CLUB NEWS, Round 9, 21st June 2003.
LEXTON v SKIPTON @ LEXTON
"Rovin' Rambler Report"( With Special Comments from “The Runner” )
In one of their best performances for the season Skipton outclassed second-placed Lexton at Lexton last Saturday to win by 140 points. In a very disciplined performance it was difficult to find a weakness in what was an excellent team effort. The result places Skipton one game clear on top of the ladder at the end of the first half of the season.
Troy Wickham and Ryan Millgate came into the side to replace Andrew Clark who is suffering from a knee injury, and Anthony Bibby.
The game started in near-perfect conditions. A hard contest was expected and it became apparent from the first bounce that both teams were keen to get the early break, which was exactly what Skipton was able to achieve.
Strong play by Troy Wickham out of the backline resulted in Tim McKay kicking the first of his six goals for the game at the three minute mark. This was followed by another to Josh Milenkovic from a clever snap and then Rowan O’Callaghan goaled from a free kick. Milenkovic kicked straight again after a mark, giving Skipton the start they needed scoring four goals in the first six minutes of the game.
Tim McKay had asked for the players to put disciplined pressure on the opposition and they were certainly following his instructions. The backline players were leading the way with Cameron Postlethwaite standing out at centre-half-back and he was being well supported by Kris Johnson and Chris Jennings on the flanks as they continually turned Lexton out of their forward line.
Daniel Greenock goaled from a free and then Milenkovic was on the end of some good play by O’Callaghan to score his third for the quarter. Lexton finally broke through at the twenty minute mark to score their first goal. A clever snap by Paul Grinstead resulted in a goal giving Skipton a 7.4 to 1.4 lead at quarter time
The second quarter started with a goal to McKay from a free kick. This was followed by Lexton scoring their second for the game. Nick Watson was controlling the ruck and this was allowing the Skipton players first use of the ball including Tony Boyer who was giving plenty of drive out of the centre Strong play by McKay saw Adam Slater pass the ball onto O’Callaghan for a goal. Slater was showing plenty of courage and he was rewarded when he ran in to score a goal. The pressure being placed on the Lexton players saw them continually turning the ball over. With two more goals to McKay and goals to Troy Ferrier and Daniel Greenock Skipton were able to open a 72 point lead at half time 15.8 to 2.4.
The demand from the coach at half time to continue the pressure was answered in the best possible way by the players. Wet and dull conditions had set in, making good football difficult, but they continued to attack the ball strongly and were rewarded for their efforts. Players like Aaron Klutke and Mathew Battistello were coming into the game and Milenkovic continued to dominate the forward line.
Bill Molloy, Craig Kennedy and Wickham were combining well and remained solid, holding out any challenges that Lexton were making to score. Three more goals to Battistello, two to McKay and one to Milenkovic saw Skipton increase their lead to 119 points at three quarter time to 21.15 to 3.4.
A quick goal to Lexton at the start of the final quarter was to be their last for the game while Skipton kicked another five Three to Milenkovic brought his total to seven for the game, a running goal to Postlethawite topped off a great game by him, and Battistello kicked one which resulted in Skipton winning 26.18.174 to 4.6.30.
Coach Tim McKay was pleased after the game about the way in which the player had responded to his demand to keep pressure on their opponents and to play four quarters of football. He reminded them that there was still a long way to go in the season and that there were still plenty of challenges ahead of them.
Playing his 350th Club game, popular Club stalwart Gavan Corbett was rewarded by the rest of the Reserves team when they had a 22 point win against the second-placed team. Add another 60 Junior games and you have a career of more than 27 years at our Club which is outstanding service.
With a number of players returning from injury the depth available for the team is improving which augers well for the team over the coming weeks
The sound of our Junior players singing the Club song after their game brought a smile to their Coach’s face. After a number of weeks where they struggled but kept on trying they were rewarded for their commitment with an 83 point win.
NEXT SATURDAY: Ararat at Ararat
THE EMU CREEK SHIELD: By winning the Senior football Skipton retained the Emu Creek Shield last Saturday. Leading up to that game the Clubs had three wins each with Skipton winning the Under 14 Netball along with the Reserves and Junior football. Introduced in 2000 Skipton has won the right to retain the Shield five of the seven times the Clubs have played since then.
SKIPTON PRIMARY SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM: The Skipton Football Netball Club congratulates “super coach” Robin Baker and his great team of footballers on another win in their Grand Final. This is their sixth consecutive victory which is a great achievement.
Final scores were - Skipton 12.11. 83, Rokewood 5.4.34
Goals: Andrew Robertson 5, Josh Grist 2, Sam Peeters 2, Shayne McIntyre 1, Anthony Merriner 1, Michael Slater 1
Best: Outstanding team effort
N.B. We also congratulate Mrs. Britton and her team of T-Ballers in their second consecutive Grand Final win.
Final scores were - Skipton 38, Rokewood 34
“Keep Rovin”
