LPFL: Skipton claims premiership

SKIPTON backed up its benchmark status during the 2010 Kingprint Lexton Plains Football League season with a comprehensive grand final victory over Lexton at Eureka Stadium yesterday.Skipton demolished Lexton by 85 points, 16.15 (111) to 3.8 (26).The Emus rounded off a huge day for the club, with three football and one netball premiership.They set a club record with back-to-back senior football flags for the first time, and also a league record as the first club to achieve premierships in the top three football grades in the one year.From the moment Danny George booted Skipton's first goal three minutes into the first quarter, things looked ominous for Lexton.However, they took a turn for the worse just three minutes later when Lexton defender Michael Smith was reported for forceful head high contact on Brett Conroy.Skipton's Joel Riske booted the next two goals before Jay Robins finally got one on the board for Lexton.A second undisciplined act left the Tigers with only 16 players on the field after only 19 minutes of the game.Mark Shaw found his name in three umpires' books, reported for striking Skipton captain Kiernan Molloy.To even things out a little, Damian Larkin (Skipton) was also reported for having allegedly struck Rob Mosby (Lexton).It livened things up in the crowd, but did little to make the on-field contest close.Lexton was simply not switched on.The Emus, though, were irrepressible. They increased their lead during each quarter, with their half back line impassable.Riske finished with five goals, beating Lexton's score on his own.Assistant coach Tim Beacham lifted his work rate to finish with three majors and was named in the best.The Emus' Graeme Lench knocked up possessions, while Cam Brown had the better of Matt Stasse, particularly around the ground, despite having his head wrapped up like an Egyptian mummy.For Lexton, Trevor Johnson and Hugh Briody were named best, but little else was offered around the ground.Mark Shaw had the honour of the last mark of the LPFL, taking the last kick as the final siren sounded to bring down the curtain on the competition after 12 years.Skipton's fifth flag means it tied with Carngham-Linton for the most premierships in the LPFL.Lexton Plains Football League - thanks for the memories.