Finally after all the pre-season training and having the first bye it was time to take to the field for our first clash of the season.
After a well attended and successful players tea and jumper presentation on Thursday players in both grades were eager to test their skills against the unknown and unpredictable Beverley Redbacks. Our new look reserves side with a good blend of youth and older players knew they would have to work hard to be victors after the Redbacks success in round one.
The game was played in warm and windy conditions testing both sides fitness ball handling skills. After an even start by both sides our boys slowly gained the upper hand and produced some good passages of play and run out comfortable winners.
The league game commenced with the Redbacks firing on all cylinders and caught our boys napping going to a four-goal lead at the first change. After a few words of encouragement from coach Alistair Smith the boys realized that hard work was required and by the long break the game was back on an even keel. The third quarter produced our best hard at the ball effort to restrict Beverley who were kicking with a strong breeze to a one point lead at the last break.
The final quarter was there to be won and with the breeze picking up the ball was in our court Beverley tried hard to hold us off but could not sustain their efforts and we eventually ran out winners by 26 points.
We play Beverley on two more occasions and I can predict these will go down to the wire as both teams are very evenly matched all over the ground. Our girls had a good first up win and hopefully can sustain this form throughout the season.
AWARDS – LEAGUE: 1st – Blake Robinson (sponsored by Graeme and Leanne Pember, Impressive Racing, Northam Toyota/AVN); 2nd – James Smith (sponsored by Goldfront Racing, Avon Valley Contractors, Bec and Nuey Kent Dominoes Pizza); 3rd – Glen Smith (sponsored by Northam and District Glass, Quinns Butcher); Coach’s Award – Kayden Beazley (sponsored by Janine and Ross Hunter, Cadds Sports First).
RESERVES: 1st – Kaije Slater (sponsored by Countryside Pest Control, Northam Tavern, Bendigo Bank); 2nd – Travis Saunders (sponsored by Northam Joinery, Ollys Upholstery, Dominoes Pizza); 3rd – Steven Lowe (sponsored by Kevin and Wendy Smith, Purslowe Tinetti Funeral Directors, Dunnings); Coach’s Award – Kaden Elliott (sponsored by Ken and Dixie Casey, CLAAS Harvest Centre.
NETBALL: 1st – Clara Garlett (sponsored by Ross and Janine Hunter, Rob and Di Stockden, Northam Tavern); 2nd – Lisa Williamson (sponsored by Beazley Family, Dallimore Carpets, Dominoes Pizza); 3rd – Jade Barrett (sponsored by Robyn Hicks, Speciale Smash Repair); Beaurepaires Award – Derek Gregory.
Thank you to everyone who donated and helped with our recent wood raffle.