Football
22 May, 2025
Rupanyup and Taylors Lake draw even
A thrilling 84-84 draw was played out between Rupanyup (13.6) and Taylors Lake (12.12) on Saturday in round six of the Horsham District Football Netball League at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
Taylors Lake established a two-point lead in the first quarter before Rupanyup hit back to lead 52-34 at half-time, only for Taylors Lake to hit back and go ahead by two heading into the final term.
A dramatic final quarter saw Taylors Lake’s Alex Baker slot a goal with just under 10 minutes to play before Rupanyup hit multiple behinds, constantly putting pressure on Taylors' defensive line.
Rupanyup’s Daniel Weetra had a chance to win the game from 50 metres out after the siren, but his attempt pulled up just centimetres short, leaving the game as a draw.
Amidst the tight contest, Taylors Lake coach Justin Beugelaar rued the missed opportunities on offer.
“A draw will always leave you with a bit of an empty feeling,” Beugelaar said.
“We had our chances throughout the day.
“We had a number of shots at goal that went out on the full by our players that really cost us in the end,” Beugelaar added.
For Rupanyup, Elliot Kelly and Blake Turner were among the best players, with Turner kicking six majors.
Logan Miller and Jayden Scott were Taylors Lake's best on the ground, while Connor Healey and Alex Baker each scored four goals for the away team.
In accounting for the momentum shifts throughout the game, Beugelaar noted the wind as a key factor.
“There was a decent breeze favouring the left side of the ground throughout the day,” Beugelaar said.
“We weren't able to capitalise on that in the first quarter so the game turned into a slog.
“Rup had it in the second quarter and kicked away.
“We were able to grind it back in the third and the last quarter turned into a fight."
In spite of leaving without a win, the Taylors Lake coach commended the effort of his depleted side.
“I'm proud of the side's fight, especially when we had another eight senior players missing due to injuries or suspensions,” Beugelaar said.