Florsy in action
By Woodsy
The Gisborne Masters Football Club 35s played at home against Geelong on Sunday. Inclement weather conditions made the ground look more like Skilled Stadium than Gardiner Oval, with lights required from the first bounce. Slow starts have been the story of the year thus far, so it was pleasing to get the jump early. The forward line of Darren 'Snake' Taylor, Danny 'the silverback' Klaaysen and Ryan 'fireman Sam' O'Meara were dominant from the outset. Each of the aforementioned bagged a couple of majors in the first quarter. This ensured the Dogs took a handy lead into quarter-time. The second quarter featured a more competitive Geelong team emerge from their huddle. Strong defence however, led by Cameron 'Duke' Ducas, Dave 'Martian' Kraljic, Michael 'where's the bottle shop' Woodier and Gisborne's very own leprechaun (we think his name is Dave, very hard to understand), made it difficult for Geelong to make the most of their forward attacks. At the long break, coach Brett 'election speech' Taylor made a few changes; Shannon 'Nollsy' Nolls (yep, the famous dude) up forward was having an immediate impact. Mike 'I have my own golf course' was carving up the flanks and wings and hitting the scoreboard with some majors. The other Penny (Dean) was at his best in the ruck, constantly putting the ball on the chest of the onballers. What write up would be complete without a mention of Mr Irresistible himself, Rossy Johns, another top game. Thank you for the gift you left us in the sheds, the memory will linger in our nostrils for many a moon. The final quarter had the Dogs get off the leash with numerous goal scorers blowing the margin out at game's end. The better players for the Dogs were Johnsy, Dean Penny, Snake, Richard 'Dickie' McKibbin and BT. The last quarter also produced two of the best Falcons you are ever likely to see in football. Firstly to Ant 'Florsy' Flores, who did well to still be standing after the incident (he also is quietly blaming Dave Griff for the deflection). The second, to Snake, whose lip now has its own postcode. Well done boys, much laughter was had at our own expense. Once again to all the people who helped out, Tony and Nicko, our trainer Kelly, Sticks and Luca who braved the weather in goals, your efforts are much appreciated. Next game is at Ballarat on Saturday the 15th. Go Doggies!
Gisborne 25.18 (168) defeated Geelong 3.0 (18)
Tylden and Gisborne Blue battle it out last week at Sankey Reserve. Photo: Chris Fleming
Craig Dudley
The Tylden Tigers took the field on Sunday in wet and muddy conditions, led by captain, Kristian Knight-Hills, celebrating his 50th game. They faced the Gisborne Blues at Gisborne. Both teams came out playing hard in the first quarter. Despite the mud, it was a fast game with both defences put under constant pressure as the ball moved around the ground. Tylden scored first with points followed by a goal. The Blues responded with a goal of their own just before quarter-time. The closeness of the game was evident with Tylden leading by only two points. The second quarter was just as tight. 'The General' Charles Pritchard, together with David Ash, showed their usual best in defence. The two are becoming a formidable defence force with strong marks and ball control. They were well supported by a number of younger players including Tristan Newman. Tylden stood tall with only three points scored between the two teams for the quarter.
Determined to give their leader a win for his 50th, Tylden ran out after half-time in pouring rain. Kristian led by example, constantly pushing the ball into Tylden's attacking half. His wing men, Carlin Arumets-Smith and David Dudley, were on fire, stepping up and taking on their opposition, determined to win the ball. It was a drawn game at three-quarter-time with everything in place for an exciting fourth quarter.
Both teams were determined to win. Halfway through the quarter both teams had kicked a goal and scores were still tied. A late goal by the Blues in the dying minutes pushed them into the lead. Tylden pushed the ball forward, again putting pressure on the Blues' defence and kicking a point. Desperately looking for that winning score, Tylden pushed forward again. Despite their best efforts, time ran out for Tylden and the Blues took the points with the final score - Blues 3.3 (21) to Tylden 2.4 (16).
