Sport
17 May, 2023
Good sportsmanship extends beyond clubmates
A fine if cool day at Rainbow saw some mixed fortunes for the Jeparit-Rainbow teams in their games against Natimuk United. The U14’s blew away their opposition, the U17’s just couldn’t hold on for a win, that there was a Reserves team was an...
A fine if cool day at Rainbow saw some mixed fortunes for the Jeparit-Rainbow teams in their games against Natimuk United.
The U14’s blew away their opposition, the U17’s just couldn’t hold on for a win, that there was a Reserves team was an achievement in itself, and a very much understrength Seniors had a solid win.
Once again, we saw the clubs cooperating in lending players to each other in both the U14’s and Reserves games.
In these tough times for football in this area it is great to see clubs working together to enable games to go ahead.
Seniors:
With five changes from the previous week a very depleted team took to the field.
Peter Weir, Brad Spokes, Will Hutchinson, Javaad Anderson and Braxton Ah Mat were all out due to injury and illness, and this meant that up to 10 Seniors play were unavailable.
Tom Long returned from injury with Jake Parry, Murphy Leach, Phoenix Oakley and Hayden Jamieson coming up from the Reserves.
Jeparit-Rainbow burst out of the blocks with the first three goals of the game then for much of the first half it was a very even game.
Ash Clugston kicked three goals in a row in the last ten minutes before half time to set up a 21 point lead for his team.
The third quarter saw Jeparit-Rainbow push further ahead before Natimuk fought back to get within four goals.
Jeparit-Rainbow then lifted and played their best football of the game in a 10 minute burst.
Clugston’s eighth goal was followed by a goal to Dan Batson and two to Zac Pietzsch to push the lead out to 52 points.
Scott Driscoll urged his team to play out the game at the three quarter time break,which they did in an even last quarter to record a 61 point win.
There were some outstanding games from the teams experienced players.
Ash Clugston turned back the clock as time after time he outpaced or out bodied his opponent on his way to eight goals for the game.
Scott Driscoll provided great leadership as he played in the midfield, up forward or in defence depending on what the team needed, three goals, many possessions and a couple fantastic intercept spoils were part of a complete all round game.
Daniel Batson played as a lone ruckman for nearly all the game before taking a well earned rest at full forward for the last 15 minutes, kicking two goals and winning many hit outs.
Tom Clarke, Nick Yarran and Jakob Cocks had good games in the midfield, while Jordan Leach was a strong defender.
Young Lewis Cocks was cool under pressure and used the ball well, while Zac Pietzsch was a very lively forward, finishing with three goals.
Awards: WMW / Martion Rural - Ash Clugston, Warrack Electrical - Tom Clarke, BJ Hawker Contracting - Daniel Batson, Agri Lending Solutions - Jakob Cocks, Sam Holland Baling - Scott Driscoll
Reserves:
It was a struggle to field a team with players called up to the Seniors and others unavailable.
Dan Gebert found his boots to play his first game for a few years.
Everyone tried hard, with Trey Patullo and young Jaime Eckermann being the standout players.
Jono Dai, Allan Roberts and Gavin Nikkelson did some good work and youngster Bailey Mason showed a lot in his first game for the team.
Awards: WMW / ATR Mechanical - Trey Patullo, Schulz Plumbing - Jamie Eckermann, Sam Holland Baling - Jono Dai, Bow Bakery - Allan Roberts, Coaches - Gavin Nikkelson.
U17’s:
This was a fascinating game as Jeparit-Rainbow defended well and made the most of their opportunities up forward to lead for most of the game.
Two goals to Natimuk in the last couple of minutes saw them snatch a win from an unlucky Jeparit-Rainbow.
Will Fisher had a great battle against a tough opponent while Jaime Eckermann won many possessions.
Xavier Hiscock and Bailey Mason are making a big impression in their first year at Jeparit-Rainbow, while Parker Gould was another handy player.
Awards: WMW / WELA Home Maintenance & Plumbing- Will Fisher, T Ismay & Co - Jaime Eckermann, Ultimate Grain Cleaning - Xavier Hiscock, Warrack Electrical - Bailey Mason, Coaches - Parker Gould.
U14’s:
The boys came out firing and dominated before the mercy rule was applied as they led by 60 points.
Joint captains Fletcher Keller and Lenny Weir led from the front; they had good support from vice captain Ryder Gould.
Max Spokes is a much improved player this year.
Jasper Bigham and Liam Clarke also stood out.
It was good to see the boys who rotated through the Natimuk United team really put in as they had some good battles against their teammates.
Awards: Hayden’s Café - Fletcher Keller, Clugston Butchers - Ryder Gould, Bo Smith - Max Spokes, SMS Rural - Lenny Weir, Coaches - Jasper Bigham and Liam Clarke