped into his fullback role admirably. Rokewood came out and used the wind well, lifting their intensity and reducing our lead. All was set up for a tight final quarter but Skipton put the pedal down and kicked away to wi by six goals. Skipton 15.14-104 def Rokewood 9.9-63.
NETBALL
The juniors had bragging rights on Saturday as all 4 grades took home wins against Rokewood at Rokewood. Unfortunately the 3 senior grades were unable to continue the good results but were gallant in their efforts.
The under 13b girls started the day strong with some good netball and a big 9 to 1 goal win.
Award Winners today were Grace Barr for accurate shooting & Brigette Mulcahy for tight defence, including a few intercepts.
Well done girls.
The under 13a girls took a while to warm up and with a slow first half and the scoreline of just 4 goals to 3 at halftime, a few positional changes and a bit of a rethink set them up for a much stronger 2nd half with the final score a much healthier 17 to 7.
Awards went to Sophie Collins who was determined in the wings, Alice Liston, strong in the centre and wing and Maddie Dunn for working consistently in defence.
The under 15 girls continued the run of good games with a fantastic first half that set the scene for a great 24 to 12 goal win.
Dominating the 2nd quarter was great play and good shooting by Tess Bingham who took the first award and feeding and support from Silver Victorsen in WA to take the other.
It was a tighter game for the under 17 girls who had a couple of players unavailable but with some under 15s stepping up, they came away with a well deserved 23 to 14 goal win. Great goaling from Vivian Johnson knight and tight defence from Sarah Cushing won these two girls the awards this week.
This week we have some words from our senior coaches themselves about their teams games.
"C grade had a great game and shouldn't be disappointed with their efforts against Rokewood. Our girls have shown some exciting passages of play as they continue to improve as a team. Defensive pressure against Rokewood was hard to fault, unfortunately we lacked attacking grunt and went down due to unforced errors. Best on went to Alee, both last week and this week Alee has shown some exceptional drive and confidence and the more I ask the more she continues to improve. Gemma got 2nd best this week, her maturity and strength in our defensive end keeps the girls on their toes, provides them on court support and is definitely an anchor player"
Thanks Laura, final score was 18 to 24
B grade coach, Craig Walker had this to say about his teams game:
"B Grade today came out of the blocks hard and fast, matching Rokewood goal for goal until quarter time. A very strong second quarter by the emus in full flight, although emus don’t fly, saw a handy 5 goal lead at half time by us. The grasshoppers fought back in the third going into 3/4 time with a 3 goal advantage The Emu ladies fought it out to the very end and every player came off at full time absolutely spent. Unfortunately going down to Rokewood by just 4 goals with the final score 25 to 29. A great effort against the 6th placed side. Best on court today for her fantastic effort in defence, and shutting down a key shooter, was Emma Mason. Second best today for her great leads and attacking ball skills in the centre court was Jaymee Crack. If the coach had 10 awards the whole team would get one. "
Rokewood have recruited well in the off season making them a little unknown going in but A grade coach Hailey Eeles said " I know we lost but yet again I’m so incredibly proud of the improvements, dedication and hard work from every player!! My awards go to Kat Fisher who moved extremely well in the ring, created great opportunities within the goal circle and shot very accurately.
2nd award went to Liz Barr- strong in defence shutting down the Rokewood WA, numerous turnovers and gave her all for the entire game." Fantastic effort girls, great game to watch.
The final score for A grade was 43 to 67.
Next Saturday we host Creswick, and afterward we have our family and volunteers night. This is also the “Beyond Blue” round , a very worthy cause that can do with plenty of support. See you there. #emu4life