Sport
9 August, 2023
Saints return in winning form
The Horsham Saints have secured a double chance in the finals with a comprehensive 44 point win over Dimboola at Coughlin Park on Saturday in Round 16 of the Wimmera Football Netball League. The Saints got out to a flying start, putting the game to...
The Horsham Saints have secured a double chance in the finals with a comprehensive 44 point win over Dimboola at Coughlin Park on Saturday in Round 16 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Saints got out to a flying start, putting the game to bed in the first half kicking 10 goals to three to lead by 44 points at half time. Dimboola fought back but the Saints held that margin to win 15.10.100 to 7.13.55.
Coach Ben Knott was thrilled with the win against a finals side whilst securing a double chance.
“We can tick that one off now. To also win by that margin against a finals team is another good feeling. Happy days,” he added.
Knott explained the game and how everyone is playing well collectively as a team.
“We started off strong and they came back late in the third. They also had a patch in the first late in the quarter where they came back a bit. Defensively we held up well. Everyone was putting in defensively. Even though they were getting on top at some stages the boys responded well and overall I feel we had control of most of the game.”
Knott praised the back six; Jacob O’Beirne, Patrick Knott, Angus Martin, Jordy Keyte, Codi Kenny and Daniel Ervin.
“They have become a safety net and are playing well together. Patrick and Jacob are having sensational seasons and Angus Martin is solid and Jordy Keyte as a 17 year-old is getting better and better with his run and carry out of defense,” Knott said.
Mitch Martin continued his hot form with another five goals but the positive for the Saints was out of the 15 goals they scored, they had eight different goal kickers and when asked if that is something they have spoken about, Knott concluded.
“We have been sort of conscious that he has been the main goal kicker in the last month. We have tried to move things around the forward line and tried a few different things and things are working. The good news also about Mitch is that we can throw him into the midfield or defence so he can provide great versatility.”
Now sitting second on the ladder, the furthest they can fall is to third with the Giants sitting a game behind after securing their double chance with a tough win against Nhill at Beulah Memorial Park.
The Tigers were strong early taking a three point lead into quarter time. The Giants bounced back in the second to lead by 10 points at the main break. A four goal to three third quarter saw the Tigers trail by two at three quarter time before the Giants showed their strength winning 9.14.68 to 8.8.56.
Jackson Fisher was best on ground for the Giants hitting the scoreboard with two goals whilst for the Tigers, Wallace Wheaton kicked a game high three goals.
At North Park, Stawell had a comfortable 36 point win over the Warrack Eagles. Led by Paul Summers with six goals and a best on ground performance by Sean Mantell, the Warriors came out 11.17.83 to 7.5.47 victors.
In the final game of the round, Ararat comprehensively beat Minyip-Murtoa by 71 points at the Minyip Recreation Reserve; 14.15.99 to 3.10.28.