Football
16 April, 2024
Pimpinio defeat improved Laharum
Pimpinio defeated Laharum by eight points in a close contest at Pimpinio Sporting Complex to kick off the Horsham District Football Netball League season.
In a close first quarter, neither team gave an inch as the Tigers took a slender two- point lead into quarter time. They extended that margin to six at halftime.
The Demons had a brilliant third quarter kicking three goals to one to take a five-point lead into three-quarter time and were looking good to secure their first win since the 2022 season.
They fought hard in the last, but the Tigers were solid, running out 9.11.65 to 8.9.57 winners.
Nick Groves kicked four goals for the Tigers whilst midfielders Dylan Bates and Dylan Thomas were brilliant all day.
For Laharum, Daniel Easson and Robbie Miller both kicked two whilst Pat Lattanzio has started well, showing his class and capability of taking the next step in his football career in 2024.
Tigers coach Guy Smith said it was a tough match and praised Laharum for their performance.
"We knew that Laharum was going to be a great team. They are a good side and not the Laharum of old, that's for sure," Smith said.
We watched them play in a practice match the week before and we knew we had to play good football to win. They came to play. It was a real arm wrestle and they tested us.
"We made some errors in that third quarter in regards to decision making which got Laharum back into the game which was frustrating."
"Our players were desperate to make amends in the last and get back on top of the game and they did. It was a good win and they did it professionally."
Smith praised Bates, Thomas and Mackay Baker after the game.
"Whilst everyone can be proud of their performance, Dylan Bates and Dylan Thomas played exceptionally well through the midfield and up forward," Smith said.
"Dylan Thomas is just a stopping-style player and locks other midfielders down. His tackling pressure is the best at our club and that's why he was rewarded that medal.
"Dylan Bates's explosive power and agility are second to none and no one can keep up with him. It's fantastic for us."
"Mackay Baker in the ruck was brilliant. He played against someone older and more experienced and he had a really solid game and got first hands on the ball a lot."
Laharum coach Shan Argall said they are getting there and even though they lost, is proud of the boys for the improvement they have shown.
"We are getting there slowly and it was a demonstration of our growth a bit more," Argall said.
"The message I told the boys after the match was that we are incredibly proud and a loss hurts and so it should. You have your ups and downs and it is about what you do next and we spoke about that.
"We took big steps yesterday. Our structures and particularly our press were excellent. We made things difficult at times in our decision-making and allowed them too many uncontested marks during the game which cost us and we will work on that."
Argall said that Pat Lattanzio's effort was fantastic and highlighted the experience Easson and Miller provided.
"Pat played across half forward and is hard at the ball. He hunts it as a forward and is also good midfield depth and he is providing defensive pressure and his effort was fantastic," Argall said.
"With Easson and Miller, their pedigree can't be questioned. They are fantastic footballers and even better people. To have them at the club is great for the younger guys as they can learn from them."
Lakers storm to victory
Taylors Lake stormed to an 18-point win against Edenhope Apsley at the Dock Lake Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
They kicked four goals to two in the first quarter to take a 14-point lead into quarter time and extended it to 37 at halftime. They held on in the second half to win 13.11.89 to 10.11.71.
Lakers playing coach Justin Beugelaar kicked a game-high four goals whilst recruit Brock Summerhayes kicked three for the Saints.
Bray Cullinan was best on the ground whilst Timothy Churcin shone for the Saints in his first game for the club.
Beugelaar said they came out to prove a point.
"We had a strong pre-season and were out to prove a point and prove a lot of people wrong as a lot of people have written us off, Beugelaar said.
"The win came down to a lot of our recruits. From the beginning we haven't chased superstars and wanted depth and players that are coachable and can play to a game plan and they did that on Saturday.
"Everyone stood up and in the second quarter we started to play our brand of footy. In the second half we hadn't been in that position before and it was a challenge, but the boys stuck to their guns and I am proud of them fighting to the end as the Sants are a quality side."
Beugelaar said everyone played well.
"There were no weak links. Everyone played their role and can be proud," Beugelaar said.
"Bray Cullinan is a bull in the middle and gave us first use of the footy and is an amazing two-way runner for us. Hunter Campey, who I have big wraps on worked his backside off on the wing and then off half back.
"Koby Westerland and Thomas Clugston did some great jobs down back."
Paul Summers boots 11.
At Kalkee Recreation Reserve, 11 goals to recruit Paul Summers guided the Swifts to a 68-point win over Kalkee. The Swifts won 22.13.145 to 12.5.77.
Angus Murray and Chris Freeman were also solid for the Swifts with Hamish Excell, Matt Nield and Douglas Grining the better players for Kalkee.
Swifts coach Brett Hargreaves couldn't have asked for a better start.
"As far as round one goes, you couldn't ask for a lot more. It was a good score that we kicked. We knew Paul was a quality recruit and it is great having him on board. We don't expect anyone to kick 11," Hargreaves said.
"It's pleasing to see the way we moved the ball. The way we were training with quick ball movement, we did well.
"What we need to work on is our lapses through the game. We let them score too easy from lapses and it was disappointing so getting the team to play a whole quarter is the next thing we have to work on."
Natimuk start season with win
At Kaniva Recreation Reserve, five goals to Cody Frizon and four to Cody Maybery led Natimuk to a 28-point win over Kaniva Leeor.
Natimuk started slow with the Cougars taking a 10-point lead into quarter time. A four-goal second quarter saw the Rams take a two-point lead into halftime.
The Rams then asserted control in the second half, kicking eight goals to three to run out 13.9.87 to 8.11.59 victors.
Zachary Smith and Kaiden Sudholz were also among the best for the Rams alongside the goalkickers.
For the Cougars, Hamish Bennett and Billy King were their best with Patrick Munn and Riley Vivian kicking two goals a piece.