Our senior women remain a shining light for the Football Section, having won four games so far this season, and finishing well against strong sides in others. They still sit just below the top 4 in 5^th position on the ladder. They will still face some very tough games as we move closer to the business end of the season and all of us here at Lara FNC wish them well. Our girls travelled toTorquay this week for a Friday night game – good luck.

Our senior men’s squad are now at the half-way point of the season. Our most recent senior and reserves matches saw us host North Shore in highly anticipated games among both clubs’ memberships. Lara’s reserves side took the chocolates in the curtain raiser with a strong win. Our seniors started well, but had a lull in the second quarter that handed the advantage to the Seagulls. Our boys sprung back to life in the second half, gradually bridging the gap and putting themselves in a winnable position before North Shore steadied with a couple of goals to lock the game up. Despite the disappointment, it was a highly entertaining and exciting finish that kept the large crowd engrossed. This weekend sees our men’s squad travel to South Barwon for what is always a tough assignment – good luck to both sides. 

Our boys U18 side along with our junior boys and girls are going very well overall, with several sides figuring strongly in their respective age groups and divisions. The U18s sit third in Division 2. Our U16 boys Division 2 and U14 boys Division 4 sides are both top of their respective ladders and undefeated, as are our U16 girls since they joined Division 2, having being re-graded from Division 1. Our U16 boys Division 5, U14 boys Division 2 and U14 girls Division 2 sides are all mid-table and showing very good levels of competitiveness.

Our Sponsors’ Day function occurred earlier in June. Our sponsors, who are so important to our club, enjoyed a day whose theme was mental health and a contribution made toBeyond Blue. Many of you would know a long-time Lara identity in Tony McManus,who kindly gave his time to participate in a Q+A on this important topic for the benefit of all attendees. The session was well received and we hope that it contributes to further awareness around an issue that affects us all in someway. Thank you Tony and well done to the Lindorff’s and LSC staff for their efforts.

Following this week’s game, Lara seniors will have a bye before a stand alone game to celebrate the Peter Kelly Cup on 12 July at Bisinella Oval to St. Albans. Lara currently holds the Cup and we hope to keep it. Senior and reserves football and A and B grade Netball results all contribute to the result, so it will be interesting to see how the day goes. If you see Peter on the day, please say hello to a player and administrator who has contributed so much to our club and to community football in Geelong.

A note to all members that the Non Playing Captains is the official coterie group for the club. We encourage all past members of Top Cats and/or the 250 Club to join this group and continue to support the Football Section as we strive to increase competitiveness across all grades and genders. If you’d like to join,look for Chambo, Pyney, Dane or Scott at our next senior game or ask our volunteers at the Can Bar for help.

Until next time, go Cats