HASTINGS FNC
HASTINGS Football/Netball Club had a fantastic weekend on and off the field with all three football sides having great victories against Dromana Football/Netball club.
Our C Grade netball team had a draw and unfortunately our B Grade girls only just went down.
Off the field we had Neil “Knuckles” Kerley come and visit the club with his good mate John Schultz, former Brownlow Medallist, in what was a terrific lunch time event with “Knuckles” not disappointing.
We are so lucky to have had these two men visit and thank them for taking the time out of there busy schedule to be with us.
Then in the evening the club had our black tie Gala Ball which was such a fantastic evening for all the players and their partners, with every one scrubbing up so well, held at the Morning Racing club with everyone having a ripping night.
Seniors Report
ON Saturday we started off really slowly and we ended up being six goals to two down at quarter time.
It was important not to panic and just peg our way back into the game going into the main break.
We did that and then ran away with the game after half time with Dromana only kicking two goals after quarter time.
It was a great team effort by the boys. They really dug deep and increased the intensity at the contest. I think it was our best win for the year as it showed a lot of grit.
Reserves Report
FOR the reserves Saturday was a must win game to keep our season alive.
We got off to a good start in the wet conditions but Dromana were still in the contest.
In the second quarter our pressure dropped and Dromana took control of the game with their run and carry.
We managed to turn the game into a grinding style of match and we were able to get across the line by five points.
Well done to the boys but there is a lot of improvement to be done.
Best afield: Chris Biviano, Ben Schroen, Christian Sewell
Under 19s Report
DROMANA came to play but as a team we were confident that we could match them.
A last minute player withdrawal meant that we went into the game with 17.
We welcomed back Matt Foy and immediately it paid with him leading strongly and producing our first goal.
Aaron King in the ruck was giving our midfield first use, Kayne Lewis and Peter Megee clearing the ball and forcing the ball into our forwards.
In the second the boys lifted the work rate, Kaylen Jansen on the wing was uncatchable and had several long runs which resulted in perfect delivery forward resulting in goals.
Jack Winton playing at CHF and changing into the ruck was fantastic at pressuring and tackling the opposition forcing turnovers. Confidence was high at half time.
In the third Dromana dominated the play holding the ball in their forward zone but luckily for us were unable to convert. The backline once again was fantastic with Ben Procter and Jack Abrehart sending the ball back our way time and time again.
Going into the last with a lead, the boys backed themselves in for the win by playing in our forward half for most of the quarter. Andy Jeffs and Jesse Shore were giving great support to Matt Foy who was dominating up forward.
After holding off a late Dromana challenge we ran out winners for the first time this year! Well done and well deserved boys.
The most pleasing thing was to see the boys work hard together and have the belief that they could win.
Best on the day: Matt Foy with 7 goals. Jack Winton, Kayne Lewis, Pat Langdale Peter Megee and Luke Mcveigh
Netball Report
THIS week it can safely be said that we made it through the day without any drama in facing Dromana.
Coming off the bye week our B Grade girls struggled to switch on, adjust to the conditions, and the wet weather seemed to dampen their spirits too.
Our inexperience as a team and exploration of player combinations seemed to highlight our flaws across the team.
Even though there were patches of great play and ball movement down the court, it was an overall disappointing day for our B Grade girls, but we’re motivated to meet this coming week head on.
Special mention to Bec Blackney who didn’t let an injury slow her down in playing out all four quarters.
Candice Urquhart took feedback on board and put it into action improving throughout the game.
And a final special mention to Emma Smith who is naturally targeted with her height above most on the court, however this week she faced a new battle, a mentality battle, encountering comments from the sidelines.
She came out in the second half with an inspiring readjusted attitude and converted more shots.
Now onto our C Grade girls’ match who achieved our first points for the season, coming away with a draw.
They played a great defensive game against Dromana, keeping their score low in the very wet and slippery conditions.
It was a great reward for the C grade girls for all their hard work and commitment to training.
Special mention to the game changer Grace Williams, who was relentless in defence. It wasn’t just her intercepts and rebounds that got her noticed but in addition her controlled ball movement through the court into the offensive end, exhibiting her best game for the year by far.
Great work C Grade, exciting times ahead.
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Next Game Hastings FNC vs Rye FNC at RYE let’s make sure we all get down to Rye to support the club.
#getonboardthebluestrain
First published in the Western Port News – 31 May 2016
