Old Westbourne AFC

U14’s Grand Final vs Williamstown Jnrs

After a fantastic 2011 season, the boys from the under 14’s came up short in the grand final but were gallant in defeat and every one of them can walk away with their head held high. The final score was Williamstown Juniors 6.9-45 to Old Westbourne 2.4-16

The weather completed a hat trick of warm sunny days for our finals campaign and the under 11’s set the tone for us by winning their premiership against the previously undefeated St Bernard’s. Well done to Tony Costa and his boys on a wonderful achievement.

The game started at a frenetic pace and our boys took a few minutes to settle down but our run with the footy and efforts to tackle, harass and chase when the opposition had it soon allowed us to take the lead via a Dylan Riitano set shot from about 40m out, straight in front that helicoptered, dipped, bounced and miraculously beat everyone without being touched. I hope somebody has posted it on YouTube! The rest of the quarter was a relentless arm wrestle with neither side either to break through the other defense and the scores at ¼ time were Old Westbourne 1.0 to Willy 0.2.

A goal to ‘Louie the Lip’ Lowery early in the 2^nd quarter saw us claim what was looking like a handy lead as the boys battled unbelievably hard to wrestle the game our way. None of Willy’s play makers were having much of an impact as they had little room to move however a goal before the break brought our lead back to 3 points – 2.2 to 1.5.

The boys started the 2^nd half excited about their prospects but their efforts were starting to take their toll. The game started to open up allowing Willy’s fleet of running playmakers the space they needed to hit their bigger targets up forward and they began to have more opportunities to score. Mitch Case, who was a star all day, was suddenly under siege and with the help of Paul and John Tomelty, they fought a brave rear guard battle. The continued, but weary, fight from the midfield and the brave effort from the backline saw the damage restricted to a 3 goal to nil quarter and only a 17 point lead to Willy at ¾ time. A tired group of players came into the huddle at ¾ time but the support for each other which had been the focus over previous weeks was still strong, giving us a glimmer of hope of a come from behind victory as the coach urged the boys to go to the well one more time and to leave nothing on the park.

The boys responded with a lift in the opening minutes of the final quarter and the effort resulted in a couple of shots on goal that went heartbreakingly close but with a single point being the only result. Williamstown’s tall players, sadly for us, didn’t get any shorter as our boys had bravely spent all their pennies and slowed down but still battled on to hold Willy to only 2 more goals for the quarter. The margin at the end of the game was 31 points.

Congratulations to Chris and his boys from Williamstown who were the better team. The group of boys who represented Old Westbourne U14’s this year achieved all they could and I’m sure nobody would have been more surprised to end up as far into the finals as the boys themselves, had they been told that at the beginning of the season. The club can only be better in the future as the boys have learned the value of sticking together, thinking positive and ‘feeling the love’. Well done guys. See you all in 2012.

GO WARRIORS

U14’s Prelim final vs Hoppers Crossing

The U14 boys won their way through to the grand final with a tough win against Hoppers Crossing on the weekend. The final score was Old Westbourne 12.13 – 85 to Hoppers Crossing 5.7 – 37.

The game started in glorious conditions with bright sunshine and very little wind and the contest matched the conditions. Both teams were hard at the ball, desperate to get in front. Our boys showed great resolve to edge in front by ¼ time 3.4 to 2.1. Our midfield was playing tough disciplined footy which was not only holding Hoppers up but giving our forwards more scoring opportunities. McAlister Smith was setting the example for the boys and plenty of his team mates were along for the ride.

The 2^nd quarter became an arm wrestle with neither side able to hit the scoreboard hard and put pressure on. The warmer temperatures seemed to also have an effect and play slowed down but our boys held strong to take a 4.7 to 3.6 lead into the rooms at ½ time.

While the scoreboard suggests we broke even with Hoppers in the 3^rd quarter, our boys began to get on top in the contest with John and Paul Tomelty winning everything across half-back, Brad Jones giving us lots of opportunities by putting the ball into the forward line where Dylan Riitano was imposing himself. ¾ time saw us lead 6.8 to 5.7.

The hard work the boys had put in over the previous 3 quarters reaped rewards in the last with us being able to pile on 6.5 to 0.0. The continued good work of our midfield gave Mitch Dean, Brad Jones and Mitch Lowery the chance to get onto the footy with space and this in turn allowed Matt Andrew and Ben Hurn to take their chances in front of goal. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Callan Boudrie kicking his first goal for the season and having what appeared to be 300 team mates get around him and show their appreciation.

