ROUND 4 v HEPBURN

NETBALL

Hepburn proved to be too much to handle for all of our netball teams last Saturday as we failed to bring home any wins at all in a bad day at the office.

With very strong teams across the board we were up against top of the ladder in a lot of our matches.

The smallest margin of the day went to our ever improving under 13b girls who went down 2 goals to 6. Awards to Adeline Corbett and Lyla Molloy.

Emma Gowans and Lauren Bodman were rewarded with the 13a awards for thier excellent defence and constant intercepts. Unfortunately it wasnt enough and those girls went down 22 to 29.

The under 15s mixed it up a bit positional wise to bring some fun and laughs into a tough match. They were beaten 17 to 48 but there were some happy girls like Ceilidh sheehan and silver Victorsen who enjoyed their new positions and awards to go with them.

Abby Tiley and Jenna Welsh tried valantly in the under 17 girls 10 to 38 goal loss. There was some good passages and positive play against the tough opposition.

It didnt get any better for our senior section unfortunately with c grade having thier first loss of the season 25 to 50. Alee Bryce and Elise Crick worked hard through the centre court to try to minimize the score line and received the awards for their efforts.

Erin Gillespie in goals and emma mason in defence impressed with thier efforts in the b grade game to take home the awards with the final scoreline 20 to 57.

A grade came up against an impressive opposition and we could see why they sit on top of the ladder. Elizabeth williams was very strong in defence saving many goals and Fiona Collins dominated the centre court and let experience control the play to be rewarded for thier efforts in the 19 to 69 loss.

The days scorelines do not reflect at all the efforts all our teams put in. Each grade played 4 quarters and it was pleasing to see such positive attitudes throughout.

FOOTBALL

Skipton hosted Hepburn this week on a firm but green surface. A breeze blew to the Eastern end of the ground all day making play and scoring favour that end, and keeping a chill in the air for the good crowd in attendance.

Last year at Hepburn was a difficult one for the under12s, but while defeated on Saturday our team was not disgraced.Skipton 1.2-8 to Hepburn 5.3-33. Skipton’s best were Kolby Haley and Hamish Draffin.

Our Under 15s opened their account for the year with a strong showing, much to the delight of coach Molloy. Some skilful fast moving football was entertaining to watch. Campbell Kennedy and Xavier Connell were named as best in a big win, Skipton 11.9-75 to Hepburn 2.3-15. Well done to all the team, coach and support staff.

The reserves side continued with the good form of recent weeks playing the fast paced play on game that they have been working on at training. With a possible full list available next week, it could well be one of the stronger sides Skipton reserves have fielded for a long while. Great to see the enthusiasm and hard work at training showing promise on the ground. Skipton defeated Hepburn (For the first time ever), 11.11-77 to 7.10-52. Luke (Tinker) Bell and Ben Garrity were named in the awards.

The Senior game was a struggle for Skipton for the first three quarters, although we contained Hepburn reasonably well in the first when they had the wind, we were only able to match them goal for goal in the second when we had the breeze. Hepburn made the most of the third , kicking away to an eight goal margin, with skill and well drilled play giving plenty of scoring opportunities. Without the continued endeavor and hard work by Skipton the margin could have been much greater. In the last quarter our boys played to another level, using the ball really well, having eight or nine shots at goal, taking big marks, and really showed their ability. Our tally was five goals to none in that quarter, reducing the margin to a three goal loss. While disappointing we can clearly see the potential of our side. The final score was 10.7-67 to Hepburn’s 12.13-85. Best players were Ben Krol and Andrew Pitson.

Thanks to the Hepburn contingent that came into the Social Rooms after the game, It has been noted that they are very good in that regard and are always welcome. A very successful social function was held that evening, with some great costumes and laughs, thank you to our flight crew Greg and Elise for organising the night. We travel to Rokewood next week in another big test for all our sides. #emu4life