HEALESVILLE Football Club seniors defeated Warburton-Millgrove by three points in a nail-biting victory on Saturday to take out the inaugural Anzac Day Shield.
Healesville had a home ground advantage for the 3pm game that capped of the day of remembrance and recognition for the Anzac veterans.
Healesville led the first half and while Warburton did most of their goal kicking in the final quarter, Healesville secured a win of 9.24.78 to 11.9.75.
Healesville Football Club president Greg Hay said that the club was proud to be involved in this new tradition for the valley.
“It was fantastic, it really was. Before the game the Healesville RSL lead the oath and John Stanhope lead the minute of silence,” Mr Hay said.
“Healesville played pretty well all day. We led at every change but Warburton kept fighting and nearly stole the game in the end.”
“The RSL did a great job and I wanted to thank them especially for the support they’ve given us.”
Warburton-Millgrove Club president David Clinch said that despite the defeat he was pleased with the team’s effort.
“The boys made the most of a lot of opportunities. They played competitively and put in, in the last quarter for a nail biting finish,” Mr Clinch said.
“The day went very well. It was well accepted by all parties and it was a good game — that’s what made the day.”
Healesville RSL chairman of commemorations Bob Gannaway presented Healesville seniors captain Luke Barclay with the winning shield as well as the best-on-ground shield.
“We couldn’t have had a better inaugural Anzac Day match. It was close and fairly contested. The crowd were on their toes,” Mr Gannaway said.
“The two teams have quite a good rapport and it was a great atmosphere. You couldn’t have asked for a better end to Anzac Day.”
Healesville wore special jumpers on the day with the RSL emblem on the centre.
The Anzac Day match shield and a signed Healesville seniors jumper will be hung at the Healesville RSL.
For the winners, Luke Barclay, Mark Gibb and Thomas Campbell were amongst the best as David Harry and Jye Conrau kicked three a piece.
For Warburton Daniel Hewitt, Lewis Moran and Jarrett Barber all played an excellent four quarters for their side.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:Upwey Tecoma v Monbulk
In the other Anzac Day clash Upwey Tecoma 14.18.102 defeated Monbulk 11.7.73.
Upwey lead by only one goal at three quarter time. Upwey should have had this game wrapped up well before the last quarter, but inaccurate kicking keeping Monbulk in the game.
It was only the last quarter where Upwey booted six goals to two which finally shook Monbulk off.
The Van Hoorn brothers were Upwey’s best with Michael Charles and Tim Harris playing excellent around the ground.
Monbulk was served well by Jared Devers, Billie Hicken and Ryan Mitchell who battled relentlessly to keep their team in touch.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:Silvan v Gembrook
On Sunday Silvan travelled to Gembrook and came away with a 43 point win, 12.9.81 to 4.14.38.
Although it was a one-sided scoreline Gembrook certainly had their chances in front of goal but just couldn’t convert.
In wet, windy and cold conditions Silvan were just more polished and showed the team that makes the most of their opportunities in those conditions, is going to be the team that triumphs.
For the winners Sam Hills and Daniel Norman played great wet weather footy, Ben Haynes and Brett Hartman kicked four goals apiece.
Gembrook’s best were Nathan Leversha, closely followed by Ben Carr and Shannon Richardson.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:Alexandra v Mt Evelyn
Alexandra came down the mountain to Mt Evelyn and probably wished they stayed at home.
Mt Evelyn was relentless as they went on to record a 170-point win, 31.17.203 to 5.3.33.
A 13 goal to five first half was just the beginning. The second half was all Mt Evelyn as they piled on 18 goals to Alexandra’s solitary behind.
For the winners, Matt Whitehead’s 10-goal haul was brilliant in the conditions, Mark Martin and Shane O’Brien just kept knocking up the possessions sending their team into attack, Christopher Murphy (6 goals) and Chris Haworth (5) couldn’t be stopped.
Alexandra’s Adam Oakley, Thomas Duigan and Corey Jack all showed great character to battle it out to the final siren.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:Woori Yallock v Wandin
Woori Yallock at home had a big win over Wandin, 16.18.114 to 5.13.43.
It was only the second quarter where Wandin showed some resistance outscoring their opposition four goals to two.
Apart from that it was all Woori Yallock as they kicked seven goals to one in the second half to run away with a comfortable win.
