Sport
1 July, 2023
Finals places on the line for contenders
Noradjuha Quantong have stayed in the top three with a massive 144-point win over Taylors Lake at the Quantong Recreation Reserve in Round 10 of the Horsham and District Football Netball League. The Bombers were relentless kicking 12 goals in the...
Noradjuha Quantong have stayed in the top three with a massive 144-point win over Taylors Lake at the Quantong Recreation Reserve in Round 10 of the Horsham and District Football Netball League.
The Bombers were relentless kicking 12 goals in the first half and 13 in the second to win 25.12.162 to 2.6.18.
Brock Orval had a standout game up forward and through the midfield with six goals continuing on his brilliant form in recent weeks. Jack Vague was solid again in the ruck against Max Kamstra and captain Wade Francis continues his solid year off half back with another great display. Coach Damian Cameron also kicked four goals showing great leadership during the game.
For the undermanned Taylors Lake it was another big loss, but the shining light for them is youngster Billy Finnigan being consistent week in and week out through the midfield.
Laharum had a successful weekend off the field celebrating their centenary, but not one on as they lost by 42 points against Natimuk United. The Rams jump started Laharum early kicking the first five goals of the game and the Demons were playing catchup all day with the Rams running out 13.11.89 to 5.7.37 winners.
Lachlan Harris and Nathan Koenig kicked five and three goals respectively for the Rams with Todd Stevenson, Jordan Smith and coach Jarred Combe all solid throughout the game.
For the Demons, youngster Pat Lattanzio again was a shining light through the midfield whilst also kicking a major. Heath MacInnes celebrating his 200th game was solid down back being as reliable as he always is.
Demons coach Hamish Roberts rued the first quarter.
“That first quarter killed us letting them kick the first five goals of the game. It was hard coming back from that. They started out fast and caught us off guard,” Roberts said.
“We just didn’t string four quarters together. Despite what the scoreboard shows I thought we were good in a couple of quarters, but we need to learn to play four quarters and being a young team, no doubt that will come.”
When asked about how the weekend went with the centenary celebrations, Roberts concluded.
“Everything went really well. There were great presentations and catching up with different people that haven’t been at the club for a while was really good for a lot of Laharum people and seeing so many there was great to see.”
Pimpinio battled hard but were another victim to a relentless Harrow Balmoral losing by 159 points at the Pimpinio Recreation Reserve. The Tigers only managed one goal in the first quarter whilst the Southern Roo put on nine. It continued to be a one way show with the Southern Roo putting another 21 goals on the scoreboard to Pimpinio’s four in the other three quarters winning 30.12.192 to 5.3.33.
Simon Close kicked a massive 10 goals to now bring his season tally to 49, 13 ahead of injured team-mate James Staude. Nik Pekin and Mitchell Grant both kicked six a-piece. Will Burbury and Jai Thompson were also prominent during the game.
For the Tigers, Nick Groves kicked three goals making most of his opportunities leading up from half forward all day. Jason Westley again was solid through the midfield battling hard and Mackay Baker in the ruck held his own and did a good job.
Tigers coach Clint Burdett took the game as a great learning experience for his young squad.
“It was a good learning curve to see where we need to be to measure up against good sides. Even though we have injuries, we are still a long way off. But it was good to see how the best side play and go about it and what we need to work on to get there,” Burdett said.
When asked what they need to work on more Burdett concluded.
“We need to pick up our skills and be more polished. We fumble a bit under pressure. We also need to lift our work rate more and apply more pressure if we want to match it against the best sides.”
Rupanyup have now fallen two games away from the top four losing by five points to Kaniva Leoor at the Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
In a wind affected match with a three-goal breeze at one end, it was a tight game all day with Kaniva Leeor playing better with the wind, winning 7.9.51 to 7.4.46.
Panthers coach Braydon Ison pointed out where they lost the game.
“We just didn’t use the wind well in the second quarter kicking two goals. I just found that we didn’t capitalise on our chances. We had a lot of clearances and went to a dead pocket a lot.
“Had we converted and played better, we would have got away with a win, but credit to Kaniva, they capitlised and won the game,” Ison said.
The Panthers can take a few positives out of the loss with Cooper Reading getting through unscathed following a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Connor McKinley on debut on the ball did well and 17-year-old debutant Max Sudholz on the wing showed he didn’t belong out of place.
Ison was pleased with them and a couple other players too.
“Max has been training really well and deserved his chance. Oliver Timms keeps getting better and better each week. It was his third game of the year and his fitness is increasing and has been able to stay on the ball for longer durations,” Ison said.
“Elliott Kelly continues to shine as a big body in the midfield doing his job well. Bill Hansen also worked hard all day getting the ball.”
“Alby Kingston as a 16-year-old in the backline is starting to fit in and play well. These born and bred players are showing they belong and will have great careers at the club,” he concluded.
In the other matches Jeparit Rainbow were tested by the Swifts early at North Park with Stawell taking a 9-point lead into half time. The Storm showed why they are one of the top teams kicking seven goals to three in the third quarter before running out 18.5.113 to 12.12.84 winners.
Edenhope Apsley has stayed in the top four with a 20 point win over Kalkee at the Edenhope Football Ground.
Kalkee came out firing, leading by 11 points at quarter time but it was a one way show after that with the Saints winning 14.6.90 to 10.10.70.