Clubs come together in time of need

By Geoff Wyatt

POOWONG welcomed Lang Lang on Saturday with both sides needing a win, but in light of the tragic accident on Thursday night, when Poowong lost a great young player in Noah Peacock in a road accident, this was not the main focus. 

Poowong Football Netball Club showed on Saturday the greatness of the club in the ability of the players, committee, club members and supporters to pay a fitting to tribute to Noah Peacock. 

To see the crowd that attended to support the club, the peacock family and the players, this would only happen in a local country community and the club thanks the community for their support. 

To see members of other local clubs showing their support as well as SEN broadcasting the game, was good for local football, and hopefully something good will be generated from this day.

Before the senior game both clubs’ seniors and reserves, umpires and supporters paid tribute to Noah on the ground finishing, with eight seconds of silence as Noah wore No 8. 

Zac Gray wore Noah’s No 8 jumper as a personal tribute with every Poowong player having Noah’s number on their hands. 

Some great emotional speeches were made prior to the game as a tribute, Poowong players determined to honour their former teammate with a victory.

Poowong kicked to the Nyora end favoured by the breeze, and they added 3.1 with goals to Mitch Whiting and two to Paddy Harmes with Lang Lang a late goal. 

Poowong 3.1 to Lang Lang 1.0.6. Both sides were working hard but Poowong’s tackling the difference, you could see the emotional efforts from the Poowong players having an effect in the first quarter. 

The second quarter was played between defences with some strong tackling, the only score for the quarter being a goal coming from a kick in the square by Jayden Sullivan. 

Poowong were asked to continue with their efforts to win the game in honour of Noah with determination and discipline, the question was could they keep this up with the emotion around the ground, they regrouped and showed the determination requested of them. 

Lang Lang came out determined and opened with a goal and a point. 

The ball was moving up and down the ground and it was Mitch Whiting from the pocket to kick his second. Lang Lang had their chances, but a couple of bad misses was not helping their cause. 

Poowong moved the ball the full length of the ground resulting in Jayden Sullivan running in to an open goal. 

Poowong were asked to keep up their effort with everyone contributing, Connor Cunningham was working hard in the ruck as was Alex Doria, Zac Gray, Will Lumby and Andrew Logan down back. 

Poowong opened the final quarter with a point then Paddy Harmes kicked his third, they followed up with a couple of points. 

Lang Lang was determined and lifted with a couple of goals and a point, but Poowong’s determination won through at the final siren, guaranteeing a 
finals berth with Lang Lang’s chances gone.

Poowong’s rooms were packed after the game as Chris Doria, Poowong’s coach, made a great speech paying tribute to Noah and his family and the efforts of every player to play a part in the victory and to dedicate their efforts ahead in the finals to Noah.

Despite the win Poowong has slipped to fifth on percentage, Poowong travel to Nyora and Ellinbank to meet Neerim South, whatever the result you would expect they will meet in the elimination final.

The reserves game was an emotionally charged affair with Jake Peacock wearing his brother’s jumper and he did it proud. 

The boys led all day but with the breeze freshening Lang Lang prevailed by two points. A great effort by the Poowong players as Lang Lang are a finals contender.

Poowong will play Nyora for the Demon Cup at Nyora next Saturday, the last game before the finals. Poowong are looking to field an under 16s and a thirds team under 18, if interested contact the club.