Local footy is back with VFL practice matches, the WRFL interleague squad in full training for the metropolitan championships and my mobile ringing a heck of a lot more. Some clubs are telling me they are having issues with ground availability, even those that are not shared with cricket. I don’t understand why some councils have this negative attitude. The grounds are built to be used, not looked at. We are trying to promote participation in sport. Why make it so difficult? The other point of contention is the time it takes to get some very small jobs, like covering a cricket wicket, done. The frustration this causes is most unnecessary and does not bode well for the rest of the year. West Footscray Football Club is holding its season launch this Thursday at the Pound Cafe at Whitten Oval from 7pm. Western Bulldogs Director Barry Hall and WRFL guru Steve Thom will be speaking along with Trevor Davies the senior coach. Good luck to the Roosters for 2014.
Mixed fortunes for the VFL sides with Werribee having a narrow win over Box Hill Hawks and Williamstown losing by a few goals to Essendon. The results mean little and both clubs will be happy to have the first run under their belt. The rivals meet this Saturday at Aegis Park with the Development squad at 10am followed by the seniors at 1pm. GMHBA Geelong Regional Manager Deryn Mobbs joined the Board of the Werribee football club at last week’s AGM which also saw John Nicol returned as President. Werribee has also confirmed that its round 8 game against Richmond will be played at the home of the Torquay Tigers, Spring Creek Reserve on Saturday May 24th.
Interesting times in local cricket, Werribee lost its first First XI game for the year, despite some batting heroics from Tim O’Brien who made an unbeaten 69 in the run chase. They play second placed Bayswater this weekend in a one dayer at Avalon Airport Oval. Interesting letter I saw from Daniel Gaylor, the President of Grand United Cricket Club, to the Williamstown District Cricket Association calling for massive changes to keep the competition alive. West Newport and Willy Imps are leaving the competition next year and all clubs are finding it hard to field teams. Grand United a powerhouse club has lost three teams in two seasons. Daniel has a very strong point, I hope he gets a hearing. Adam Contessa bobbed up with a six wicket performance and two knocks over 30, to help the Yarraville Club CC make the finals in the VTCA. They will play Greenvale in the semi final this weekend at Greenvale.
Western Athletics is hosting an Athletics Victoria shield meet for the first time ever in Wyndham at the Vic Uni Aths track in Hoppers Lane this Saturday from 1.30pm. Track events include the 100 metre, 1500 metre, 400 metres, hurdle and steeplechase. The newly installed pole vault will highlight the field events including javelin, discuss and long jump. Entry is free and you can see many leading western suburbs athletes including Morgan Mitchell who is preparing for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Other notables include Alan Cook (1500 World Champion for his age) and Anne Cross (2000 Olympian). More than 25 of the juniors competing Saturday will be off to Sydney next week for the National Championships.
If you have any news or events please let me know on the email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au and you can follow me on twitter @KevinHillier and check out the website howdypartnersmedia.com.au