It was a hard-fought muddy match and both teams should be proud of the quality of the 'real' wet weather football that they played. Coach Grant Hills was again impressed with what he saw.
"The team fought hard all game," Hills said, "everybody did their best and rose to the occasion."
"No-one stopped until the final siren and that was evident in the final score. It was a hard but exciting game and I'm pleased with how the team is developing."
The goal scorers for Tylden were vice-captain, Justin McKeone, and Salvatore Amenta. Kristian Knight-Hills received the Subway Best Player Award for his outstanding 50th game. Adam Donnelly and Mitchell Kirley received the All Conditions Driving School Mars Bar Awards. The Opposition Player of the Day, awarded by Gisborne Blues, went to Tristan Newman for his fantastic game.
All teams will have a bye with the interleague played over the weekend. Tylden's next game will be Sunday June 16, kick off at 11.30am, at home. Everyone welcome. The Tylden Tigers would like to thank all their sponsors for their ongoing support this year.
See next week's Macedon Ranges Guardian for more scores on all other games in the competition.
WOODEND/HESKET FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB
The Hawks will host a special Ladies Day at the club starting from 11am. Lots of fun and excitement is promised with all proceeds going to the BCNA. The club will host a Ladies Night from 7.30pm at the social club rooms. The cost is $20 per person that includes a free cocktail on arrival, finger food and music. The dress code is cocktail. For more information, contact Jess King on 0423 010 647. Proceeds from the night will go to the BCNA.
KYNETON FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB
This Saturday is the club's annual Pink Day fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Council Australia. Tickets are $25, available at the Kyneton Social Rooms from 12pm. A complimentary drink and food is included, along with live music, raffles, door prizes and a silent auction. This day is about sharing each other's company while raising money for a disease that touches us all and the club would love to see everyone there.
GISBORNE FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB
The Bulldogs will host their annual Pink Football Netball Day when they take on Kangaroo Flat tomorrow to raise support for BCNA. Local businesses will host stalls throughout the day, selling baby clothes, jewellery, sweets, cosmetics and more. Afternoon tea will be served upstairs in the social rooms from three-quarter-time where the ladies will receive a free glass of champagne punch on entry. All are encouraged to bring a plate to share. It will then be time to party the night away at the Ladies Night. You are most welcome to bring your partners. A major raffle prize is a fantastic toddler's car based on the 1950s Murray Comet Pedal Car. Tickets will be $2 or three for $5.
GISBORNE SOCCER CLUB
The club is hosting Pink Day at Dixon Field this Sunday. The club will join forces with Outfit Health and Fitness for the Mother's Day Classic Run Fun from 8am followed by girls and women's soccer matches starting from 11am. A flower stall will be at the ground on the day and canteen proceeds will go directly to Breast Cancer Network Australia. All donations are welcome on the day. Get down to the club and be part of all the colour and excitement as the club works with the community to raise funds for a great cause.
Craig Dudley
Tylden hit the road last Sunday to face Kilmore at the JJ Clancy Oval in Kilmore. Facing strong windy conditions, the scoring was limited to the north end of the oval with Tylden registering the first goal on the board. Kilmore had the scoring end in the second quarter and started to stretch their legs before Tylden could plug the hole. Tylden again had the scoring end in the third quarter, but despite some gallant efforts failed to convert all opportunities. Tylden's strong defence came in to play during the fourth quarter and limited Kilmore to one goal.
Despite going down by 30 points, Tylden's coach Grant Hills is happy his players are showing improvement all the time.
"It's getting harder to pick the top players of the team as all players are stepping up and showing us what the Tigers are made of," Hills said.
Jacqueline Hanson received the Subway best player award and the All Conditions Driving School Mars Bar awards went to Carlin Arumets-Smith, Lachie Jackson and Justin McKeone, who kicked Tylden's goals.
Tylden faces Rupertswood Gold in Sunbury this Sunday at 12.30pm. All the kids are hoping to give their mums a win as their Mother's Day present. The Tylden Tigers would like to wish all the Tiger mums a very Happy Mother's Day.