Barney goes Bananas

Two final quarter goals to make it four for the day in a best on ground performance from Sam Barnett saw the Seniors hang on in a fantastic contest at TH King on Saturday. The win halted a two game streak where SKOB had lost - having led at the 25 minute mark in both. In the Reserves, SKOB drew away from Old Scotch on the back of a dominant third term to run out comfortable winners. Kicking off a perfect day at the King, our Saints Green got the chocolates, winning against West Brunswick to celebrate 50 games for Captain Anna Lewis. In the Under 19s, both the Premier and 19 2's teams overcame sluggish starts to run over their opponents on the road. The SKOB Dogs scored a forfeit over Willy and there were byes for Saints Gold and Blue. The Stingers lost on a frosty morning by the seaside, whilst on Sunday, the Academy couldn't quite get it done at AJAX. All up, it was a pretty decent weekend for SKOB teams who went 6 wins from 8.

Third time's a charm as SKOB finally win a close one

The Men’s Seniors have held on for a vital win over Old Scotch in a highly entertaining and thrilling game at TH King. In front of a very healthy crowd who braved the chill but basked in the few breaks of sunshine, SKOB recovered from a slow start to reel in and then break away from the visiting Cardinals, then held on gamely when the reigning premiers made a last quarter comeback and threatened to take the points.

With 5 forced changes to the lineup from their last encounter, SKOB came into the game lacking a bit of experience, but certainly not enthusiasm. A debut for under 19 back pocket Ged Saunders was just reward for his consistency in the juniors, and despite his youth,

Coach Lynch was more than convinced he would be ready for the step up to Senior level. Scotch brought a strong team to the contest, and looking to continue their momentum after a sluggish start to the season were certainly the favourites in this encounter. With a slight but steady breeze heading eastward, Scotch kicked to the favoured end, but it was former SKOB captain, Sam Critchley who opened the account. Running back with the flight to take a courageous mark, he nailed the set shot and SKOB struck the first blow. This seemed to startle the visitors into action, and from then on until quarter time they had their most dominant period of the game. Three quick goals then another late saw them take a three goal lead into the break. Home supporters were hopeful that the margin represented the strength of the breeze, rather than the gap between the teams, and they were quickly appeased as SKOB started to get on top and own some territory. Only wasteful kicking in front of the big sticks prevented SKOB from taking a big lead into the main break. A return of 4.8 from countless inside 50s would have frustrated the coaches, but restricting Scotch to just a point at the other end was probably something they were much happier about. Periodical goals to Kerr, Gill and Barnett helped reign in the deficit, and then a masterful snap from Flop Phillips in seriously late red time gave SKOB the lead they probably deserved for all their dominance.

After a break for refreshments, the combatants returned to the arena and pleasantries resumed. The breeze was becoming less of a factor as the wind dropped off somewhat and SKOB were able to frustrate their opponents by again dominating territory. The Cardinals defence were excellent at taking intercepts, but SKOB were just as proficient at forcing turnovers and regaining crucial possession. The one thing neither team was capable of, was steering it through the big sticks. A collective 8 behinds between the sides was finally eclipsed by Ollie Gill who slotted an incredible shot from the creekside boundary for his second goal. This seemed to inspire SKOB who found another shortly after through Barnett who also bagged his second and the home team had opened up the biggest margin of the day - 23 points. Scotch would not be denied and scored from a mark off a centre clearance to reduce the deficit to 16 - with a late point - by the time jelly snakes were offered.

With only a hint of breeze at their backs, SKOB knew that the last 30 minutes would present a massive challenge - and when Scotch scored off a great mark on the opening play of the term there were fears the cup holders might run over the top of the young home team. But youth brings dare, and SKOB were soon able to match the opening Scotch goal with one of their own through last year’s Under 19 captain, George Delimitrou who jagged a brilliant goal from the boundary. Scotch responded a few minutes later after some interesting adjudication, but SKOB were able to hold up any run on from the visitors, and Sam Barnett stepped up to slot his third from a steady set shot to again restore the 16 point margin as we neared the half way point of the final term. The Cardinals were not going away and again found the big sticks, only for Cam Hodges to calmly pierce the big sticks with a set shot on 20 minutes and yes, it was back to 16 points. It seemed that SKOB would have an answer for every challenge thrown up by the men in red. Another to Scotch from a strong mark, but as we ticked into time on SKOB had a two goal lead. Suddenly, Scotch landed their own piece of magic from the boundary and the margin was down to 5 points. Then incredibly the Cards had a chance to hit the lead with a set shot from 40. It missed and SKOB were able to clear to the wing.

A hurried kick in hope to Sam Barnett who was the lone SKOB surrounded by 3 Scotch opponents seemed like it was bound to be retuned, but Barnett had other ideas. Bringing the ball to ground he was able to recover the pill and look up to see an empty goal square 50 meters away. As the Scotch players raced to get back inside 50, Barnett circumnavigated the arc and let fly from beyond the paint. The ball held in the air, long enough for home supporters to will it a kind bounce. The oval shaped pill landed perfectly on its point and rolled through for a major, giving SKOB the breathing space they so desperately craved. As is always the case in ammo footy, the final bell waited until the clock hit 35 before it rang, but SKOB controlled possession right through this period and were no longer in danger of letting the lead slip at the death.

The feeling of relief at the siren was more than welcome for the fans, coaches and injured captain, who had witnessed a complete team performance grasp a vital win. There were solid contributions from all 22 players, the best of whom were Sam Barnett, Jack Mahony, Sam Tucker, Tom Ferguson, Angus Hart and Liam Gunson

It doesn’t get any easier for SKOB as next week brings about another massive challenge as they head to the newly minted Toorak Park for a clash against old rival Xavs, who are in great form.

