Kilcunda-Bass continues to build momentum

KILCUNDA Bass withstood the challenge of a determined Garfield side looking for its first win of the season, triumphing by 7 points to make it three victories on the trot for the Panthers.

While Kilcunda Bass led at every break it was never by much, being just 7 points at the last change.

In a match that required both sides to work hard for goals, Nathan Foote and Taylor Gibson led the Panthers’ scoring, booting three goals apiece.

Midfielder Foote was his side’s best, earning praise from coach Lee Rowe.

“He’s a tireless worker and doesn’t fuss about the attention he gets every week,” Rowe said.

After injury restricted Cam McKenzie to a couple of games for the Panthers last year, he continues to build momentum this season becoming increasingly prominent in the midfield and on a wing, and was terrific on Saturday.

“His last month has been huge; he finds the footy and is really creative,” Rowe said.

Although conditions were perfect for footy, the Kilcunda Bass players finished the game tired after the close battle on Garfield’s large ground, with the surface underfoot somewhat heavy.

Rowe said his side had to adjust to the bigger playing area and the extra kick required to drive the footy into its forward line.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Garfield got within a straight kick of taking the lead in the final quarter, but Kilcunda Bass was able to control the final minutes of the game.

Rowe gave credit to Garfield for its tenacity throughout the match.

“We couldn’t break away and they hung around after half time,” Rowe said.

Zac Soutar was one of the Garfield players who ensured the Panthers had to work hard all day, marking and contesting impressively across the halfback line, with Jett Pickering another to play well in defence for the Stars.

Nicholas Lang and Angus Emery were the top goalscorers for the Stars, slotting a couple each.

Garfield was well served by youth, playing a number of under 18s, a positive for the club’s future and something that helped provide run on its big ground, with Kilcunda Bass not having an under 18s side to draw on.

After a slow start to the season, Kilcunda Bass has begun to play increasingly well as a team after having to adjust to a lot of changes to the side.

Rowe said that players have now found their positions and are building greater consistency.

That improvement will be tested this weekend when the Panthers host local rivals Dalyston, a side they got the better of earlier this year.

Both teams will be hurling themselves into the contest as they look to win local bragging rights.