Once again our road trip to TIS didn't produce the results we would have liked, with our Magoos no match for the top of the table Dogs and our seniors falling short in a good hard game of footy. On a very chilly winter night, the reserves game started as an even affair with our boys taking it right up to their more fancied opponents, but disappointingly we quickly dropped off the pace and subsequently suffered a big loss. The most disappointing aspect is that the boys are putting the hard yards in on the track, so to lose so comprehensively is very frustrating for everyone involved. The loss of several key players on the day due to late changes to the seniors and an unprecedented number of players unavailable didn't help the cause, but all the boys know a much better effort is needed if we want to be a serious contender come finals. Our seniors again pushed the Dogs all the way but couldn't manage to get enough momentum to get our noses in front and go on with it. The Dogs are a very good team, and has been the case on all but one occasion this season opportunities have presented themselves but we haven't taken them. The most pleasing aspect was the endeavour shown by every player, all a club can ask for is effort and there is no doubt everyone gave their best. Hopefully the tide can start to turn soon and we can get some players back and try and gather some momentum as we head towards finals. It was a disappointing senior debut for newcomer Tim McMahon. Poor Tim only lasted two minutes before injuring his ankle badly, hopefully he can recover quickly and be up and about soon.

Our ressies have the luxury of the weekend of, while our seniors have a very important clash with the Hawks under lights. Last time we met under lights we fell agonisingly short by the smallest of margins. No doubt the boys will be keen to atone tonight and hopefully keep pushing our claim for a top two finish. Every game against the Hawks this year has been tight and no doubt this week will be the same. The key for us is to stay focussed on the job at hand for the full 100 minutes and stick to our structures. The Hawks seem to enjoy the wide open spaces of TIS so we are going to have to work hard to stop their running game. Lets just hope the fog stays away and doesn't roll in like it did last time we met under lights.

Senior Club Photos
Team photos for all seniors and reserves players this Sunday July 25 at 11.00am at the club. Please bring shorts, socks and boots. The bar will be open, footy will be on the big screen and Teddy will be cooking up some snags on the BBQ. Orders will be taken by the photographer, so if you wish to order please bring your money on the day, the costs are:

10" X 8" Team Photo $15.00
Individual portrait package $15.00
Both of the above $25.00

Eric Johns Cup next week
Only a week to go till Eric Johns Cup day and then later that night we have the world famous Miss Hermit Park. We have a few new comers this year, so it promises to be a great night. It kicks off from around 7pm. Free entry so bring your friends along for a night of fun and laughter. Townsville Crocs coach Trevor Gleeson and captain Russell Hinder will be our guest judges.

Juniors
Last Sunday saw the junior team photos being taken followed by one of the best football spectacles seen in Townsville for many years. The traditional parent vs junior player game was held on NFO in glorious conditions. This year saw a number a special guests with the Townsville Masters participating. The game started off a bit slowly but after a change of umpires improved dramatically and turned into a fast and furious shoot out as the juniors and the golden oldies demonstrated their skills. Peter Cavalot took on a much taller opponent in the ruck (his son Jarrod) and showed he should think about playing regularly. Miles Humphrey showed he has skills of the highest calibre and it hoped he will invest in some footy boots soon and take up masters footy. Kym lodge felt the full brunt of a Stephen Dover shoulder and was very slow to get up – but to his credit he got on with the game and ended up kicking some incredible snap shots at goal. How Kym managed to hit the back of the goal post still has me baffled. Ryan Agita consistently kicked the ball out from full back making the centre of the ground on a number of occasions. Riley and Jackson Young dominated throughout but had to leave half way through the final stanza to catch their ferry. The oldies then came back strongly and managed to just lose by 1 point. It was a lot of fun and I am sure that the masters will be keen to get hold of a number of the fathers that showed they could play on the day. Lastly I must mention that our president Danny McLoughlin is contemplating his master’s career after getting in Ryan Agitas’ way. The collision could be heard all over the park and Ryan had a big grin on his face but Danny did not. The umpire was also rueing his use of $50 notes for yellow cards and $20’s for red cards - not his smartest idea ever.

Under 9s
Captained last week by Mitchell Jarrett, Tigers Black travelled out to St Anthonys to once again face Barra Silver. Set to be another outstanding game from both teams from start to finish we were not disappointed. Whilst they had the size advantage we shone in speed and kicking ability!!! There were the usual stand out performances from a number of players but we really came together and showed that we work as a TEAM. Each and every player on the field was out for a goal this week and it was obvious in the determination showed by all. Encouragement awards this week went to the Heistek brothers, Jayden & Anthony. Thanks to all the parents for their support of the team and for their help on the day. A huge thanks also to the parents of Mitchell Jarrett, Joshua Deckert and Nathan Wright who stayed behind to let the boys play the U'11s game also.

Seeya at the footy
Tiger Ted