This week we take on Williamstown Juniors and we would love to see the entire Old Westbourne family down supporting the boys at 12.30 (after cheering the U11’s on at 8.50am of course). The game provides the team with another learning experience and will allow the boys a chance to showcase the improvement they’ve made over a fantastic 2011 season. Well done to all of them on working their way through to the last week of the season.

GO WARRIORS!

Major Raffle - Saturday August 2011

Date: Saturday, August 20

Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Cost: $50 Tickets

See Slatts for details and to book your ticket (0425 75 44 18)
Includes 2-3 hours of beers, wine & soft drink. Dinner included. Entry for a chance to win $1000.

U14’s 2nd semi vs Williamstown Jnrs

After an undefeated home and away season the U14’s got a wake-up call in our first final, going down to Williamstown Jnrs 2.13 - 25 to 11.14 – 80. Our hard work to this point has earned us a double chance so we look forward to taking on Hoppers Crossing in this week’s preliminary final.

The game kicked off in perfect conditions and the boys were well and truly up for the contest. Our midfielders were working hard and winning plenty of the footy and sending it forward and creating opportunities. When Willy managed to get the ball forward our backs held solid and worked well to repel a number of early attacks. After the initial, fierce, opening minutes, Willy managed to make the most of their opportunities while we were unable to transfer our good work onto the scoreboard and at quarter time Willy led 3.3 to 0.4. The 2^nd quarter saw us dominate in parts but again we were unable to convert on the scoreboard and our hard work went unrewarded and the deficit at half time was 26 points – Willy 6.6 to our frustrating 1.10!

Our boys looked dejected at the half time break and despite the belief of the coaches in their ability to get themselves back into the game, the work rate of our midfield dropped in the 2^nd half and this allowed Willy to get their tails up and continue to hit the scoreboard. Our backline of Trent Holt, John Tomelty and Mitchell Florence were brave under siege and can all hold their heads high. Despite the best efforts of our defenders, Willy ran away with a comfortable victory to secure themselves a spot in the grand final and I’m sure they’ll go in confident after their win.

This week we take on Hoppers Crossing in a do or die preliminary final and I’m sure our boys will be chomping at the bit to get back on the winners list. While the scoreboard may show that we weren’t in the hunt against Williamstown, we weren’t as far away as it seems and some hard work on the training track should be the tonic we need.

GO WARRIORS!

U14’s Round 13 vs Caroline Springs

The final home and away game saw the U14’s boys come away with a win over Caroline Springs 22.11 - 143  to 7.6 – 48. The win means the boys have completed an undefeated home and away season in U14C’s. Congratulations to all the boys on a great effort to this point. We look forward to the challenges facing us over the next month.

Kicking with a strong breeze, the boys got away to a good start creating numerous goal scoring opportunities. Quick movement from the centre meant Dylan Riitano and Mitch Lowery were able to hit the scoreboard and give us a commanding lead 9.3 to 0.0 at the first break. After ¼ time things got a bit shabby; our opponents lifted, our lack of interchange options started to take a toll on what was a warm day and a hard track but most noticeably our intensity started to drop and we had some players begin to worry about themselves rather than the team. We went to the ½ time break leading 10.7 to 1.3.

Our defensive pressure, manning up and tackling were all still down in the 2^nd half but we were able to continue to score. We finished with 7 and 5 goals against Caroline Springs’ 2 in each of the last two quarters to finish up with a an impressive win on the scoreboard. While we were missing some players, our performance wouldn’t have put shivers down the spine of any scouts from potential finals opponents who may have been watching but a win is always good regardless of the circumstances.

Better players on the day were Dylan Riitano and Mitch Lowery who kicked 7 and 8 goals respectively, Matt Andrew who played well on the ball and at half forward, Liam Joyce and Trent Holt both in and around the midfield.

Our efforts throughout the year have earned the boys a week’s break before our first final. The time won’t be wasted though with training intensity to lift to ensure the boys are primed to perform at their best on Sunday week against the winner of Willy and Altona. We’re all looking forward to the challenge and would love to see all the Warriors supporters behind us.

GO WARRIORS!

Past Players, Supporters, Ladies and Sponsors Day

The Old Westbourne Past Players and Supporters Association presents the Past Players & Supporters, Ladies and Sponsors Day.

20 August 2011
Starts at 11.30am

$20 surcharge

Special Guest Speaker
Magnificent 2 Course Meal
Super Raffle

Come along and support the young emerging Warriors battle with South Melbourne for the Allsummerlong Cup

RSVP to:

Platters (0438 057 366)
Gav (0400 507 178)
Scratcher (0419 559 103)
Billy (0409 210 208)

Flyer:

Old Westbourne PPS Day 20 August 2011.pdf

U14’s Round 12 vs St Bernards

A solid win against St Bernards saw the boys from the U14’s lock in top spot come the finals in two weeks time. Congratulations to all the boys on a great effort so far.

