Maryanne, Helen and i did the journey on Saturday to Donald where the sixth placed locals played seventh placed Boort, the home of the McGraths, and Woodalls. It was second last versus last.
Boort had the early break, leading by 5 points at the end of the first term. In a scrappy second term the home side used the breeze better, with a half time buffer of 15 points established. Boort had the scoring end in the third term; how would they fare?
Donald’s backline stood firm, repelling Boorts attacking moves, extending their lead from 15 points to 27. Coming home with the breeze behind them, they ran away, winning by a crushing 54 points, 14-12-96, to 6-6-42. BOG would be Donald’s goal kicking machine, Jim Burke with a tally of 9 big ones. He was well supported around the ground by Brendan Jennings, and Daniel Pearce. Ross Funcke, as is his wont, was marvellous, in marshalling the Donald defence. For Helen, and Maryanne, their first visit to a footy match @ Donald, was a day to savour.
From here the local watering holes beckoned. Off to the Mount Jeffcott, where good hospitality, cold drinks, and a hearty meal beckoned. Food at the Mount Jeffcott is highly recommended. Next, over the road to the Bullocks Head, nee Shamrock, where we stayed the night. A pleasant evening there, watching the Kangas roll the Pies on the TV, enjoying numerous games on the pool table, all the while enjoying the hospitality Donald is famous for.
Sunday, the long drive back to the big smoke. Where better to stop on the way than Talbot, which has the best farmers market in Victoria. We spent our time shopping, sampling the local wares, and generally enjoying the atmosphere of the amptly named brigadoon of the north, which made it a marvellous sojourn for our weekend away.
After that we returned to Melbourne, thoroughly satisfied with a pleasant weekend away. Not sure when we return to Donald, though it won’t be this footy season. Let’s check the racing calendars, and go back again.
Glen!
Leave a Comment