Yarra Glen in first

By Kath Gannaway
YARRA Glen Junior Football Club won three out of its five games against traditional rivals Healesville on Sunday to claim the inaugural Anzac Challenge plaque.
Yarra Glen’s under-10s, 11s and 12s pulled out all stops to win the first three matches. Healesville’s under-14s and 16s took control in the final matches, but the plaque was already out of reach … for this year.
Teams members and officials from both clubs, and from Mount Evelyn’s under 13s stood in respectful silence for a commemoration service led by Yarra Glen RSL secretary Ed Bartosh in the lead-up to the under-10s match.
Mr Bartosh recited The Ode and called for a minute’s silence as the flag was lowered and bugler Ian Douglas played the Last Post.
The plaque, which features the Australian force’s rising sun insignia, was presented to Yarra Glen JFC president Dean Stevenson by Yarra Glen RSL president Ted Bowling after the final match of the day.
Mr Stevenson said spectators were treated to some great football with the Yarra Glen players, officials and supporters honoured to be the inaugural recipients of the plaque, which he said would be displayed in the town.
“It would be good to have it in the club rooms, but we think it is the sort of thing we want to share with the whole town and will probably get one of our sponsor businesses to put it up,” he said.
He said the involvement of the RSL clubs was greatly appreciated by both clubs.
“Everyone commented on the commemorative service and how great that was, and to finish with the plaque at the end of the day was fantastic,” Mr Stevenson said.
Healesville JFC president Grant Tacey congratulated Yarra Glen on its win and said Healesville would aim to win the shield next year.
He said the Anzac commemoration was done well and he believed the players got something worthwhile from that connection.
“For those who go on to play this match each year they will be part of something that will continue as long as the two clubs are up and running,” he said.