SKOB surrenders top spot, Saints secure finals spot

University Blues caused an upset as they registered their fifth win of the season, defeating St Kevin’s Old Boys by 46 points at Uni Oval. Seven goals to three in the opening half set the scene for the Blues, before kicking another six majors and holding SKOB to just two in the third and fourth terms. Ayce Cordy kicked four goals in a BOG performance for the Blues alongside four from Tim Harper. Cam Hodges, Tom Kerr and Sam Barnett continued their outstanding form as the best for SKOB, but they now fall into second spot behind the Lions. Blues climb to fifth and just one game behind the T’s in fourth.  

With two rounds remaining in the Premier Women's Competition, the top four has been locked in William Buck Premier following Melbourne Uni’s 28-point victory over Fitzroy-ACU at Uni Oval. Despite the Saints five goal loss to the Kew Bears, the Saints solidified fourth spot on the ladder and a finals berth following the Roys loss Uni.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

It was a mixed set of results for SKOB over the weekend. Four wins from 10 games with the Masters, Reserves, Thirds Gold and Saints Blue having wins. Unfortunately, many teams remain depleted due to holidays but we expect this to stabilise in coming weeks.

Thanks to all the players who have answered the call to help us out and pull the jumper back on. Notable on the weekend was Sam Browne playing in the Thirds Gold win. Emboldened from kicking a nice goal early Sam even attempted a World Cup inspired scissor kick style manoeuvre! Thanks to Sam and others we were able to field all teams after having to forfeit some in prior weeks.

This Saturday at TH King we have a BBQ lunch. David White will be flipping his famous burgers. This is NOT a Willows lunch so guests will pay the (ridiculously cheap) price of $30 for a burger and a beer.

The lunch is sponsored by Balwyn Rotary. It is a thank you to them for their generous support of the Youth Mentoring Program in 2018. We will be joined by Peter O’Brien and Trevor White from Rotary. I encourage all SKOBers to come along.

Also, thanks to Daniel Kennedy for going “above and beyond”. The photo below shows him in full flight on the BBQ post the Masters game last weekend. Thanks DK.

Youth Mentor Program.

The program is slowly gathering momentum. Ayden is in his second year at SKOB. He has been with the Seniors this year and has been of great assistance. In the Saints we have a young participant by the name of Jai. Tom Purcell has done an exceptional job organising and immersing him within the team. His involvement has included running water, collecting footballs, assisting team managers and helping with other duties.

Tom reports as follows: “The players have taken over the responsibility of the mentoring which is fantastic. Bree Doyle, Ali Hynes and Heidi Starr have led this initiative. Bree in particular has led the way by picking up Jai and dropping him home on match days. She has also co coordinated events with players to do activities after games. Last week Jai went to Laser zone, mini golf with three of the Saints players and one of their brothers. Program has been sensational and SAINTS players are ready to take on another participant. This program empowers our players and leadership as much us those the program supports.”

Finally, a big thank you to all the Weeping Willows members who have signed up in 2018. Without your support the club would be financially and socially much the poorer. Please note that the full list of current Willows members is noted on the website (look under About; Weeping Willows; click the link for the full list).

SKOB in Business members for 2018 are Cameron Dunlop; Duncan McPherson; Justin Moore; Don Martin; Leigh Martin; Robert Barrington; Chris Morley; Brian Lynch; Simon Olive; John Di Natale; Kate Di Natale; Michael Doble; David Parkes; Tim Grace; Paul Murphy; Patrick Mount; Gerard Gleeson (Snr); Damien Ryan; Wade Keenan; Adrian Grant; Peter Landers; Basil Crowley; Tony Cruise; David Sheehy; Michael Doble

WEEPING WILLOWS $500 CLUB: Brian Costar; John Fogarty; Paul O'Shannassy; Max Croagh

WEEPING WILLOWS $200 CLUB: Ray Brady; David O'Sullivan; John Olle; Peter Hart; Richard Lewis; Tim Arnold; John Allan; Michael Blood; David Whelan; Peter Hannan; Adrian Giffin; Steve Butler; Ben Garvey; Dan Kennedy; Tim Corrigan; Michael Fernon; Les Radford; Yvonne Stucki; Russell Stucki; Peter Macdonald; Michelle Murphy; Chris Nettlefold; Cheyne Sherman; Marcus Dollman; Jim Simpson; Terry O'Halloran and Bernie Ross.

Please note that Willows caps have now arrived! Your cap and scarf are available for collection at the game on Saturday. Ask DK. Thanks again for your patience.