The game began as the arm wrestle we expected from a team with a finals spot on the line. The St Bernards boys made life difficult and got on the scoreboard early but our boys matched their early efforts and responded on the scoreboard to take a 5 point lead into the first break. A couple of early goals in the second quarter saw our lead slip out to 18 points. An unfortunate incident saw one of the St Bernards boys injured and require ambulance treatment. I’m happy to report that he’s ok. The umpires called the end to the quarter during the break and when he had been treated the game resumed. The second half saw the boys continue to edge away from our opponents. The lead was extended out to 31 points at the final break before we closed the game out winners 11.6 – 72 to 5.2 – 32.

The win was very pleasing as we had contributions from every player. Tim Holland, Jared Walson, Adam Steger, Cameron Yuille, Caleb Marotta and Josh Mikita all showed their best football; great to see just a couple of weeks from the finals. Other players to standout on the day were Kyle Penaluna who kept winning the ball for us around the stoppages, Dylan Riitano who gave us a great target up forward and Liam Joyce who was a rock across half back again. They were ably assisted by John Tomelty, Brad Jones and Mitch Case amongst others.

Our final home and away game of the season sees us venture out to Caroline Springs this week and I look forward to another solid team effort.

GO WARRIORS!

U14’s Round 11 vs Altona

Another windy day greeted us we ventured out to Altona to face an in form opponent after our week off for the bye and after a sluggish start the boys rallied to record a comfortable 9.9 – 63 to 6.2 - 38 win.

Our captain, Kyle Penaluna, won the toss and elected to kick with the aid of a stiff breeze but the boys looked rusty after the week off and couldn’t take advantage but still took a one goal to nil lead in at the quarter time break. After a shuffle up at quarter time the boys came out and played close to their best quarter of the season, putting on 4 goals to 1 to take a comfortable lead with the breeze beckoning in the 3rd quarter. Another 4 goal quarter put the game beyond doubt at 3 quarter time as we took a 54 point lead into the last break. The boys took their foot off the pedal in the last quarter and allowed Altona to kick 5 unanswered goals which took a bit of the shine off an otherwise good performance but all in all the boys can walk away happy with another good win.

Better players on the day were Kyle Penaluna, Macca Smith and Liam Joyce who controlled play for us around the ball and initiated plenty of forward thrusts. Liam also starred while resting on a back flank by repelling plenty of opposition moves forward. Dylan Riitano put on a powerhouse display kicking 7 of our goals from full forward. Brock Bicket, Jonnie Despott, Brad Jones and Mitch Lowery were also good contributors around the forward line.

Next week is our last home game for the season and we take on St Bernard’s in what should be an entertaining match. We look forward to seeing all of our supporters at the ground.

 

GO WARRIORS!

U14’s Round 9 v Williamstown Jnrs

After a hard fought game the boys were lucky to get away with a 1 point win over an undermanned Williamstown Juniors to remain undefeated at the top of the ladder. The win locks in a finals berth for the team so well done to everybody but Williamstown showed us that we have a lot of work to do over the coming weeks.

We started the first quarter slowly with Williamstown consistently beating us to the ball and running hard to help each other. Cameron Yuille, John Tomelty, Lachlan Fox and Paul Tomelty saw off numerous attacks before we settled into the game and managed to get on the board.  The tightness of the contest meant that we needed to make the most our opportunities and we did that, kicking 3.1 to 0.7 to take in a handy 1/4 time lead. The lead would prove to be crucial as although we became more competitive as the game wore on, Williamstown edged closer to us.

After half time we looked to be getting on top but couldn’t put our good play onto the scoreboard. Our backline remained strong and Lachlan Fox, Mitchell Case and Matt Andrew started to negate some of the oppositions better players. Good contributions from Dylan Riitano, Chris Micallef, Brad Jones, Caleb Marotta and Tim Holland helped us in what was a nail biting finale. After a tense few minutes where both sides had chances to win the game, the siren sounded with us on top by the slimmest of margins.

Well done to the WIlliamstown boys who only had 17 players on the day. We look forward to meeting again in a few weeks for another great battle.

 

GO WARRIORS!

Warriors encouraged to take Blood Oath

Blood Oath is a joint campaign between the TAC and AFL Victoria to prevent young people from being killed or seriously injured in road trauma. Old Westbourne AFC supports this campaign and encourages all players, parents, supporters and friends to take the blood oath. To take the blood oath, go to the Blood Oath Facebook page and take the Oath (make sure you put "Old Westbourne" down as your club):

http://www.facebook.com/MyBloodOath