Football
12 August, 2025
Lakers deliver big win over Rupanyup
Taylors Lake recorded their long-awaited third win for the season, comprehensively defeating Rupanyup at home on Saturday in round 17 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The final score was Taylors Lake 24.7 (151) to Rupanyup 7.10 (52).
Taylors Lake jumped to an early lead through goals from Ryan Gebert and Alex Baker, but Rupanyup responded as the Lakers held a 20-12 lead late in the first.
But the Lakers’ use of fast disposals ignited a flurry of offensive pushes upfield late in the quarter as they kicked three more goals to lead 38-12 at quarter-time.
The home side continued that momentum into the second quarter, kicking seven goals to give them an 82-24 lead at half-time.
Both sides played out a hard-fought third quarter which saw the Lakers remain in control of the game with a 112-51 lead at three-quarter-time.
The home side then put an exclamation point on their strong performance, kicking six goals while keeping the Panthers goalless in the final quarter to finish 99-point winners.
Patrick Lindsey and Billy Finnigan impressed for the Lakers in their victory, while Daniel Weetra and Adrian Rose stood out for Rupanyup.
Ryan Gebert kicked six goals for the Lakers, with Alex Baker adding four of his own, while Weetra led the Panthers with three goals.
Lee Marshall, interim coach of Taylors Lake, says the victory was a reward for both the playing group and the supporters.
“It's been a difficult season so far for the group and for the supporters who show up each week to watch us play,” Marshall said.
“To have a change of coach after round 11 and come up against four of the five top sides is always going to be difficult, so to come away with a win like that is very pleasing and a massive reward for the players for sticking by each other and obviously rallying and getting behind me as an interim coach.”
Marshall credited the return of Justin Beugelaar for helping contribute to the win.
“Having Justin Beugelaar back on the weekend playing across halfback was massive for our team,” Marshall said.
“It sets you up when you've got a tall across halfback that can take some marks and really get things going up the ground."
Asked about what message he had relayed ot the team in recent weeks, Marshall said the focus had been on improving their brand of football.
“The message has been pretty similar through the year: when we do play our brand of football, which is a fast, attacking brand of football, it's great to watch and the coaching group knew the potential the side had,” Marshall said.
“That's pretty much all I've tried to focus on the last six weeks: 'Don't worry about opposition and stuff like that, worry about our game and how we can improve as a group.’
“As it's shown on Saturday, when we do get it right, it does bring some reward.”