A tremendous performance by a seriously undermanned SKOB team has seen them come out on top against the ladder leaders and form team of the comp - Uni Blues at TH King this afternoon. Despite fielding a team restricted by VFL call-ups and significant injury, SKOB showed a far greater desire for the contest and showed their supporters that they are a steely bunch.
With word out that their team was missing a number of key names, many of the SKOB supporters were fearing the worst, coming up against a very strong team on paper, and less than 25 seconds into the contest, these fears were being realised as Uni Blues kicked a goal before any SKOB had registered a possession. But from that point on the inexperienced SKOB team dug in and refused to be intimidated or overawed by the occasion. A burst of 4 goals in 10 minutes midway through the first term gave SKOB the ascendancy, and the belief that they could get it done.
Regular full-back, Billy Coates was called on to take up the ruck duties in the absence of injured Plugger Lynch, and despite the extra burden of taking on Uni Blues big man and reigning Woodrow Medalist, Ayce Cordy, Coates proved that he was more than up for the job, being the barometer for his team mates who took inspiration from his determined performance.
Assisted by 21 other SKOB players who all bought in to the task, the novice ruckman showed the way and demonstrated that hunger and desire could make up for some of the missing talent - many of whom were on hand to support their team mates.
SKOB took this early form into the second quarter and had a handy lead at half time, but the talented Uni Blues outfit were always a threat and found themselves back in the game after a big third quarter. At the final change, the lead had dwindled to 7 points and in the last term Blues tied the score. It seemed that it might have been curtains for a brave SKOB but they found another gear to kick away and record a 19 point victory. A win that may prove pivotal and set up their season which now sees them with a 3-2 record and back into the four.
SKOB 14.10.94
Uni Blues 11.9.75
Goal Kickers: R. Kemp 3, J. Holden 2, J. Wood 2, J. Waite 2, V. Adduci, M. Pisker, G. Gleeson, P. Edgar, J. Corboy Best Players: W. Coates, J. Holden, J. Wallis, J. Wood, P. Edgar, S. Cameron
In other games, the Reserves also had a gutsy win despite being undermanned themselves having to call up reinforcements at the last minute as players were put up into the Seniors. They were inaccurate in front of the sticks, but had enough of the ball to get the win over a tough opponent. The Premier Thirds had a solid win over St Bernards whilst the Under 23s got home by the smallest possible margin away at Old Brighton. Both Saints teams had wins over Uni Blues. The Blue team with a late goal to Maddy Pattison getting them over the line in a thriller, whilst the Gold team were in command all day, winning by 5 goals over last year's Premier.
In the Under 19s our Premier team are still searching for an elusive win, however the under 19 second team had their first win for the year and the third under 19s squad went back to back with victory over La Trobe Uni.
