CLUB NEWS, Round 4, 17th May 2003.
Rokewood-Corindhap v Skipton @ Rokewood
"Rovin' Rambler Report"In a game where every player in the team contributed in some way Skipton ran out impressive 85 point winners against Rokewood Corindhap at Rokewood last Saturday.
With Tim McKay and Craig Kennedy both out injured and Josh Milenkovic unavailable it meant that the selectors were forced to make a number of changes. Recruits Luke Crow from Lake Wendouree and Anthony Bibby from Springbank were promoted from the Reserves along with John Gardner.
The start of the first quarter saw both teams attempting to gain the ascendancy with the back lines under pressure. A mark to Mathew Battistello deep in the pocket resulted in the first goal and this was quickly followed up with another from Adam Slater after a strong tackle on his opponent. Nick Watson was controlling the ruck and also marking strongly around the ground.
A shoulder injury to Luke Hills brought Anthony Bibby into the game and he immediately had an impact with his pace and strong attack on the ball. Daniel Rowe was playing well at centre half forward and he kicked two goals in two minutes following good play upfield by his team mates.
Skipton’s backline was combining well and keeping the opposition out. Luke Crow was making an impression across the half-back line with ability to read the play bringing others into the game. Rokewood were held out until late in the quarter when they kicked their first goal. Another goal to Aaron Klutke just before the siren gave Skipton a 26 point lead at the first break 5.4 to1.2
The second quarter started in the same manner as the first with both back lines again under pressure. Skipton’s smaller players in Rowan O’Callaghan, Troy Ferrier, Chris Jennings and Paul Grinstead were playing well around the ground and controlling the play. Overuse of the ball and inaccurate kicking was proving costly. A goal on the run by O’Callaghan followed by another from Ferrier opened up a big break to Skipton. Aaron Klutke playing in the forward line was creating plenty of opportunities for his team mates. A pass from him to Rowe resulted in a goal. Another goal to Ferrier was followed by Rokewood’s second for the game which gave Skipton a 46 point lead at half time.
The third quarter saw Skipton continually into attack but unable to make any impression on the scoreboard. The backline was still defending strongly and refused to allow the opposition any opportunities by constantly putting them under pressure. John Gardner was in charge at centre half back and he was well supported by Bill Molloy who was continuing on his good form.
Goals to O’Callaghan, Jennings and James Shelton increased Skipton’s lead to 63 points. Rokewood’s third goal for the game came at the start of time-on but this was followed by a quick reply to Skipton with clever play from Tony Boyer resulting in Shelton kicking his second for the quarter.
The last quarter started with instructions from Skipton’s coach Tim McKay to keep the pressure on and to play the whole game out. A goal to Ferrier at the four minute mark was followed by another from Klutke. Boyer again passed to Shelton for a goal and the players were following the request made by the coach. Rokewood scored their fourth goal for the game at the 13 minute mark of the quarter. O’Callaghan to Ferrier allowed him to kick his fourth goal for the game and for Skipton to run out easy winners by 85 points.
Unfortunately our Reserves and Juniors were not able achieve the same result as the Seniors and were defeated. Both teams lacked the enthusiasm of the previous weeks and will need to work hard to ensure that they return to the winners list.
The same could not be said about the Under 12’s who had a big 13.8 to 1.5 win. Coach Stephen Wood said it a great sight to see players from both teams playing with a lot of enthusiasm and enjoying themselves.
Coach Tim McKay was pleased with the overall performance. “The new players into the team grabbed their opportunity and certainly contributed to our win. A number of other players that are being played out of their normal positions”
A new Shield was introduced on Saturday for competition between the Skipton and Rokewood Clubs involving both the football and netball. A point is allocated for a win in each of the games played.
Skipton holds the Shield after Saturday with wins in four of the seven games played, the deciding game being the Senior football match.
The Shield has been donated by Bill Bourke-Finn and Leigh Cassidy from the Real Estate Home Loans
Next week- Navarre at Skipton
Under 12- Haddon at Skipton on Sunday
“Keep Rovin”
