Football
5 May, 2026
Cougars exorcise Demons
Kaniva Leeor United’s senior football side has put the competition on notice, recording a strong win over Laharum in round four of the Horsham District football Netball League on Saturday May 2.
Playing at Cameron Oval, the Cougars kicked 13.6 (84) to Laharum’s 5.13 (43).
Lachy Bates got the visitors off to a great start, kicking the opening goal just over a minute into play.
Except for a Nash McKenzie goal, the Cougars dominated the quarter, consistently capitalising on effective disposals upfield.
A third goal from Bates just before quarter-time gave the side a 34-8 lead by the first break.
Kaniva Leeor continued their strong start, capitalising on forward entries to be up 65-17 at half-time.
Laharum were able to minimise the Cougars’ impact in a stoppage-heavy second half, but with difficulties converting their forward opportunities into goals, the visitors comfortably maintained their lead to win by 41 points.
Lachy Bates was one of the best on ground in the Cougars’ win, leading the game with three goals, while teammates Tyler Roos, Charlie Maddern and Jacob Eats each kicked two.
Jock Maddern, Hamish Bennett and Riley Vivian were among the best for the visitors.
For Laharum, Jack Fenner kicked two goals, while Todd Heynen, Daniel Easson, Robbie Miller and Brett Ervin were among the side’s best.
Kaniva Leeor co-coach Jonno Hicks said it was one of his team’s best performances for some time, crediting their ability to win the ball in the contest and move the ball forward, especially in the first half.
“Saturday was probably as good as we’ve played in a long time,” Hicks said.
“Laharum’s one of the only teams last season that really got a hold of us so we knew it was going to be a challenge.
“They’re really hard at and around the contest and they love the stoppage game and getting numbers behind the ball.
“We knew if we could win the ball at the contest and spread, giving our forwards opportunities one-on-one was really important.
“We set the game up in that first quarter, especially with how we got the ball running on the outside.”
The Cougars coach said it was a tighter contest than the score looked, with Laharum bringing a strong challenge in the second half.
“They certainly kept the fight to us all game,” Hicks said.
“Our guys managed to hold them off, but even when they were getting opportunities they were getting them under pressure.
“Laharum had plenty of shots late in the game and with better accuracy the scoreline could have looked a lot closer.”
Asked about the impact of Lachy Bates to open the game, Hicks said the recruit offered another dimension to their attack.
“He really takes the game on,” he said.
“Speed is probably something we lacked a bit last year so adding him to our side has been great.
“Laharum did curb his influence in the second half, but his work rate was still fantastic.”