Nail-biting game goes to Trafalgar in late battle

POOWONG welcomed Trafalgar in all four levels, U/16s, U/18s, Reserves and Senior, on a cold wintry day with rain most of the day and a breeze to the Drouin Road end. The ground stood up well to the conditions and four games.

Poowong made three changes out Mitch Cochrane, Charlie Koscal and Gavan Monson, all unavailable, replaced by Lachie Waters, Anthony Orisini U/18’s first Senior game and Andrew Logan back after first son Henry James Logan arrived.

Having a very young side on the ground it was good to see the development of these boys, they all move well and read the play. Rory Nettle has good delivery and long kick, Tom Burgess looks very promising and competitive, Jett Blackwood has good ball handling and is dangerous around the forward line, Pat Dorian makes the most of his opportunities, Aaron Damon showing promising signs and works hard, and Anthony Orsini played well in his first Senior game.

Trafalgar kicked to the Drouin Road end and was on the board early with two goals before Poowong went forward with a point to Jake Cochrane followed by a kick out of bounds. Micah Williames brought up the first major for Poowong from a good snap, Trafalgar went around the boundary to kick their third. Poowong replied with a goal to Jett Blackwood from the boundary for their second. Jack Hazendonk, who was in everything, found Alex Henshall for Poowong’s third.

Both sides moved the ball well in the conditions, Poowong getting back into the game after a slow start. Alex Henshall added a great goal early from the boundary, his second, with Trafalgar adding their fifth from a free kick. Poowong unfortunately lost Jake Cochrane with a hamstring leaving a big hole in the forward line. Poowong’s Micah Williames added his second with a great snap and then Poowong added a point from a free kick to go in at half time with a one-point lead 5.2.32 to Trafalgar 5.1.31.

Poowong’s pressure was good, they were working well together, the umpires were doing a good job in the conditions and both sides were moving the ball well, the game was up for grabs.

The lights were on for most of the game and Poowong started the third quarter with a great individual goal to Alex Henshall. Alex Henshall added his second for the quarter from a free kick at CHF and then his fourth. Poowong went into the final quarter with a two-point lead.

Poowong and Trafalgar battled closely in the final quarter. Poowong took an early nine-point lead, but Trafalgar quickly responded, narrowing the margin. Both teams exchanged points and goals, with Trafalgar ultimately taking a two-point lead late in the game. Poowong tried hard to get back the lead, but the siren sounded with the ball in attack.  Poowong 8.6.54 Trafalgar 9.3.57 down by three points.