ROUND 7 V BALLAN
FOOTBALL
The wind whipped across the Ballan football oval on Saturday, bringing with the Skipton Under 12s second loss for the season. Despite leading most of the day, we were overrun by a better finishing Ballan to be defeated by 3 points. Skipton 2.2-14 to Ballan 2.5-19.
The Under 15s won their fourth game on the trot, putting themselves on the positive side of the win loss ledger. In a low scoring affair Skipton were able to kick all their goals in the last quarter for a two goal win, brought about by constant pressure pushing the ball forward by the team, then good marks and conversion by Marty Boyer. Skipton 3.3-21 defeated Ballan 1.3-9.
The reserves continued their climb up the ladder with a percentage building win. A game clear in third position is a great spot to be at this stage of the season, but will require continued improvement in fitness and team work to maintain their position as other clubs set themselves to take us on. It was great to see Andy Fay return for his first game this season, five goals capped of his day nicely! Andy, Sam Dunn and Riley Uwland were named amongst the best players. Skipton 19.6-120 to Ballan 5.7-37. Before the team sang the song, the players brought secretary Simone Smith into the middle of the huddle and sang Happy Birthday, a fitting tribute to Simone who is a great supporter of all our teams, but loves her reserves as much as anybody.
The Senior game was a mixed one with the strong wind often forcing play to the club rooms side of the ground, with resulted in a clogged forward line and difficultly in scoring, but when we switched and carried the ball to the open side, scoring was made easier. Skipton has the better of most of the game, gradually increasing our lead until coming home with wind in the last, where we got away and scored more freely, posting a nine goal victory. Mitch Bruns is really starting to make an impact in our forward line, getting among the best with 6 goals. At the other end of the ground Ben Krol continues his good form with his strong marks blunting many an opposition attack. Skipton 17.8-110 to Ballan 8.8-56.
NETBALL
Well we hit the road last Saturday and headed down the highway to Ballan.
Another great start to the day with our 13b girls having a very comfortable win 11 goals to 2. You can see the girls improving greatly each week and lots of happy smiles when they take the court. This weeks awards went to Ruby Gardiner and Hayley Gardner. Ballan were also very kind in awarding a $5 canteen award to all our junior grades and the 13b award went to Lyla Molloy.
The 13as keep thier spot in the top 8 with a great 20 to 8 goal win. Was a tight start but the girls settled into thier game and managed to combat the oppositions height well. Some positional changes in the second half proved how versatile all the girls are becoming. Awards went to Maddie Dunn, Sophie Collins and Emma Gowans. Lauren Bodman received the oppositions canteen award.
The under 15 girls struggled a little this week and though the positions on the ladder should have meant a closer game, unfortunately it wasnt to be, going down 11 to 38. Fiona made special mention to Charli Ross who took out both the club award and the Ballan canteen voucher for her consistent efforts.
Our under 17 girls got a little closer and are showing much improvement every week. They went down 15 to 32 but had some fantastic intercepts in defence with Annie Elliott deserving the first award along with Sophie Liston (second award) and the opposition award to Zoe Larkins.
Laura's words on c grades close 22 to 37 loss
"After an awesome start with our girls taking the lead in the first quarter the game looked exciting. Unfortunetly Ballan made a strong comeback in the second quater but our girls didn't stop fighting playing their best game I have seen from them all sesson. They put in every effort on court only going down by 15 to Ballan who are second on ladder. The girls really proved they are good enough to match a strong team and are only going to improve from here. Ruby Bingham and Anna Walker were stand outs to receive this weeks awards"
"B Grade had a very competitive start against the 3rd place Ballan team. The defensive end of the court were under the pump but turned the ball over on numerous occasions. They got the jump on us in the second quarter which saw a 10 goal deficit at half time. A great second half of the game saw the girls fight it out to the very end with great mid court effort by Jaymee Crackk, Keely Bent and Georgie Fay. Final score 13 to 44. This weeks best goes to Jaymee Crackk. Another great defensive game saw Gemma Molloy get second best on court. " Coach Craig.
A grade this week from Hailey
"After a few late changes due to illness and a few girls battling sickness Skipton played well and fort all the way to the end. Skipton came out strong only 4 down after the first quarter. Then Ballan continued with a stronger more physical last half. Yet again Sophie Draffin and Liz Williams we’re strong in defence although Ballan’s shooters couldn’t miss from any where. A few changes through out the game made it tough for the girls to find their rythme on the court. The strong wind made conditions tough for the goalies. Ballan are sitting fourth on the ladder so overall it was a very competitive game with the Skipton girls playing well in the 31 to 62 loss. Award winners this week Sophie Draffin and Liz Williams."