Football
25 June, 2025
Natimuk upset defending champions
Natimuk have put themselves in the running for a seniors football finals spot after their shock win over Harrow Balmoral on Saturday in round 10 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The final score was Natimuk 9.6 (60) to Harrow Balmoral 8.8 (56).
The game was thrilling throughout, with Natimuk firing out of the gate to kick the opening three goals.
Harrow responded with three goals of their own as Natimuk took a narrow 21-20 lead at the first break.
Natimuk came out strongly again in the second quarter, with goals for William (Billy) Taylor, Adrianne Lupton and Mitchell Clarke giving them a 13-point lead before entering half-time with a 40-34 lead.
Harrow edged ahead 41-40 partway into the third, before goals to Zachary Smith and Lupton opened up an 11-point lead for Natimuk, as they eventually entered the fourth quarter up 59-48.
A tense fourth quarter played out, with Harrow Balmoral consistently putting on pressure up forward, but a tenacious effort from Natimuk saw them hold on.
For the victors, midfielders Mitchell Clarke and Billy Taylor were among the standouts, while Peter Staude and Mitchell Grant were two of Harrow Balmoral’s best.
Adrianne Lupton led Natimuk with three goals and Jack Bellinger booted two.
Anthony Close and Lachlan Craig each scored two for the Roos.
Natimuk club president Shane Glascott said he was overjoyed at the win.
“That was a great win,” Glascott said.
“It’s been a while since we’ve beaten them."
Natimuk's last victory over Harrow Balmoral was in 2013 before their merger to become Natimuk United.
In the change rooms Natimuk coach Jarrod Combe addressed the team, praising the performances from the whole side.
Harrow Balmoral will take some solace in that they were undermanned, with players like Simon Close and Jai Thompson being key outs.
But the loss sees the defending champions pushed down to third on the league leader.
Although the win keeps Natimuk at seventh, the Rams are just one win behind the fifth-placed Swifts.