The Club had its first practice match on 5 March against Hampton Rovers (Premier B Grade) at Tatterson Park, Keysborough. The Seniors, the Reserves and the U19s all played two quarter ‘matches’, and whilst each team was not at full strength there was real value from the first hit-out.
The Club’s second practice match was held on Saturday 19 March at Clyde Recreation Reserve against Forest Hill Football Club (Division 4, Eastern Football League). The Seniors were somewhat undermanned and lost Booka early in the match with knee soreness. They were comfortably beaten, however, the game provided valuable senior experience to up and comers, Jackson Strooper, Matt Jordan, Richard Main, and Eddy Quinn. The Reserves had a comfortable win, and the U19s had a very competitive match with both teams sharing the honours.
The final practice match will be a home match at EE Gunn Reserve on Saturday 2 April. The Seniors and the Reserves will do battle against Prahran Assumption (Division 1) at 12 midday and 2.00pm, respectively. The U19s kick-off at 10.00am against De La Salle.
Pre-season training has reverted back to EE Gunn Reserve on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Round 1 of the season proper for the Seniors and Reserves is on Saturday 9 April against Peninsula Old Boys, at home. The Club XVIII and U19 draws are yet to be finalised.
