Finals: Week 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The weekend

If ever a loss was going to be defined as “honourable” – what many of us witnessed on Saturday at Elsternwick Park was definitely that. The Seniors played for most of the game with one player on the bench. In the last quarter we were just about completely depleted. The response from SKOB supporters at the end of the game said it all. Rousing applause for a courageous group of players was well deserved. The boys will regroup and confront Trinity on Sunday at 2pm at Elsternwick Park.

The Thirds Gold side had a convincing win against Old Scotch. The Thirds play Old Xavs in a Preliminary final on Saturday morning at 9.20 at Elsternwick Park.

The U19 Reserve team had a strong win against Old Scotch on Sunday at Box Hill oval. They progress to the Grand Final against Old Xavs to be played on Sunday at Box Hill at 11.40am.

A reminder too that the Masters play their Grand Final this Sunday at 9.20am at Casey Fields.  

Thank you

Thank you to all the players who have represented the club during the year. Particularly, I want to thank those players who were not selected in teams that are playing finals. The dignity that you conducted yourselves is a credit to each of you. Every coach will tell you that the only aspect of finals that they hate is when tough selection decisions have to be made. Seeing young men (and women a few weeks ago) who missed out on selection at the games helping out and supporting their team mates says a lot about their character. Thanks.

Learning

Competitive sport is in a microcosm of life. People under pressure sometimes make mistakes. No one alive has not made a mistake. It is how we react and learn after our mistakes that defines us.

I remind all SKOB supporters not to get “sucked in” and over react to things that occur or are said at games.

I particularly remind all players and spectators that there is no room for any comments that reference a person’s race. Over the years we have been on the receiving end of these issues. The Club (and, in the past - other Amateur Clubs we have dealt with in this regard) has a perspective that we need to work to educate people when these matters arise. We have done this before and will continue to do so.  Further, each of us has an obligation to help guide others and show leadership in this regard.

The U19 Reserves team had a great win over Old Scotch and are into the Grand Final once again

Lions hold on for William Buck Premier GF berth

Collegians will get their chance at redemption in this year’s William Buck Premier Grand Final after they defeated St Kevin’s OB by seven points in a thriller at Elsternwick Park.

Leading by 23 points at three quarter time, Lachie Ferguson kicked the first goal in the fourth term before SKOB mounted their comeback and came to within one point with goals to Cal Matheson, Henry Parkes, James Corboy and Billy Kanakis.

After repelling several of SKOB’s late forward thrusts, Collegians surged forward and Hugh Johnson soccered a sensational goal, ultimately sealing a grand final berth for the Lions.

Courtney Hylton was outstanding for the Lions and spent a part of the match rucking against Anthony Lynch, while George Burbury ignited his side early with the first two goals of the game. Viv Michie and Sam Hibbins each found plenty of the ball.

Injury decimated SKOB early after they lost Mitch Brown (concussion), Sam Critchley (ankle) & Stephen Gilham (knee) in the first quarter and a half, but a galvanised effort from those remaining kept them in the match. Lynch starred for SKOB through the ruck, dominating stoppages with his tap work and following up with repeat efforts on the ground.

Read Foge's match report here.

Around the Grounds in Premier

St Kevin’s OB will face Old Trinity in next week’s William Buck Premier preliminary final after they defeated Old Brighton by 40 points at Elsternwick Park today.

The T’s bounced out to a 27-point lead at the first break, before adding another eight goals to six for the remainder of the match.

Harry Tinney, Luther Juric and Anthony Scott were outstanding in the first half T’s domination, while Jake Walsh and Harry Thompson pieced together sensational individual performances across the day. It was, however, Jack Hunt who starred in a BOG display for the T’s as he accumulated possessions at will and continually delivered it lace out to his teammates.

Fraser Gregson was named best for the Tonners, while teammates Tom Yorgey and Nick Pavlou impressed. Harry Hill did his utmost to ignite the Tonners after half time when they kicked the first two goals of the quarter but strong defensive work and consistent slick movement through the middle of the ground meant the T’s held them at an arm’s length all day.

Thirds Gold Victorious

In better news for SKOB the Thirds Gold team had a resounding victory, defeating Old Scotch in the first semi earlier in the day 87-26. The Thirds now progress to the Preliminary Final next week to play the loser of the second semi final (Old Xavs Black v Old Xavs Red) for a place in the Grand Final. Well done boys.