This Sat’dy… 20 August 2011

 

by Chris Riordan

My sides seem to have gradually slipped from contention and, with the races getting more interesting, it is easy to lose track of the various comps, many of which are finishing the fixture and facing finals fates.

For some comps it is an “early September”….for example, my plans for a weekend away to watch the Phillip Island Dogs and have a hit of golf will have to go in to the 2012 diary, since their home win against Yarram was the last game for this season – wins in Round 1 and Round 20 were amongst only a handful for the year.

Maybe the coastal road West would offer better options? Despite his beloved Pies being unbeatable in the big smoke, Dave Nadel has whet the appetite for some footy on the Bellarine Peninsula at either St Leonard’s or Queenscliff….where to this week Dave? And Rod Oaten has given good cause to sneak down the Ocean Road before the summer hordes and enjoy some local footy….perhaps heading out to Irrewara to watch Lorne in their Elimination Final against Forrest.

If you’d rather a road trip to warm weather, what about heading up to the footy at Swan Hill this Sat’dy? Tyntynder (3rd) and Swan Hill (4th) play a local derby at Garden Reserve under clear skies and a forecast 20C.

Or, here’s an option…If you are game for a serious grassroots sports weekend, I’d love to be heading out to the Western District and basing myself at beautiful Casterton. On the Saturday I’d go to the Island Park Reserve where the locals battle Hamilton Imperials in a grudge match for shuffling rights at the lower reaches of the ladder. Never mind. I can guarantee a wholehearted match at a terrific venue. Soak up the country hospitality and then enjoy Casterton races on Sunday. Here’s a venue on my “to do” list, with its live hedges for Steeples and a 150+ year heritage.

If weekends away don’t fit your schedule, back in the ‘burbs  Port look sure to continue their triumphant season with a 17th straight win, this time against the Bullants, at the Borough…a good place to watch footy. Get the light rail and risk all on a Burra Burger!

So there are still plenty of local footy options in 2011. Share yours with us.

Weekly from now, cricket committees will convene and boots be stored away, for many with a grudging recognition that it is getting too hard. For those impending retirees, I hope these last few Sat’dys provide lifetime memories.

Enjoy your footy.

Comments

  1. Unfortunately the Casterton races have been abandoned due to heavy rain and the state of the track.

  2. Thanks Budge. Ballarat off today also.
    Sunday’s return option from the western districts will have to be the transferred Seymour meeting to be run at Geelong.

  3. Crio

    At the risk of over-spruiking, you’ve missed the Roys’ campaign for B-Grade again, which continues at the Brunswick St Oval this Saturday. After towelling up Old Essendon last week and replacing them in the four, the Roys take on 3rd placed Mazenod and must get the points to be assured of finals action. Five teams remain in the running for 4th spot in a thrilling climax to C-Grade Ammos.

  4. Spruik away MO’C, that’s the goal of this post. I hoped that our Knackers could, as Jack’d say, “spread their testicles” across local teams and leagues of interest. Not enough feedback of your type but thanks – and also to others who’ve tried to keep us up to date and off-Broadway.

  5. Crio – WRFL 2nd division finals commence this weekend, both games at Chirnside Park Werribee. On Saturday Albanvale (2) take on Parkside (3) for the right to be smashed by Deer Park next weekend and on Sunday Wyndhamvale (4) meet Coburg Districts (5) – Loser leaves town.

    I wouldn’t be so hasty to suggest Port are over the line against the artist formerly known as Preston. The Bullants have been pretty good at North Port Oval in recent years winning a knock out final in 2009 and failing by less than a kick in the traditional Anzac Day clash in 2010.

    MCR

  6. long-bow Mic, though Port certainly got up for the Willy game.
    Do you reckon Ayres deserves another cxrack at AFL?

  7. Crio – I think teams could, and probably will, do worse when selecting their new coaches than have a look at what Ayres has to offer.

    It would need to be an organization thick skinned enough to handle the obvious heat the media would place on them for appointing someone often referred to as “past it”.

    Neither (Dogs/Dees) Victorian clubs currently in search of a new coach fit the above mentioned criteria, and he’s already had a crack with the Crows.

    Whilst I wouldn’t have money on them I give the “Ants a chance on Saturday.

    MCR

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