Sport
5 May, 2023
Saints retain unbeaten record
HORSHAM Saints remain undefeated in Wimmera Football League after a 35 point win over the Stawell Warriors at Central Park. It was a tight first half with only four goals kicked with the Saints taking a 12 point lead into half time. In the third...
HORSHAM Saints remain undefeated in Wimmera Football League after a 35 point win over the Stawell Warriors at Central Park.
It was a tight first half with only four goals kicked with the Saints taking a 12 point lead into half time. In the third quarter the Saints started to grind the match out kicking four goals to two and kicked the same in the fourth quarter to win 11.9.75 to 5.10.40.
Coach Ben Knott explained how the game went.
“Stawell were all over us in the first half and I am glad they didn’t kick truly in that second quarter – kicking five behinds which helped a lot.”
“After half time we grabbed back the ascendancy. Our structure was good and we displayed what we have been working on and how we want to play this year.”
Jarrod Garth again was solid with four goals and Knott was thrilled that seven other players hit the scoreboard showing that they have a real spread and not relying on Garth all the time.
Gage Wright was best on ground with Tom Butler, Jordy Keyte, Tom Vincent, Mitch Martin and Angus Martin all very good. Knott spoke highly of them.
“Tom Butler came in played down back and was serviceable. He held his own and I am really happy. I am pleased we can bring people back up from the twos and they perform for us,” Knott said.
“Jordy Keyte is a wingman. He is a youngster in school in Ballarat. He runs his guts out all day and gets the ball and moves it forward. It’s always maximum effort all the time from him.”
“Tom Vincent in the ruck is forever improving. He is learning and he is getting better. He is a bit raw but is showing good signs and is really competitive,” he concluded.
The Saints Reserves had a solid 15.11.101 to 10.3.63 win with the under 17’s and under 14’s securing 70 and 63 point wins respectively.
At the Dimboola Recreation Reserve, the Horsham Demons put up a brave effort against unbeaten Dimboola, but fell short by 14 points. The Demons flew out of the blocks fast in the first quarter to lead by 21 points. A four goal to two quarter saw the Roos bring the margin back to five points at half time. The Roos started to get ahead in the third quarter and despite a spirited effort from the Demons, the Roos won 18.10.118 to 16.8.04.
Demons Coach Tyler Blake described the loss as bitter sweet.
“It was really positive the way that we played. Dimboola are an experienced side. We played lively against the Saints the week before and we played even better on Saturday,” Blake said.
“At the same time it was disappointing that we didn’t win. We had a young side with four under-17’s playing and we had another debutant in Lachie Hobbs who played his role. They all fit in and we will keep playing them going forward,” he added.
Ben Janetzki again was very good with Billy Carberry, Ben Lakin, Brody Pope and Sam Janetzki all among the best players. Max Bunworth playing his second game kicked two goals and Blake is loving what he is seeing from the 16 year-old.
“Max is a natural football player. As a 16 year old, he is a small kid but he knows how to find the ball and finish it. He doesn’t look out of place at all. He plays his role and the future is very bright,” Blake described.
Jordan Motton kicked a game high six goals in which Blake was very pleased with.
“Jordan was really good. He was due for a good game. It’s his second year with the club and he is starting to show what he can bring. He is a really quick runner. He can mark, jump and kick long. He was really able to display that on Saturday,” he concluded.
In the reserves the Demons had a comprehensive 112 point win, 21.11.137 to 4.1.25. It was also great news in the under 17’s and under 14’s winning by 72 and 63 points respectively.
In the other matches a game high five goals from Tom Mills helped Ararat to a 73 point win over the Warrack Eagles at Alexandra Oval. The Eagles were held scoreless in the first quarter and trailed by 32 points at half time. An eight goal to two second half to Ararat saw them run out winners 15.16.106 to 5.3.33. Flynn Toner and Adam Haslett were solid for the home team. Declan Powell kicked two goals for the Eagles with Tom James, Nick Ingram and Jack O’Donnell all among the better players on the ground.
It was, however, at the Murtoa Recreation Reserve where the Southern Mallee Giants showed they are the real deal this year with a 34 point win over the reigning premiers Minyip Murtoa. Led by Josh Webster with five goals and Sam Weddell, Jackson Fisher and Rupert Sangster, they won 13.13.91 to 9.3.57.
For the home side Tanner Smith kicked three goals with Nic Ballagh, Luke Fisher and Lachlan Jones also prominent among the best players on the day.