Emmaus St Leos holds a big day of footy and high tea to throw support behind National Breast Cancer Foundation

Burwood’s  Bennettswood Sports Ground was bathed in a rosy hue on Saturday as Emmaus St Leos turned pink for a worthy cause.

Emmaus St Leos coach Jason Fennell addresses his players. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Burwood’s  Bennettswood Sports Ground was bathed in a rosy hue on Saturday as Emmaus St Leos turned pink for a worthy cause.

The Animals pulled on a specially-designed pink jumper for their Division 2 clash with St Johns while, next door at Deakin University’s Mrs Robinson Restaurant, the club held a special ladies high tea attended by around 150 guests.

The big day was staged to show support for, raise much-needed funds for and promote awareness of the work done by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The club’s devotion to the cause grew out of the tragic loss of popular club member Cathy Davis who lost her battle with breast cancer in January last year.

Emmaus St Leos‘ Anthony Hickey breaks away. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Cathy, husband of club doctor Glen and mother of committee member/player Michael, was well loved around the club and president Nathan Baranello said Saturday’s events were a way of showing respect for a great club family.

“A footy club is a pretty close knit family,” Baranello said. “Last year it started with us donating the proceeds of the raffle.

“This year we wanted to go one step further.

“It’s just a way for us to show our appreciation to Cathy and her family.”

Baranello said the Animals were hopeful of raising $15,000 from Saturday’s function.

Unfortunately for the Animals they were unable to overcome St John’s Old Collegians, going down by 43-points.

Despite Paul Baranello’s, who impressed in the loss, Emmaus St Leos went down 15.11 (101) to 8.10 (58).

Emmaus St Leo’s high tea was a sea of pink. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Meanwhile in Division 4, Eley Park Sharks was the latest side to thrash Chadstone.

The Sharks dominated from start to finish to win by 236 points, 41.19 (265) to 4.5 (29).

Matthew Corstorphin was best on ground, while Noel Bahnsen booted seven goals.

Also in Division 4, Box Hill North lost to Mt Lilydale Old Collegians by 104 points.

Box Hill North was simply outclassed, with the Demons going down 22.9 (141) to 5.7 (37).