Around the Ground 12th July 2008
Another big day at Ferndale with a Gold Saints, Sponsors and Members lunch to take in the rematch against Emmaus sitting in third position in the Reserves and second in the Seniors.

The luncheon got away to a good start in very cosy conditions in the Malcolm Room with fine food again provided by Geoff's Vantastics and Evo acting as mine host.

It was nice to catch up with Ben Young's family and learn a little about his football history and his prior involvement in other sports. Dad, Roger has a keen interest in cricket and knows quite a few of the Glen Iris CC people.

Also in attendance was major sponsor representative Peter Wolff who is the manager of the East Malvern Bendigo Bank Community Bank. Peter has a wealth of football interests behind him and tries to be involved in the various amateur football clubs in his area. Peter has played, coached and now is an avid follower of the game.

Great Southern Securities, another major sponsor assisted in the hosting of the lunch and provided fine wines for serving to the attendees. Great Southern also made available some product packs as raffle prizes. These were much appreciated by the eventual winners.

After last weeks imminent birth, we noted that Troy Fairbairn was on new baby duty this week and all at the club wish to offer their best wishes to the family on the new addition.

The games.
The Reserves game.
Emmaus got away to a good start and attacked from early in the game outscoring the Saints to be 11 pts ahead at quarter time. Second quarter saw a fight back by the Saints who put in a good effort kicking 3 gls 3 to Emmaus 1 gl 1. Saints led by 4 pts at half time.
Third quarter was an even quarter with both teams striving to break away
Emmaus 6 pts up at orange time.
The last quarter Emmaus found the goals kicking 6 goals straight to the Saints 3 gl 1,
Emmaus winning by 23 pts. Final Emmaus 13 gl 10pts. d SMS 10 gl 5pts.

Seniors.
The Saints were fired up for this match and with the return of a couple of stalwarts confidence was high after last weeks performance against Werribee.

Saints attacked early and were playing in front and benefitting from this. At the first quarter change Saints led by 23pts.
In the second quarter Emmaus flow on game got into place and the second quarter became a really tight game Emmaus by 1 point at half time.
The third quarter seemed to go on forever but with the stop start of the game due to some strange decisions the quarter finally finished and the three quarter time scores showed the Saints in front by 1 goal.

The last quarter got underway and one wondered would this be the day for a win or would the lack of match practice by some of the returning Saints players take its toll.
The game was even up to about 10 mins to go, when the skills and experience of playing together allowed the Emmaus team break away finishing 26 pts in front at the final siren.
Emmaus 19 gls 12 126pts D SMS 15 gls 10 100 pts

Club 18 were away to Old Geelong and continued on their winning way with a strong win.
Final Scores SMS 18 gls 11 119pts D Old Geel. 5 gls 6 36 pts.

Clubbies now in second position and will meet Old Camberwell, next week at Lower Oval, Gordon Barnard Reserve Balwyn Rd Nth Balwyn. Mel 46 E4 game time is 11.40 am

Club 18 South--- Finals start.
!st Semi = third plays fourth 2nd August Sportscover Arena 9.15am
2nd Semi = First plays Second 1st August Sportscover Arena 6.30pm
Prelim = 8th August Sportscover Arena 6.30pm
Grand Final 15th August Sportscover Arena 6.30pm

Mark your calendars and make it a date to support the Super Saints in their first ever finals appearances.

When to have a head count??
Seen on Saturday when the going had been tough all of a sudden a head count was called for.
Saints players looked amazed, umpires called players into line, both teams had 17 players on ground which was due to one from each side having been sent off just prior to the count.
Reason for count, one Saint interchange player had to take a "call of nature" and it appeared that we had only three players on the bench.
Oh well it is one way to stop a teams play on game.

I wonder how many times during a game you can call for a head count and is there a penalty if the team calling for the count has got it wrong?