CLUB NEWS, Round 5, 24th May 2003.
SKIPTON v NAVARRE @ SKIPTON
"Rovin' Rambler Report"(With support from the man in the timekeeper's box - thanks Sturg. )
Skipton went on a goal kicking spree against an undermanned Navarre at Skipton last Saturday with ten goal kickers in a score of 33.20.218 to 3.12.30. Returning from injury, coach Tim McKay led the way with 12 goals and he was supported by Josh Milenkovic and Chris Jennings both kicking 6.
McKay came back into the side along with Milenkovic and Chad Cook who was playing his first Senior game after impressing in the Reserves in recent games. They replaced the injured Aaron Klutke, Luke Crow and Luke Hills.
Skipton’s first score came after only one minute of play with a goal to McKay. This was followed shortly after with another to Troy Ferrier. With Navarre doing all the attacking they scored the next two goals and were putting plenty of pressure on their opponents. Play had become scrambly and kicking at goal by both teams was inaccurate with plenty of opportunities being missed. Two quick goals to McKay followed by one to James Shelton from a free kick downfield helped open the lead and with a soccer goal on the siren from Jennings Skipton went into the first break leading 6.7 to 2.6.
A goal to McKay within a minute of the second quarter starting was immediately followed by Navarre’s last goal for the game as the stronger Skipton players started to take control.
Excellent play by Mathew Battistello resulted in him kicking a goal. After kicking out from full back he followed the ball downfield where he marked in the forward pocket and then kicked accurately. Paul Grinstead was playing well and his aggression created plenty of opportunities for his team mates. Milenkovic came off the bench early in the quarter and had an immediate impact with his strong marking and long accurate kicking. Rod Kennedy continued his recent good form and controlled the back line and he was well supported by Andrew Clark. Goals to McKay and Milenkovic were followed by another to Kris Johnson who impressed with his strong running play off the back flank. Another goal to Milenkovic and then a controversial one to Grinstead (was it before the siren or after) gave Skipton a 13.14 to 3.8 lead at half time.
The third quarter started as the previous two had with a goal to McKay within the first minute. This was followed up with a goal to Tony Boyer then another to Jennings after Clark cleared the ball from the back line and passed to Milenkovic who kicked it deep into the forward line. McKay kicked two more to take his total to nine as Skipton dominated play.
John Gardner move from the backline into the ruck and immediately had some influence on the game. The backline led by Kennedy, Clark and Bill Molloy was able to keep Navarre scoreless for the quarter. Two goals within a minute to Milenkovic finished the quarter with Skipton leading by 118 points.
The final quarter saw Skipton kick 12.2 to their opposition's four points. McKay, Jennings and Milenkovic continued to dominate as they were given plenty of opportunities by their team mates. Regular backman Rod Kennedy had been moved into the centre and appeared to be enjoying the change Unselfish play by Battistello gave him an opportunity to kick a rare goal which brought a loud cheer from the supporters.
Skipton’s next test comes on Saturday when they play Carngham-Linton at Linton. The return of Aaron Klutke and Luke Crow from injury will create a headache for the selectors. A number of other injured players are also not far off from returning and could have fitness tests this week including Craig Kennedy, Ryan Adamson, Andrew Dowling, Ben Zanella and Stephen Whiting. Cameron Postlethwaite has recovered from a wrist injury suffered in a practice and will play his first game this week. A serious shoulder injury to Luke Hills against Rokewood-Corindhap will see him unfortunately sidelined for a number of weeks.
The Reserves had a very convincing win by 128 points with Joseph Kavanagh leading the way with 6 goals. With the players returning from injury the team will only get stronger which speaks well for the team.
Injuries and a loss of confidence seems to have had an impact on the Juniors as they have struggled in the past two games. After a good start the players fell away and they found it difficult to score against a stronger opposition eventually losing by 27 points. With encouragement from their Coach Dean Sheridan the boys will be working hard to regain the form they showed earlier in the Season.
“Keep Rovin”