AROUND THE GROUNDS IN PREMIER

Collegians claimed top spot on the William Buck premier ladder with a hard-fought nine-point victory over Old Xaverians at Harry Trott Oval. The Lions replace SKOB at the top of the table, Xavs fall into ninth spot, 1% below Scotch in eighth.

De La Salle proved far too strong for Old Scotch as they ran out 47-point winners at Camberwell Sports Ground for their second consecutive victory. A host of inclusions helped Old Brighton snap their two-game losing streak, defeating Old Melburnians by 41 points at Elsternwick Park. St Bedes/Mentone made it three wins in a row after they defeated Old Trinity by 45 points at Brindisi St Oval.

TOM JOK DEBUTS FOR COLLINGWOOD VFL SIDE

SKOBFC's Tom Jok donned the famous black and white stripes last weekend for the first time in Collingwood's big win over Werribee at Victoria Park.

Tom acquitted himself well at the higher level (which is no surprise to us at SKOB) collecting 15 disposals, laying 16 tackles and receiving the customary Gatorade shower whilst belting out the Good Old Collingwood theme song.

Tom joins Billy Coates (Richmond) as recent SKOB players making the step up to VFL football this season.

10K DRAW THIS SUNDAY

All SKOBBERS, friends and family are invited to join us this Sunday for the annual 10K Draw. The Draw is another great day on the SKOB calendar and we encourage you all to purchase a ticket and be in the running to claim the big prize!

Tickets are $100 and provides entry for yourself and one guest. Finger food and drinks are provided with festivities kicking off at 12pm.

Date: Sunday July 22nd

Venue: Glenferrie Hotel, 324 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122

Bookings: CLICK HERE

MATCH REPORTS

Blues Bash Bears Beneath Beautiful Blue Breath

There was a heightened sense of excitement on Saturday as the Blues had several players return from holidays and the weather couldn’t have been better for football. There was something in the air in Kew as even Marcus Bontempelli was at the oval to watch.

In a fixture oddity, the blues played after the golds, and the girls definitely enjoyed some extra sleep – their energy from first bounce was clear and our first goal from McIntosh was the result of some beautiful link up play from Bland, Atkins, Spinks, Moore and Jones. Our midfield of Contaxis, Howard, Jacka and Taylor were working hard to keep the ball in the Saints forward line with Mounas being able to snap truly from the forward pocket – helping to extend the Saints lead at quarter time – SKOB Saints 2.0 – 12 v Kew Bears 0.2 – 2

The Saints were relishing the warm sunshine in Kew and continued their focus of running to support and keeping possession with Hunt, Storey and Moore positioned perfectly for handball receives they could then turn into forward momentum – this allowed Pattison to open her account and McIntosh to add to hers. The backline saw limited action, however when they did Lewis, Atkins, Bland, Spinks and Patto Snr, were all being able guided by Stephenson and pushed back on all Kew forward forays. Flannigan was welcomed back into the side and was clearly enjoying her time in the forward line as she kicked her first goal. Saints led comfortably into the long break SKOB Saints 5.0 – 30 v Kew Bears 1.3 – 9.

After enjoying some half time lollies thanks to Wilson and Gatorade thanks to Team Manager extraordinaire Pia Jones, the girls were ready for the second half – Kew were proving that they were still in the game with some collisions seeing Jones and Stephenson a little dazed. Burke and Ward has worked themselves into the game and were playing well across the ground. New player Cherry was proving handy across half forward as were the other Ashy girls Story, Jacka, Taylor, Mounas and Bland. Our forward pressure continued and Pattison was able to take advantage of an open forward line kicking 2 more goals and McIntosh one more to have comfortable three quarter time lead SKOB Saints 8.3 – 51 to Kew Bears 2.3 – 15

Starting the last quarter the Saints were keen to ensure victory; Taylor, Moore and Howard were using the football well and McIntosh kicked truly again. Contaxis continued to ruck solidly and Burke handed out one of the best hip and shoulders ever, the bump was heard in far Kew. As the match concluded the blues had contributors everywhere and well deserved team victory. Many thanks to the Ashy girls who filled in and to Kim for helping to organize.

Final Score: SKOB Saints 9.4 – 58 v Kew Bears 2.4 – 16

Goal Kickers: 4 McIntosh, 3 Pattison, 1 Mounas and 1 Flannigan

Best Players: McIntosh, Taylor, Burke, Hunt, Moore and Stephenson