Football
29 April, 2025
Saints claim first scalp
Horsham Saints have claimed their first victory of the Wimmera Football Netball League season, defeating Horsham Demons by eight points in a hard-fought round-two clash at Horsham City Oval on Friday night.
The Saints outlasted the Demons by just eight points in wet conditions, posting a 9.9 (63) to 7.13 (55) win, with strong performances from their emerging players alongside experienced heads.
Horsham Saints FNC senior coach Ben Knott said he was “happy for a win” after the team showed significant improvement from their opening-round performance.
“We’ve got a young group but hard work pays off and it was the first win of the season,” Knott said.
“Our young players showed a lot of courage.
“The seniors played a good game as well and led the way, which they somehow missed in the first game.”
After a tight first half the Saints edged ahead by half-time, building a small but crucial lead that they maintained for the rest of the game.
Knott highlighted the importance of maintaining their strengths more consistently throughout games.
“It's about consistency and doing more often what we do well,” he said.
He praised the bravery of his younger players, particularly given the slippery conditions underfoot.
“Young blokes putting their bodies on the line were the highs of the game as it was a bit wet,” he said.
Jack Henry, Levi Munyard and Zac Van Buuren stood out as the Saints’ best players, driving the team to victory with strong efforts across the ground.
“We were really pleased to get the win and we're looking forward to more wins,” Knott said.
The Saints will aim to build on this momentum as the season progresses, with their young squad showing promising signs of growth.
Southern Mallee Thunder powered away in the final quarter to defeat Warrack Eagles by 22 points.
It was an even contest early, with Warrack leading at half time, but Thunder surged late, kicking four last-quarter goals to seal a 13.10 (88) to 10.6 (66) win.
Minyip Murtoa overturned a slow start to run over Stawell Warriors by 20 points.
Stawell led early but Minyip Murtoa dominated the second quarter, setting up a 12.7 (79) to 8.11 (59) victory.
Ararat produced a massive statement, thrashing Dimboola by 117 points.
After a slow second quarter, Ararat exploded with 15 second-half goals to finish 24.14 (158) to 6.5 (41).
