Finding a way

A strong second half from SKOB Seniors saw them home against a plucky Old Haileybury outfit who had taken the game right up to their hosts and at one point threatened to cause a boilover before SKOB were able to steady and run away with the win. The victory keeps the Seniors hopes of a double chance still alive and sets up a massive clash with Old Xavs next weekend. Earlier the Ressies saluted comfortably over the Bloods to keep their slender finals chances on life support. Alas for the Academy, a loss to Trinity in the day’s opener put paid to any finals possibilities. The weekend started with a bang as the Stingers blanked Old Xavs in the second half to sure up a home semi in two weeks time at the very least. Back to Saturday and there were wins for the Saints Blue and Green, but not for the Golds. The SKOB Dogs triumphed over Old Camberwell but will probably need to win by 20 goals next weekend to sneak past OMs into the final four. A high quality Under 19 Premier game at Stradbroke Park saw Xavs get the better of SKOB and put them back into a precarious position with 3 rounds to play. For Coach Greeny’s mob, they at least have fate in their own hands and will get a few back for the run home. Down at the Fearon, SKOB and Willy CY’s split the double header with the Vipers winning comfortably in the opener before the home team got the better of SKOB in the SD1 game. All up, another 7 wins from 11 as we get to the last few weeks of the regular season.

Magnet moves make good

Over the past month, Coach Lynch has had to throw the magnets around to balance up a forward line bereft of its regular occupants. On Saturday, key defender Ethan Phillips’ magnet was the latest to be shuffled, thrown forward to great success, as the tall target became too much to handle with 4 goals in the second half. With second gamer Will Cooper’s three goal haul further proof he’s more than up for the job following his two goal debut last week, SKOB suddenly had a forward line looking dangerous again as they drew away from the persistent Bloods. The day stated as though it would be a comfortable one for fans and coaching staff alike as the home team jumped out of the blocks and scored the opening two goals as they enjoyed the lion’s share of the pill. Haileybury soon kicked into gear and showed they were up for the fight. The visitors owned the footy for the remainder of the term, and made good when they had their share, booting four goals in reply to take a handy break to the first huddle. SKOB seemed to have more control in term 2, but unlike their opponents, couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard. Haileybury kicking 3 goals to 1 to open up a 23 point lead before Will Cooper steadied for SKOB. The home team had all the play in the lead up to the main break, but 4 straight behinds made the afternoon tea a little harder to digest for the hometown crowd.

Coming out of the sheds, SKOB held momentum again and were chipping away at the lead, but Haileybury were proving hard to shake. Easy Phillips then took control, booting 2 himself with Darmody and Sam Cameron adding majors to give SKOB 4 in just 6 minutes of football. The Bloods struck twice against the run of play before Phillips made it 3 for the quarter and the teams hit the last huddle with SKOB seemingly in control, but only 8 points to the good and the game far from done. A couple of early strikes to the home team settled any remaining nerves, such that they were able to withstand Haileybury’s last roll of the dice, and as the players tired, SKOB took full advantage, booting home the last 5 goals of the game to blow the margin out to 48 points at the finish. The margin a bit stiff on the visitors who had shown plenty of spark and were always dangerous on the counter attack, but SKOB had too many answers in the end. Ben Mansfield continued his incredible run of good form as he found himself in the best for the 7th successive game. He was well assisted by Ethan Phillips, Billy Coates, Liam Gunson, Liam Edwards and Jack Darmody.

Next weekend shapes as a seismic round for SKOB as they travel to Toorak Park to take on Old Xavs in a clash that could well decide the double chance. SKOB must win to maintain any hope of securing it, but will need to bring their absolute best to topple Xavs on their home deck.

Saints split at Oggers

Sez Withers was at Como to catch the Saints Gold in their clash against Old Geelong. The Saints were unable to match their hosts who were too good on the day. Earlier, the Blues kicked all over the shop up forward, but had enough in the bank to get the four points.

Seniors	18.20.128	Defeated	Old Haileybury	12.8.80
Reserves	20.9.129	Defeated	Old Haileybury	5.3.33
Saints Gold	2.3.15	Lost to	Old Geelong	9.7.61
Saints Blue	2.14.26	Defeated	Old Geelong	0.2.2
Saints Green	7.10.52	Defeated	Parkside	1.0.6
U19 Premier	9.5.59	Lost to	Old Xavs	11.15.81
U19 SD1	6.7.43	Lost to	Willy CY	22.9.141
U19 SD3	17.14.116	Defeated	Willy CY	5.6.36
Academy	4.2.26	Lost to	Old Trinity	8.11.59
Stingers	8.16.64	Defeated	Old Xavs	3.1.19
SKOB Dogs	11.9.75	Defeated	Old Camberwell	7.5.47