Magpie’s 91-point loss to Cats

By Geoff Wyatt

POOWONG travelled to Neerim South after a bye last week for games in all four grades on an overcast day, ground was good all set for a great game of country football. Poowong were forced to make three changes out Connor Cunningham, Gavan Monson and Rhys Butler, in Aaron Damon, Tyron Lord and Lachie Waters. A big loss will be Connor Cunningham who has been in good form from the ruck but hopefully he will be back next week, Gavan Monson was rested after the game in the East/West U/16’s game midweek being named best for the West team, well done Gavan.

Poowong kicked to the Warragul end, but it was Neerim South who hit the ground running and were first on the board, their first goal bounced through, the second a kick from CHF and the third rolled through, Poowong were struggling to get into the game not sure if it was from coming off the bye.

Neerim’s pace and quick movement and clean marking were really hurting Poowong’s defence. They quickly added three more goals before Poowong hit the scoreboard with goals to Rory Nettle and Alex Henshall which helped Poowong settle down, Jack Hazendonk and Andrew Logan were working hard. Neerim South kicked a late goal to go in at quarter Time 7.2.44 to Poowong 2.0.12

A fast game with good marking by Neerim South were pushing the young Poowong side but they were working hard needing to find a focal point up forward to finish off. Neerim South goaled from the bounce, Poowong found their feet and went forward a couple times for no score before Alex Henshall and Jarvis Brown goaled for Poowong, unfortunately Neerim South answered with three goals. Alex Henshall who was playing well kicked his third to keep Poowong in the game only to see Neerim South reply twice to go in with a 51-point lead at half time 13.3.81 to Poowong 5.0.30.

Before a good crowd enjoying the standard of football, good fast country football, Poowong were hoping to get back into the game but Neerim South were determined and added six goals two before Alex Henshall kicked Poowong’s sixth his fourth, Rory Nettle then added his second from a mark in the FP and then Jack Hazendonk intercepted a Neerim South defenders kick to add Poowong’s third goal for the Quarter.

Three quarter time Neerim South 19.7 121 to Poowong 8.0 48 a 73-point lead.

Neerim South added two quick goals before Poowong’s Jai Loughridge kicked his first followed by Alex Henshall kicking his fifth. Jack Hazendonk added a point from a free kick at CHF with the ball touched, Neerim South scored another three goals and Poowong a late point.

Final score Poowong 10.2.62 Neerim South 24.9.153. Though the scoreboard showed a large difference it was still a good game with Neerim Souths pace and cleaner handling of the ball the difference.

Best for Poowong Jack Hazendonk, Alex Henshall 5 goals, Jett Blackwood, Zac Gray, Aaron Damon and Joel Norton.

The Poowong U/16’s played well going down by seven Points, The U/18’s opened with 6 goals one in the first finishing with 9.12 to Neerim South 1.9.15 a good win been a while since I have seen the

U/18’s win at Neerim South. The Reserves battled all day, there was some glimpses of improvement hopefully they get a few back from the Seniors with players returning.

We welcome near neighbours Ellinbank in all grades next Saturday, remember the Hypnotist Night next Saturday Night, with the Poowong Ball on June 28. For tickets refer the Clubs website for details.