Horsham take out junior football premiership

Horsham’s under 14.5 junior girls' side consolidated their undefeated season by claiming the inaugural Wimmera Football Netball League premiership, defeating Laharum in Sunday’s grand final.

By Mackenzie Book

Horsham celebrates after the final siren sounds.

The final score saw Horsham kick 2.9 (21) to Laharum’s 2.0 (12).

Horsham’s Chloe Stockdale was named best on ground for her performance as Horsham proved too strong across the park.

Horsham dominated territory in a hotly contested opening quarter, with Amba Zolj finally getting them on the board shortly before the first break to lead 6-0.

The middle quarters saw Horsham continue to get the better of Laharum, having numerous attempts at goal but being unable to convert any majors, eventually leading 12-0 with one quarter to go.

But some individual brilliance from Laharum’s Georgia Foster saw her kick two early goals in the fourth to make it a tied game.

Horsham responded with regular upfield pushes, scoring a couple of behinds, before Indigo Pope scored a goal to create breathing space.

Horsham would eventually close out the game as nine-point victors.

As well as Stockdale’s best-on-ground performance, Horsham’s Asha Meek and Indigo Pope impressed with countless possessions and disposals in the winning performance.

Foster was a clear standout for Laharum, with solid performances coming from Claudia Penny and Immi Roberts.

At the post-match ceremony, Horsham coach Darcy Taylor was quick to credit the side’s growth this season and in recent years.

“We've had most of this playing group for about three years now and you can definitely see them sticking at it and seeing the drive at training and continuing to improve ourselves out of sight,” Taylor said.