In the early game, a brilliant third term from the SKOB Reserves got them the biscuits over Old Scotch, and as always, our man Yanni was there to capture all the action:

SKOBs Serve Up Scotch on the Rocks       

The SKOBs returned to action following a bye, playing at home against Old Scotch in a pivotal encounter for both teams.

The opening quarter was a tight affair. The SKOBs boys quickly found themselves on the back foot in the opening ten minutes but found their groove shortly after, with great ball movement from William Cooper, who was always well-positioned for the mark. His efforts gave the boys the majority of forward-half entries, which led to quality goals from Jack Ball and Jacob Smith, setting the team up for a steady two-goal lead.

The second term continued to be a tight and contested affair. Scotch stepped up a notch, exerting fierce pressure on the defence. However, the back six stood their ground, never shying away from the contest, and secured the boys a slender lead heading into the half-time break.

Coming out of half-time, the SKOBs boys showed serious intent to extend the lead. Historically this season, the third quarter has been where the SKOBs play their best foot, and they achieved one of their best third-quarter performances of the year, dominating in all aspects of the game. The unsung heroes were the back six, who, in combination with the midfield and forward line, kept Old Scotch scoreless for the entire quarter and helped pull out a huge lead with six unanswered goals.

Knowing the SKOBs had secured the lead at three-quarter time, coach Clough urged his charges to lock it down and steer the game home with the advantage they were carrying.

Still pushing the advantage, the game slowed down, and the scoring dried up from both sides. The ball mostly sat in the SKOBs’ forward half, but the fate of the game had already been decided. The boys can walk away proud with the four points and their seventh consecutive win.

We now look forward to next week’s game, a clash of the titans with Old Xaverians at Toorak Park.

Best for SKOB were Oscar White, Hamish Reimers, Samuel Jones, Jack Ball, Sam Milne and Tommy "TP" Pirola

Dreamers deliver for Captain Milestone

The Green Machine delivered the perfect gift for Captain Anna Lewis playing in her 50th game for the mighty SKOB - a win. It was important for SKOB to get the perfect start on Ladies Day, and with byes for the Saints Gold and Blue, all the attention was on the Greens to get it done for the Saints. They didn't let their fans down as they were able to blank the maggies for three quarters and record their second win for the season. Well done to the dreamers who were best led by Lauren Gdanski, Anne Wallace, Holly Cook, Charley Lupson, Anna Lewis and Ashley McVea

No fun Sunday when home is away

The SKOB Academy had a home game away on Sunday, and it was no fun for the "hosts" as they went down to AJAX on a cold and friendless day at Albert Park. Numbers were again impacted by the Sunday scheduling, but the Academy were able to lean on a few SKOB Dogs to help out, coming in fresh after receiving a forfeit on the Saturday. The Academy gave great spirit but were unable to match it with AJAX who were too strong on their actual home deck. The Academy are still holding on to their spot in the four amongst a number of challengers in a very even competition.

Best for the Academy: Daniel McCarthy, Patrick Croagh, Charlie Pammer, Daniel Gambell, Sam Doyle and Maxime Demathieu

Cold starting SKOBs lack a bit of Sting

It was a cold morning start that caught the Stingers out in their game at Brighton on a chill Saturday morning. Once the engine defrosted in the second half, they got their game going, but alas it was all a little too late and the tonners took the points. Our man at the ground said it was magnificent once the sun came out, but alas the Stingers had too much to do and despite kicking 4 goals to 2 in the second half it wasn't quite enough. Some of the better Stingers were Otis Trail, Fintan Evans, Cooper Lanyon, Zach Close, Jimmy Hill and Lachie Haig

May the fourth be with you

An astonishing 7 goal final quarter haul from Lucas May - taking his match tally to 9 - saw SKOB Premier 19s belt home 10 goals in the last quarter to run right away with an 82 point win over St Bedes, in a game they trailed at quarter time and led by only a goal at the half. Not sure if there was a gale down at Brindisi, or just the frosty 9:20am kickoff, but the young SKOB team were able to recover from a slow start and at 3/4 time, had pretty much wrestled control of proceedings. The last term was all SKOB as they piled on the goals. May and the fourth (quarter) being intertwined in cinematic harmony as the young SKOB forward took his season tally to 37. Coach Greeny was all smiles as he tucked into a post match hot dog to try and warm up from the cold start - he was best served by Johnathon Gambaro, Tom Conlan, Liam Edwards, Dom Portelli, Jack Morice and of course Lucas May

Slip sliding astray - but Lions kept at bay

It was also a frosty start for the Under 19 2’s who shot over to Albert Park and Harry Trott oval for an early sunrise encounter with Collegians. Early on it was all SKOB but the young boys from St.Kevin’s couldn’t kick a goal to save themselves as they slipped and slid their way sideways to a haul of 1 goal 7 behinds. Despite dominating the quarter they only held a slender lead and that was erased soon enough in the second term as the sharper shooting Lions got value for their own forward entries. Unable to land a second goal until well in the third term, SKOB turned for home looking down the barrel, even though despite their atrocious kicking, still held a slender lead 4.14 to 4.5. With our local correspondent tearing hair out watching on, the SKOBs lifted in the last and got themselves over the line - doubling their goal tally in the last quarter, despite kicking into the breeze. The final result was a hard fought win (8.18.66 to 7.5.47) over a determined opponent, and time enough to jump in the car, turn on the defroster, and head for the closest coffee shop for a warm bev. Best for the young SKOBBERS were James Quinlan, Hugh Williams, Finn Slattery, Rory Goding, Mackenzie Marshall, Joseph Smith