Football
18 May, 2024
Rupanyup defeat Noradjuha Quantong in tough battle
Three fourth-quarter goals to Brayden Ison have led Rupanyup to a 24-point win over Noradjuha Quantong at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve in round six of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday.
Trailing by three points at three quarter-time, The Panthers kicked four goals, which included a great goal by Blake Turner to win 12.13.85 to 9.7.61.
The Panthers came out fast early, with Cam Weston, Andy Phelan and Jacob Christie kicking goals to take an early 23-2 lead. It took the Bombers 16 minutes to get their first forward entry as they trailed by 26 points at quarter time.
The Bombers had a brilliant second quarter, kicking five goals to take a one-point lead into halftime.
With the game on the line, it was a topsy-turvy third quarter with the Bombers in control for most of it. Alex Ross and Judah Hobbs goaled early to extend the margin to 15 points.
It was a back-and-forth battle between the clubs as they were sharing goals. Jacob Christie brought it back to eight but was answered quickly by Kade Bergen extending it back to 14.
It continued as an arm wrestle as Brayden Ison brought the Bombers back within eight before James Hallett extended the lead back to 14 points.
Two late goals to Cam Weston reduced the deficit to three points at three-quarter time.
In the end, The Panthers continued that momentum in the fourth and ran away with a 12.13.85 to 9.7.61 win.
Brayden Ison led the way with four goals for the Panthers whilst Judah Hobbs kicked two for the Bombers.
Bill Hansen was brilliant for the Panthers, but it was Jimmy Finnigan who caught coach Brayden Ison's eye.
"Jimmy on the wing was unbelievable. I could not believe it," Ison said.
"I've known him since he was ten years old at Minyip Murtoa and to see him grow and help them out, to now be a team-mate of his, it's good to see him develop. His future is bright."
Ison said it was a tough match and said they have learned a lot.
"It was a very tough match and after having the game on our terms early, the Bombers showed why they are a top side and took it to us," Ison said.
"It's good when you get a challenge. If we went the way we did after quarter time we wouldn't have learned anything.
"Hopefully we have learned that when the opposition get a few goals and a run on, you need to respond and get tighter and not drop your heads."
"At half time my message was that they have seen the best and worst of us and we would rather play to our potential and after halftime we showed we could do it. It's just a matter of actions."
When asked how it felt when he stood up in the last, Ison said he was just happy to play his role.
"It's good. I was upset with my second quarter and as a key forward I need to step up when the footy is coming in and play my role and I was able to do that in the last," Ison concluded.
Dylan Shelley was outstanding for the Bombers with Jack Vague in the ruck and Jayden Besford and James Gregg through the midfield.
Bombers coach Damian Cameron said the loss was disappointing.
"We had a good second quarter and showed grit and set it up to be in a position to win but went into our shells and played safe footy which was disappointing," Cameron said.
"In the first quarter, we just couldn't get our hands on the ball and with the midfield being one of our strong points, it was disappointing, but once we worked on that we got back into the game.
"My message at quarter time was to stand up and be accounted for. We had a lot of passengers and people weren't committed and we weren't running hard."
In the other matches, Pimpinio remained unbeaten with a 32-point win over Taylors Lake and Kalkee registered their first win with a 51-point win over Kaniva Leeor.
The other two games were close. Laharum challenged Harrow Balmoral, losing by 16 points whilst Edenhope Apsley took it up to the Swifts for three quarters, eventually losing by 23 points.
Full report on those games to come.