Football
19 May, 2026
Cougars overcome Lakers
Kaniva Leeor United’s senior football side maintained their spot in the top two with a victory over Taylors Lake. Playing at Dock Lake Recreation Reserve, the Cougars kicked 14.15 (99) to the Lakers’ 9.7 (61).
Kaniva Leeor got off to a flying start with Tom Wilkinson kicking a goal one minute into the match.
The Cougars managed to get the better of the early use of football, but Alex Baker’s second goal shortly before quarter time restricted the visitors’ lead to seven (19-12) at the first break.
The Lakers nearly tied the game early in the second quarter on an Austin Guisa goal, but the Cougars dominated the inside 50s, scoring five goals in the quarter to take a 54-27 halftime lead.
Alex Baker then got the home side within two goals of the Cougars with three early third-quarter goals before the visitors quickly regained momentum, booting four goals to lead 82-45 at the final break.
With conditions worsening late in the game, both teams struggled to convert in the fourth quarter, and Kaniva Leeor comfortably held on to win by 38 points.
Tom Wilkinson was one of the Cougars’ best, leading the team with five goals, while Lachy Bates and Blake Dodson each kicked a pair.
Tyler Roos, Billy King and Dylan Natt were also among the next performers in the Cougars’ win.
Alex Baker was best on ground for the Lakers, finishing with six goals, while Dylan Bates, Koby Westerland, Billy Finnigan and Deek Roberts also had impactful games for the home side.
Cougars co-coach Jonno Hicks said it was a tough contest all game, acknowledging the impressive performance of Alex Baker, who helped keep the Lakers in the game.
“The conditions were really tough for both sides, and the ball was hard to handle very cleanly,” Hicks said.
“Our effort around the contest, ability to get the ball forward and cut off their entries where we could, was good.
“They’re full forward looked really dangerous throughout the match, and we probably didn’t have our matchups quite right there.
“Early on, they made real use of their entries, whereas we were a bit inaccurate in front of goal and just not making the most of our opportunities.”
The Cougars coach credited both James White and Tom Wilkinson for their performances up forward.
“We had a good spread of performances,” Hicks said.
“Jimmy White ran with a couple of the more important players and guys who were getting on top, and he really curbed the influence, which was important for us.
“It might have been his best game for the year, which was great.
‘Tom Wilkinson up forward was really handy; he’s a great option on the lead, and when the ball hits the deck, he is very athletic and fantastic to have around the footy.”