Football
14 April, 2026
Saints open season with convincing win
The Horsham Saints recorded a convincing opening-round win in the Wimmera Football Netball League, defeating Warrack Eagles by 43 points.
While the Eagles had a slow start, only booting one goal and one point in the first half, the Saints found the goals more often, although not with much accuracy at times, to be 3.10 (28) at the big break.
It was a better quarter for the Eagles after the break, as they found the goals multiple times, but still went into the final quarter chasing the Horsham side by 25 points.
The side from Warrack was again held to just a goal and a point in the final term, while the home side piled on more than four majors, with the end result Horsham 11.16 (82) to the Eagles 6.3 (39).
Coach of the Saints, Angus Martin, said the contest work from his side was good, and he thought the Horsham side didn't give them a lot of easy exits from stoppages, which his side was able to capitalise on.
"Most pleasing was seeing the boys play the way we have been training," Martin said.
"Also, how quickly the new players are gelling with the group."
Martin also acknowledged how, when his side was challenged by the Eagles after half-time, kicking a couple of fast goals, they were able to steady and regain control of the match, before finishing the game with a decent winning margin.
Better players for the winners were Jacob Obeirne and Nathan Davey, while the Eagles were best led by Nick Ingram and Seth Keam.
"I was really impressed with recruit Nathan Davey, his defensive work and then run was hugely important," Martin said.
"Gage Wright was really good in the contest and massively important for us."
Goal scorers for the match included the captain of the Saints, Mitch Martin, Reid Kuller and Zac Peake, who all found the big sticks twice for the Horsham side, while John Jorgensen booted three goals for Warrack, and Connor McFayden two.
Coach Kyle George said his side, in the Eagles, didn't play how they wanted to, and admitted in areas, they need more work.
"Once that improves, things should look up," he admitted.