A big second half from SKOB where they booted 14 goals to 2 has seen them record a big win over rivals St Bernards at TH King today. SKOB have retained the JOC O’Connor Cup - played between these two sides for the first time since 2016 - and have consolidated their spot in third position with the win.
Despite the gloomy forecast the game commenced in glorious sunshine and apart from a breeze that favoured the Eastern end of the ground, the conditions were close to perfect for football. St Bernards started with a bang and had the first two goals on the board before SKOB had even scored. The home team started to get into the game and wrestled back the lead close to quarter time before a late goal to St Bernards gave them back the advantage at the first break.
SKOB kicked with the aid of the breeze in the second quarter but found St Bernards a tough nut to crack. It was a very even and at times willing contest with neither side prepared to give their opponents any opportunities. SKOB got away, but again the Bernies fought back and took the lead into the change rooms.
The third term saw the heat step up even more as the game really came on the line. It was a tough tussle but once the damn wall broke it became a cascade as SKOB strung together 7 goals in a row. The quality of football on show from the home team really pleased their supporters who were out in strong numbers. Ryan Kemp had a terrific quarter kicking a couple of goals and having a hand in a few others. By the time the players headed in for the last break SKOB had opened up a big lead (13 goals to 7) and the decisive break was established.
There was little let up in the final quarter with SKOB booting another 7 goals to 2 to run out big winners on the day. As darkness descended on the ground, the sting came out of the contest a little, but there was still time for some magic up forward with Kanakis chipping in for a couple of goals and Kemp continuing on his good form throughout the second half.
Best players were Cameron Hodges who showed an incredibly fleet set of wheels all day. His pace was the difference, especially in the third term surge from SKOB. Billy Kanakis and Billy Lloyd were both solid contributors over the whole game whilst Kemp was a key target up forward and he finished with 5 goals. Kanakis and Lachie Sullivan also kicked 3 goals apiece and Kennedy and Waite chipped in with 2 each
SKOB 20.14.134
St Bernards 9.15.69
Goals: Kemp 5, Kanakis 3, Sullivan 3, Kennedy 2, Waite 2, Wallis, J Wood, Gleeson, Barnett, Aducci
Best: Hodges, Kanakis, Lloyd, Adduci, Sullivan, Kemp
