Football
23 September, 2024
Demons under-14s secure fourth consecutive premiership
Horsham's under-14 footballers defeated Ararat by 79 points to secure their fourth consecutive premiership.
Despite what the scoreline suggests, Ararat was competitive, never gave up, and kept it tight throughout the match. In the first quarter, they kept the Demons to two goals to trail by 13 points at quarter-time.
In the second quarter, the Demons started to get on top, keeping the Rats scoreless again to lead by 40 points at half-time.
The Rats secured their first goal through Khloe Wilson in the third quarter and fought hard, but the Demons kicked four goals to extend their margin to 60 points.
The Rats fought hard in the last, bringing the fight up to the Demons, but the Demons secured the victory, 12.13.85 to 1.0.6.
Chaz Smith kicked three goals and was awarded best on the ground for the Demons, with Lincoln Tucker also kicking three.
Zac Martin, Henry Walsgott, Chavi Sulic and Joshua Kalms were among the Demons' best players.
Billy Jenkins, Patrick Harrington, Finn Murnane, Oli Reynolds, Khloe Wilson and Hamish Barr were the Rats' best players on the day.
Horsham coach Steven Both said that while the rule changes at the start of the year regarding top and bottom-age players were a challenge, he is proud of the boys for what they achieved.
"At the start of the year, you get your list and work out what you have and go from there, and rule changes are what they are," Both said.
"We feel we have some kids that had an opportunity to play up a level when spots were available, and unfortunately, the rules didn't allow it.
"The result didn't matter today. I am proud of the boys. The way they have done it all year and worked so hard is a credit to them."
"The Ararat boys got better and better each time we saw them, and it's a credit to them, too, for not giving up."
"We are pretty happy with our year, and it's the start of the journey for these kids."
"Having coached a reserves premiership a few years ago, it's rewarding to coach the juniors as you watch them improve and have a good time, and to top it off with a premiership is special."