Thornton Shinboners travelled away this weekend for two games of football and two games of netball being hosted by Gembrook-Cockatoo, a new inclusion to Division Two for season 2018. The Thornton Women’s team travelled to Ringwood for a 10am start.
Playing Gembrook on their own home turf was never going to be easy however the sun was out and the Boners Reserves came out ready to give it everything. The boys gave it their all on the larger ground but the fitness of Gembrook was just too much to match.

Like the Reserves, the Boners came out firing and were matching it with Gembrook around the ground in the first quarter, but for all their hard work a couple skill errors and lack of judgement resulted in several Gembrook goals which saw Gembrook in a string position at quarter time.
The Boners continued to match it with Gembrook around the ground however Gembrook’s fitness and skill stood out and the Boners couldn’t capitalise when they gained possession of the ball.
In saying that the Boners took a lot of positives out of the game and continued to show improvement. Go Boners.
– Matty

The May rain and low temperatures held off for the Gembrook v Thornton netball games, and the players were faced with an unexpected and balmy 18 degrees on the court.
Gembrook and Thornton matched goals by the end of the first quarter thanks to both teams well rounded defensive sides, however second quarter fatigue began to set in.
Again the Thornton A-Grade team played to their legacy, playing their hardest and converting play and pass time and time again – snatching intercepts, recovering rebounds and keeping the final score line down.
This team is improving consistently throughout the season, and we look forward to the continued efforts all of these women have brought to the table this year. A Grade Bonettes 23 – 44

Thornton B-Grade again brought their best to the court to play Gembrook-Cockatoo B-Grade.
Without looking at the scoreboard, this match proved once more the tenacity and team-click of Thornton B-Grade.
Gembrook’s attackers were met with some of the strongest defence our Thornton women have brought to the table yet this season, with tonnes of intercepts, rebounds and general persistence our Thornton teams are known for. Our goal defenders are improving immensely week after week, and the midcourt is forcing the pressure up also. Watch this team for continual improvement until the end of the season, these women will stop at nothing!
B-Grade Bonettes 2-63
-Jess Slapp

The women’s team travelled to Ringwood for a 10am start to play against Ringwood who kicked over 150 points the week before.
With only 15 girls who took the field due to injury this week and the sun shining the girls were very much enthusiastic for the game ahead. With an early goal in the first quarter it was all positive steps going forward, with the girls encouraging each other for more effort which showed throughout the ground and smiles all round going in only a few goals down at ¼-time.
The second quarter was much the same with Ringwood getting the game moving and a small forward creating havoc for tefnc which was a learning curve for our defence playing on quick small forward
Third quarter was again pleasing our ruck and on ballers had done a big job so far and again the team were rewarded with another goal and a high five all round.
Unfortunately some injuries were sustained but were able to continue on throughout the game.
With the last quarter underway, the game was out of reach for the girls today but this did not stop the effort.
The girls were hungry for more goals and kept working hard.
Some simple game rules and movement of players on the game board formed in the last quarter and it didn’t take long and the team got their third goal for the game, while still looking for more and out played Ringwood in the last to finish off the game with great confidence leading into the coming weeks
Full credit to Ringwood and their staff who made us feel very welcome and to their coach who spoke with our girls after the match and commended them on their effort and to stick with it going forward.
Also special thanks to Lisa, our dedicated trainer who travelled to Ringwood then back to Gembrook for our senior teams.
Also thankyou to Levi our goal umpire and nick our time keeper on the day.
– Dave.

Again this weekend, score board wise was a tricky one again for the football club overall. The positives taken away from each game far outweighs this, not to mention the persistence, hunger and courage to dig deep each week especially if the chips are down.
That is what makes Thornton an inspiring club, however with a positive outlook games are going to come together and the score board is going to start reflecting a shift in morale.
It is already seen this year with heads held high on both the footy field and netball courts. Go Boners!
– Sarah Stevenson