CLUB NEWS, Round 7, 7th June 2003.
SKIPTON v ILLABAROOK @ SKIPTON
"Rovin' Rambler Report"After the disappointing loss to Carngham-Linton Skipton rebounded strongly last Saturday against Illabarook to record a 120 point win
Daniel Rowe (suspended), James Collins (injured) and Chad Cook were replaced in the team by Aaron Klutke along with Scott Fletcher and Ryan Millgate both playing their first games for the Season.
Skipton won the toss and kicked to the Eastern end of the ground which was favoured by a slight breeze. The first goal was scored by Skipton at the four minute mark when a long kick into the forward line by Paul Grinstead was marked by Tim McKay who kicked accurately.
Illabarook replied immediately with a goal which was to be their last until the eighteen minute mark of the final quarter. The slippery conditions were making it difficult for the players of both teams. Rowan O’Callaghan was prominent early along with Grinstead and Adam Slater with their strong play around the packs. Scott Fletcher came off the bench early in the quarter and he immediately had an impact. Heavy rain late in the quarter made it even harder for the players. A goal off the ground to Josh Milenkovic gave Skipton a 5.4 to 1.1 lead at quarter time.
The slippery conditions turned the second quarter into a hard slog with players of both teams struggling in their first taste of wet-weather football for some time. Mathew Battistello was impressing with clever play and created plenty of opportunities for his team mates. The loss of Tony Boyer a couple of weeks ago through injury has allowed Rod Kennedy to play in the centre and he is certainly making the best of the opportunity. As captain his strong running play has been a fine example for the rest of the team. Goals were hard to score with Battistello kicking one and two to McKay for the quarter giving Skipton a 8.6 to 1.3 lead at half time.
The flood gates opened for Skipton in the third quarter when they kicked 9.4 against the wind whilst keeping Illabarook scoreless. Skipton was putting plenty of pressure on their opponents which caused them to turn the ball over Aaron Klutke was enjoying playing in the forward line and kicked two goals for the quarter .
In only his second game for the season Cameron Postlethwaite showed that his fitness is on the improve as he controlled the back line. He was well supported by Andrew Clark, Troy Wickham, Kris Johnson, John Gardner and Bill Molloy who again showed that he probably the most improved player in the team.
McKay continued to impress with another three goals. His overhead marking is his strength but his ability to compete for the ball on the ground helps create opportunities for the players around him. Clever play by O’Callaghan let Battestello in for a goal giving Skipton a 17.10 to 1.3 lead at three quarter time.
Klutke opened the scoring with a running goal within seconds of the final quarter starting. This was immediately followed by another to McKay. Scoring became difficult as Illabarook attempted to distract the Skipton players with their physical play. O’Callaghan and Kennedy each scored goals to give the home team a big win against the fourth placed team 21.14.140 to 2.8.20
Although beaten the Reserves should be reasonably pleased with their performance against their undefeated opponent. After leading by four points at quarter time they failed to score a goal in the second quarter, allowing Illabarook to score two goals and to take a nine point lead at half time.
A three goal to one third quarter allowed the opposition to open up an eighteen point lead. As was the case last week the final quarter proved to be Skipton's best. Taking control of the game four goals to two brought them within nine points at the final siren losing 9.10.64 to 8.7.55.
The Reserves rely heavily on the availability of players and with eleven missing at the moment mainly through injury it is making it very difficult for the coach, Mick Shelton, to put his best team on the ground. The probability of several of these returning over the next few weeks should see the improvement of the team continue.
The Juniors' Coach Dean Sheridan was full of praise for his players after the game. Although suffering another loss 2.4.16 to 9.18.72 the boys did what they have done each week and that is tried their hardest.
As each game goes by the boys continue to show improvement as was shown in this game. They were very competitive against the third-placed team. Dean was particularly pleased with the back line who he believed put in their best performance for the year.
NEXT WEEK: Avoca at Skipton
“Keep Rovin”
