Poowong too good for battling Blues

BY HALF time in the match between Catani and Poowong on Saturday, the Pies were well on top, 10.10 to 1.1 and the interest on a gloriously sunny day at Poowong turned to the second half of the A Grade netball and what sort of spread they had in the members’ dining room.

The netballers did not disappoint with a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, 36-35 in Poowong’s favour and, as expected, the jelly cakes, sandwiches and cups of tea were superb.

But back at the footy, Poowong continued where they left off after half time, although they mucked around with it approaching goal as drifting concentration and a willingness to give team mates a scoring opportunity cost them more goals and an even bigger result.

Jack Hazendonk, Steven McInnes and Patrick Harmes were among those leading the way in the first half, as part of a team effort, McInnes and Hazendonk combining well with Connor Cunningham on the ball, while also slotting a few of the early goals and William Robertson providing a target up forward without actually finishing the day with any goals of his own.

The third quarter started with Thomas Robertson strong on a wing, Jarred Mills getting the scoring started again with a nice goal and Harmes taking a snap, for a point, as Poowong continued in full control.

They shared the ball well and ran in twos and threes in what was an open contest. Catani by comparison was constantly under pressure.

The Blues finally got their second goal of the match to the pool end of the ground and their club president Nathaniel Rodda played by example with a fine mark in the middle of the ground, also being one of the team’s three goal kickers on the day, but they were sadly below the required standard.

With Jared Mills around the flanks, McInnes continuing to be creative up forward, Josh Harvey, Will Lumby and others all playing their roles, it was far too easy for the Pies.

When Alex Doria had the chance to slot another goal after the three-quarter time siren, the game was all over 14.14 to 2.2 at that stage despite Poowong failing to convert their dominance in the term.

They’ll get a better chance to test their mettle against Buln Buln at Buln this Saturday, a team that took neighbours Nyora to the cleaners last week.