Football
4 June, 2025
Kalkee grab first win of the season
Off the back of a strong start, Kalkee’s senior football side defeated Rupanyup on Saturday to earn their first win of 2025 in round eight of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The final score was Kalkee 16.10 (106) to Rupanyup 13.8 (86).
After opening up an 18-point first-quarter lead, Kalkee led 58-25 at half-time.
A second-half push from Rupanyup, including 41 points in the final term, had Kalkee on their toes before they prevailed with the win.
Andy Devereaux, coach of Kalkee, admitted to feeling tense in the final quarter.
“Got nervous towards the end, being on the rough end of a couple of close games, you definitely get a bit nervous, Devereaux said.
“But full credit to Rupanyup, they definitely fought it out to the end and they obviously had some handy players back.”
For Kalkee, the best players on the park were Matt Nield and Ben Lawson, while Connor Weidemann and Daniel Weetra were Rupanyup’s best.
Lawson led all scorers with seven goals, while Blake Turner and Domonic Grant each bagged three for Rupanyup.
In addition to a healthier side, Devereaux praised the team's intensity in the first half for helping set up the win.
“It was nice to have what we'd consider to be nearly our full strength side out in the park for a change,” Devereaux said.
“Our midfield worked really, really well and our pressure was really high for the first half.
“We were just attacking the footy, which is super pleasing, and then obviously having Benny Lawson back up forward was definitely a handy addition.”
The Kalkee coach also sang praise to Matt Nield’s performance upon reaching 250 games for the club.
“I must admit, Matty Nield played an absolute blinder for his 250th, and he was definitely best on ground by a mile.”
Players from both sides also observed a minute of silence prior to kickoff to commemorate the life of Rupanyup life member Jeff ‘Ruwy’ Ruwoldt.
Ruwoldt was a former premiership player who was heavily involved in the management and administration of the club over many years.
“Losing a really valued member of a club is always tough,” Devereaux said.
“We know how hard it is with volunteers, and especially people who have been around a club for decades, so condolences to Rupanyup.”