Port Lincoln Football League
president Stephen Campbell
ANZAC Day, the day we remember, approaches us for another year.
The Port Lincoln Football League along with all the clubs, acknowledges all the Australians who fought and supported our nation during times of war.
This day also heralds the start of the Port Lincoln Football League main fixtures for 2009. If you would like to see all the fixtures this year please visit our website produced by Brock Jantke at www.lincolnfooty.com.au
We are please to offer seven different matches each week at the three football grounds. Under nine (Auskick), under 11, under 13, under 15, under 17, B grade and A grade.
On Anzac Day games will only be at Centenary and start at noon; in respect for the day. Under 17 will begin at noon, B grade at 1.15pm and A grade at 2.40pm between Wayback and Mallee Park, a replay of last year's grand final. All other games will be on Sunday.
We are still waiting to find out if the council has won the grant to upgrade the facilities at Centenary Oval. This will be a welcome change to the somewhat old facilities we now have.
The clubs are also pleased that all the gate fees will be the same at every ground in 2009. Five dollars for adults, $3 for concessions and $1 for children. When patrons are entering Ravendale you will need to use the Stamford Terrace (hockey) entrance. Hockey players over 18 who have paid their fees will enter at the concession rate of $3, under 18 will cost $1.
The interleague competition is also building up this year. We once again have a combined Lincoln side for Mortlock Shield under coach Glyn Owen. They will have a game on May 16 in Whyalla along with our under 15 and 17 teams.
Over the summer break the clubs have been busy addressing some of the improvements needed for our game to develop.
The most important is the management of alcohol at our games and clubs. With the help of Bruce Surman (Good Sports) and Renee Steen (police), the clubs have taken the initiative to change some of our practices.
You will notice some changes over the season in both staff training, drink options and signage.
Firstly, signs will be erected at Centenary Oval informing people it is illegal to bring alcohol into the ground unless you are the alcohol licence holder. This will be managed by our gate keepers and anyone entering the oval may be asked to open bags or boots of cars. If you refuse this request, entry will be denied.
Also, if you take alcohol outside our front gates you are entering a dry zone and the police can fine you.
The car park will also become an alcohol free zone and any patrons drinking alcohol in this area will be asked to leave.
Please help us help our community as our children need good role models for the consumption and management of alcohol.
Finally I must congratulate the Lincoln South Football Club for their victory in the pre-season cup sponsored by Aussie Aluminium. The game between them and Mallee Park was outstanding.
Both clubs played possession football and ran in packs from one end of the ground to the other.
I remember one 20-minute period of play when the ball went from one end of the field to the other over 20 times without anyone scoring. In fact the whole pre-season cup was a credit to the clubs from both the Port Lincoln and Great Flinders League. Four of the five games were won by less then a goal.
We hope more teams will join the competition in 2010.
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