SKOB have opened season 2022 with a win by grinding out a hard slog with Old Melburnians at TH King this afternoon. Winter isn't coming - it's here already! By the shades of grey in the clouds that hovered about Glen Iris (not to mention the supporters mops) it was looking every bit winter for players and fans alike.
Any coach would be happy to just walk away with 4 points, and that's exactly what SKOB were able to do as they battled an equally determined opponent in a game that was close all day. The lack of football played over the past two years may have shown as players from both sides took time to get back into the swing of things. SKOB had the early momentum after keeping OM's goal less in the first term, but found scoring hard from then on. The redlegs worked their way back into the contest and dominated the 2nd term kicking 4 goals to 1 to take a lead into the long break.
It was a defensive sloq after half time but SKOB managed to get their nose in front by holding OM's to a solitary major whilst grabbing a couple themselves. For fans on the terrace it was a tough watch at times but they would have been happy just to see footy being played live once again. With a gee up from the coaches at the orange break, SKOB held sway through the final term. The defense once again kept the visitors goal less and despite only kicking one for the quarter it was enough to register the win and grab a vital four premiership points.
For SKOB, there were some strong performances, none better than Jack Holden with Harry Wardlaw also playing a terrific game in his return to the Senior side. Debutants, Luke Winter and Ben Mansfield were amongst the best and gave supporters plenty to be excited about, whilst Sam Tucker kicked a goal on debut for SKOB. Shaun Kennedy and Angus Hart with 2 goals apiece provided solid targets up forward, but overall it was a grinding team effort and a good start for the 2022 campaign.
Around the grounds, our Senior Saints took the honours in the Grand Final rematch of 2019, against West Brunswick. Dalia Edward was a star up forward for the Saints, booting 3 of the 5 goals and outscoring West Brunswick on her own, whilst Elyce Hay, Pamela Amber and Bree Doyle were terrific for the Saints who gave coach Tom Purcell the perfect start.
Our other teams all battled very hard but found better opponents on the day - aside from the Saints thirds who fought out a thrilling draw with the Magpies in their encounter. Overall, despite some of the results it was fantastic to have footy back and we can't wait for next week.
