Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
The Alexandra Football Netball Club was back on the road last Saturday for Round 18 of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League 2009 Season in Division One, the under 18s travelling to Wandin to take on Gembrook Cockatoo and the seniors, reserves and B grade netball travelling to Silvan.
Alexandra went into the Seniors game with Matthew Steiner, Jake Steyger and Jeremy Ward coming into the side to replace Tyson Biffin, David Bourke and Paul Francis to take on Silvan, home of the Cats, First Division Premiers 2007 and 2008. Alexandra lost the toss and was against a stiff north wind and a very determined Silvan team who had not won since their 30 point win at Alexandra in round 9. The Cats were much more efficient than the Rebels early in the game and had the first five goals and many points on the board before James Kidd who was under pressure but doing well in defence started a successful attack via Neil Oakley and resulting in a Chris McKay goal. Silvan replied with their sixth goal before James Kidd was again the instigator of the next attacking move that also finished in a McKay goal after teenager Jeremy Ward was involved in the lead up, the home side holding a comfortable lead at the first change 6.8 to 2.0. Alexandra began the second quarter well and was now winning their share of the ball around the ground. In a brilliant spell Adam Oakley kicked three fine goals, the first a trademark 60 meter kick from the centre of the small Silvan oval, the second from a mark and 50 meter penalty and the third from a free after a late tackle. Unfortunately for the Rebels, Silvan was also able to kick three goals for the quarter despite the efforts of the Kidd brothers and Jason Krijt in defence, the last on the siren to the Cats strong marking forward Weatherly, Silvan leading 9.12 to 5.4 at the long break. Alexandra began the third quarter with a chance to Andrew Johansen but he was astray and Silvan then moved the ball the length of the ground for their tenth goal. The remainder of the quarter belonged to Silvan as they kicked another five unanswered goals to go to a big lead. Daniel Steel who had been playing well suffered a shoulder injury and Alexandra then missed his marking. Alexandra’s only success came late in the quarter when Matthew Steiner goaled to reduce the margin at three quarter time, 6.6 to 15.19. Silvan increased their lead with the first goal of the last quarter but Alexandra, now with the wind kept trying and a great tackle by Neil Oakley, playing his best game for some weeks, finished with a Marcus Hill goal. Neil Oakley goaled himself after some undisciplined play by a Silvan player who was yellow carded to break up some very scrambly play. Young Matt Steiner kicked the last goal for the Rebels and both sides were probably glad to hear the final siren on a disappointing season, leaving the score line 18.23 to 9.15. Best: Adam Oakley, who was in and under all day and used his strong left foot kicking to advantage, Daniel Steel who despite an injury returned to the field and marked well all over the ground, James Kidd played well on a much bigger opponent, Luke Heard who is learning quickly how to become a defender, Neil Oakley was back to his live wire best and Jason Krijt who keeps his opponents honest. Goals: Adam Oakley 3, Chris McKay and Matthew Steiner 2 each, Marcus Hill and Neil Oakley 1 each. After the game the senior coach Michael Bretherton thanked all players for their efforts in a difficult season and said he was proud of the way the team fought out every game despite the score line, he made special mention of the contribution of the Under Eighteen players who doubled up each week. Awards: Caltex fuel card – Sam Kidd, Shamrock Hotel meal – Adam Oakley, Mt.Pleasant Hotel meal – James Kidd, Commercial Hotel meal – Brendan Leary, Commercial Hotel stubbies – Daniel Steel.
Last Thursday’s Rebel Raffles, sponsored by Reddrops Foodworks, Alexandra Quality Meats, Bamfords Funeral Services, The Outdoor Education Group, Yea Chinese Restaurant, Mt.Pleasant Hotel, Eildon Bakery and Café, Bettervision Appliances, ITC Timber and Footsteps were won by Paul Wallis, Chris Heaslip, David Rowles, Sam Kidd, Steve McDonald, David McKinlay, David McKinlay, Toni Carter, Ryan Carter and Mark Warren-Smith.
Finals venues have been allocated by the League with the following format adopted for Division One:
- Saturday, August 29th - Qualifying Final at Yarra Glen;
- Elimination Final at Warburton;
- Saturday, September 5th - Second Semi Final at Alexandra;
- First Semi Final at Yarra Glen;
- Sunday, September 13th - Preliminary Final at Gembrook;
- Sunday, September 20th - Grand Final at Woori Yallock;
All paid up Patrons will be invited to attend the Patrons Day function at the Club rooms on Sunday, September 13th and the Senior Presentation Night will be on Saturday, September 19th at the Club rooms.
Website Editor