Poowong dominates Nyora for finals spot

By Geoff Wyatt 

POOWONG travelled to Nyora for seniors and reserves and the fourths visited Yarragon.

The ground was good considering the abundant recent rain, but some of the surrounds were suffering its effects.

Hopefully after a decent week everything will be good for the Elimination Final on Sunday, also at Nyora.

Poowong players continue to remember the loss of teammate Noah Peacock and were determined to honour Noah with another victory, and also to retain the Demon Cup in honour of Des Rogers a member and worker for both clubs.

Poowong was soon on the board, while at the other end the Magpie defenders contained Nyora’s forwards. 

The Magpies lost a couple of players early with injuries, with their exit from the game mainly precautionary ahead of finals.

Despite the setbacks, Poowong managed to kick six goals straight to Nyora’s two points by the first break.

Poowong was not as clean in the second quarter, adding just 1.5(11), but the Magpies’ defence didn’t allow Nyora any score during that period, extending the lead to 45 points at the long break.

With just one on the bench after halftime, the players were asked to keep up the pressure and support one another around the ground and be a bit more aggressive with their passes by hand and foot.

Although Nyora went forward, it failed to capitalise and Poowong made the Saints pay when Jayden Sullivan soccered a major, his third goal for the game.

Nyora stuck at its task and kicked their first goal, but Poowong replied through an impressive Alex Doria shot from the pocket. 

The Magpies continued to connect effectively, impressing with accurate passing, particularly by foot.

Alex Henschell was a major beneficiary, slotting three of Poowong’s eight goals for the third term, building a 90-point advantage by the last change

Poowong had players working hard all around the ground with the defence holding Nyora to only one goal at three quarter time, a good effort coming up to finals footy.

Nyora came out determined at the start of the last quarter and added two quick goals, while Poowong missed chances at the other end.

However, the Magpies soon took back control and added three goals to none for the remainder of the final term. 

The Magpies finished 98-point winners

Despite the score line, Nyora was competitive but found Poowong’s defence too efficient.

Nyora playing coach Dylan Heylen worked hard to lift the Saints and finished with a goal, with Scott Pugh booting the side’s two other majors.

The victory moved Poowong up to fourth on the ladder, with 12 wins and six losses

Three of those losses were by less than 10 points, demonstrating the coaching of Chris, Reece and Troy and the efforts of the players are paying off.

Selectors face an interesting challenge, with up to four players to come back for the Elimination Final, given everyone contributed on Saturday.

It was good to see the Poowong players in the Nyora social rooms, before they went back for the best and fairest vote count for seniors and reserves. 

Jack Hazendonk is the seniors Best and Fairest, with Mitch Rowe claiming the honour in the reserves.

The Reserves game went right down to the wire, with Poowong getting home by 6 points after being down by three goals at one stage.

Poowong was helped by some wayward kicking, with the Magpies finishing with their sixth win for the season. 

Coach Troy Shepherdson bagged three majors in the comeback.

The fourths came up against a stronger Yarragon side, but showed good discipline.

Matt Henschell, his support staff and the players have demonstrated great improvement in their skills since the start of the season, and there is plenty to look forward to next year.

For the netballers, other than the second-placed under 17s, it was the last game of the season, 
B grade had a win.

It’s been a great effort by the netballers, with a lot of young players this year but some very positive signs for the future.

The next game will be at Nyora on Sunday, August 28, where the seniors will play in their Elimination Final against Ellinbank.

Also, on Saturday the under 17 girls play in netball.

Best of Luck to Jai Newcombe in the AFL Rising Star Award.