HASTINGS FNC
THE Hastings Football/Netball Club made the trek down to Sorrento on Saturday to play our rival the Sorrento FNC in what was a massive game for the club.
Having not beaten Sorrento FNC at Sorrento since 1984 its always a huge ask to beat this well-drilled football club. But guess what? Our boys came out and played four quarters of intense pressure that hasn’t been seen at the club for a long time.
The boys played with spirit and teamwork which was outstanding to watch. In turn that spurred on the supporters to believe it was going to be our day. They were not let down with the Hastings FNC opening their season 2016 on a great note winning to the tune of 33 points in one of the best victories seen in a long time.
SENIOR MATCH REPORT
WHAT a great day on Saturday for the footy club.
Being our first game it was not known how we would perform, especially as our practice match performance was up and down.
What unfolded was a totally committed team full of players who all played their roles.
Our tackling and pressure around the contest was great and our composure and skills were excellent.
We got challenged plenty of times throughout the game but never let Sorrento FNC get away with it, which was pleasing.
In the last quarter when the game needed to be won we stood up.
Well done to Luke Smith and Nathan Gray on their first game at the club and also to Mark Devaraux and Andrew Booth on their return.
It goes to show that a rounded performance with 22 contributors will take the win most weeks.
We must now focus on next week. Rosebud are in good form and the benchmark for the competition.
RESERVES REPORT
WE were competitive in the first half but not kicking straight in front of goal and costly turnovers left us behind on the scoreboard.
In the second half we were once again competitive but Sorrento were able to break our defensive lines with impressive ball movement and hard running.
While we got our chances, our skills with the footy left us well behind a side that took their chances when they had the ball.
There were a lot of positives to take out of the game with a few first game players for the club showing plenty of good signs. We just need to improve on a few areas of our game and we will be a vastly better team.
Best: Wade De La Haye, Jay Austerberry, Phil Howard.
UNDER 19S REPORT
AFTER a hectic pre game due to last minute line-up changes (forced) and two of boys pulling out, we started really well with our trademark pressure and tackling to stop Sorrento from playing their run on game style.
Great to see our defence coming together with Aaron King and Patty leading the way. Also great to see new boy Lachie putting his body on the line; he will fit right into our group.
We had some chances in the first with Chrisy O making himself a target up forward.
We controlled the ball for most of the second quarter with our midfielders Kayne Lewis, Sean Hewitt, with Shelby Lothian and Luke McVeigh providing drive and hitting targets to deny Sorrento the ball.
At half time we were only four scoring shots down and could have been in front if we had converted our chances.
After half time Sorrento got a hold on the boys as we only had 16 players, all of whom had run themselves ragged.
The pressure at the contest was still evident with some great efforts from PJ and Shelby. Shorey did a great job in the ruck and will only improve. Jack Winton stepped up to win many clearances.
Best: Shelby Lothian, PJ, Jack and Pat from Mornington Footy Club.
Big thanks to Baily and Pat from Mornington; great to have them play for us and give us 100% in doing so.
NETBALL MATCH REPORT
LADIES and gentlemen the 2016 season has begun.
The sun graced us on Saturday. C grade were first to take to the court with Sorrento. Our girls brought both intensity and a positive attitude with them which they exercised throughout the full 48 minutes of the match. The girls are off to a great start this season were very competitive; defeated by a sassy six goals.
The stand out efforts were Miss Grace Williams, Miss Abbie Liddell and with her first match aboard the Blueys train, Miss Karlee Collie.
This promising start comes with its areas for improvement, goal accuracy and system work will be a focus for upcoming matches.
Moving onto the 12.05pm slot, it might be something in the water in Hastings or simply coincidence as our B Grade girls also maintained intensity and a positive attitude, playing well together and back one another with new combinations.
The girls want to congratulate the Sharks on a great clean match, making our girls feel and at times look like fish out of water.
Unfortunately it was the girls unforced errors that let them down at the end of the day, but those areas for improvement have been identified and will be developed in the coming weeks.
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Upcoming Functions: John Coleman Coterie Luncheon incorporating Hastings Hall of Fame Induction of 10 former Players/Officials 21st May, 2016 at 12pm. Cost $65 a head. Special Guest Greg Sewell (ex Essendon champion, former president).
28th May Neil “Knuckles” Kerley Luncheon. $40 a head with former Brownlow Medalist John Schultz. Start time 12pm. Discussing the rivalry between Victoria & South Australia.
28th May HASTINGS FOOTBALL/NETBALL CLUB PLAYER BALL AT THE Mornington Racing Club from 7.00 pm. Black tie event. $65 per person.
First published in the Western Port News – 12 April 2016
