Cap of Last Week’s Results
In what were very wet and cold conditions last Saturday there weren’t too many surprises with the results, but there has been some movement in the ladder positions.
North Warrnambool were challenged all game when they took on Portland at Bushfield but managed to get the job done by 9 goals. That important win now sees them currently holding 3rd spot.
Cobden defeated Koroit by 2 goals and both Emily Finch and Nell Mitchell had best on court performances for their respective teams. Koroit now sit in 4th position, 2 points ahead of Warrnambool, but 4 points behind 3rd spot.
Camperdown had another good win then they defeated Port Fairy by 10 goals.
Hollie Phillips from South Warrnambool was outstanding in her game against Warrnambool where she shot 53 goals. With the Blues missing key players – Amy Wormald, Emma Cust and Matilda Fitzgerald, the Roosters had a comfortable 57 – 41 win.
Hamilton Kangaroos were dominant in attack when they defeated Terang Mortlake 44 – 32.
Umpire Accreditation
Congratulations to Gemma Rentsch from the North Warrnambool Eagles FNC who was awarded her C Badge Accreditation last week. Gemma has been working towards her C Badge for a number of years so it was a great result for Gemma. Well Done!
Milestone Games
A massive Congratulations to Lauren Hockley who will play her 500th Senior game for the Portland FNCC this Saturday. Lauren first started playing in 1991 in the D Grade Division with the Western Border FNL – there were no Junior Competitions at this time. Across both Leagues Lauren has played 439 Open/A Grade games, 41 Div 1 games and 20 D Grade games. In all that time she has only won the One Premiership but has won many individual awards including 15 Club A Grade Best and Fairest Awards. Lauren also took top honours in the League Best and Fairest in 2013 and was Runner Up in 2015. Lauren is an A Badged Umpire and was awarded this accreditation in 2015.
Lauren has also contributed greatly to her club being the Netball Co-ordinator for 15 Plus years. She was also instrumental in the development of the new Netball Changerooms and the court and shelter upgrades. I’m sure Lauren has been an inspiration to many throughout our district. This is an amazing achievement and a record that I anticipate will stand for quite some time. Congratulations and well Done Lauren. Congratulations also to Emily Finch who will play her 150th Open game this weekend with the Cobden FNC and to Isabella Rea who will play her 50th game for South Warrnambool.
Association Championships
Congratulations to everyone involved in the Association Championships Finals Day last weekend in Melbourne where we achieved our best ever results.
All four teams, 13/U, 15/U, 17/U and Open, made it to the Semi Finals. The only Association across the State to do so and the 13/U and 17/U teams went on to win their respective titles, with the 13/U’s being crowned Premiers and Champions and the first time the HFNL have won two titles in the same year. (The Association Championships were first played in the year 2000).
Thank you to all the players, coaches, umpires, team managers, parent helpers, drivers and spectators. It was an honour to be present and watch all the great results unfold. Well Done HFNL.
My Predictions for this Week
Cobden verse Warrnambool at the Reid Oval. While I think Cobden will get the win, Warrnambool will not go down without a fight as they try to stay in touch with the top 3.
Koroit travel to the Leura Oval to play Camperdown. Camperdown are a much improved side from when they first met and it will be a competitive game but Koroit will earn the points here.
Port Fairy meet Portland at Hanlon Park. The seagulls are still hoping to get a win and this could be their best chance. If they bring their A game they could cause an upset and take a narrow win over the Tigers.
Terang Mortlake play North Warrnambool Eagles at Bushfield. The Eagles will be keen to secure a top 3 finish and should win comfortably.
Good Luck to all Teams competing in both Football and Netball this Saturday and Best of Luck to all the Juniors who kick off their Finals Series this Sunday at Cobden.
