Poowong obliterates Yarragon in decisive victory

POOWONG travelled to Yarragon to play four games. 

Unfortunately, Nilma Darnum Under 18’s forfeited in a catch-up game. 

Poowong coming off a loss last round against Buln Buln, they were facing a crucial game for the Club going forward. Poowong selectors were forced to make six changes in Jett Blackwood U/18’s, Aaron Damon U/18’s, Patrick Doran U/18’s – first senior game, Gavan Monson U/16’s and back Mitch Cochrane and Mitch DeKleuver out Josh Chivaroli, Jarvis Brown, Bryce Riddell, Jye Loughridge, Lachlan Waters and Tim Gellert. 

Taking a very young side into the seniors would be a task for the team even though Yarragon were coming off a loss last round.

Poowong kicked to the far end in good conditions with a good ground surface good. It would be a great effort by the coach to get the team up after the last round at training, asking the players to apply pressure on the opposition and work harder to get to the contest.

Poowong started well. Jake Cochrane kicked the first, Yarragon replied with a goal, Poowong went forward with Pat Doran goaling with his first kick in senior football, and the ever-dangerous Rory Nettle from the U/18’s kicking his first for Poowong. 

Three on the board early and looking confident, Rory Nettle kicked his second from a mark on the HFF and when Jack Hazendonk kicked his first, suddenly Poowong had opened a 25-point lead at quarter time. Poowong 5.2.32 to Yarragon 1.1.7

The big question… would Poowong be able to maintain the pressure as surely Yarragon would lift in the second quarter. Poowong continued to move the ball quickly and showed plenty of pace adding early goals to Jake Cochrane, Alex Henshall from the boundary, Jett Blackwood and Tom Burgess both U/18s. 

Zac Gray who was working hard around the ground kicked Poowong’s tenth to open a 55-point lead. 

Yarragon lifted and added two goals from passes, two more attempts resulted in a point and one out of bounds as the halftime siren sounded. Poowong 10.2.62 to Yarragon 3.2 20.

Alex Henshall, Zac Gray and Jack Hazendonk were working hard but the whole team were up and about keeping up the pressure and moving the ball quickly.

Poowong started well in the third quarter with Jake Cochrane kicking two, one from a Micah Williames pass and the other from a Tyran Lord pass. Poowong had a couple of more chances, but Yarragons full-back was marking well repelling the attacks. Yarragon lifted finding their forwards and added three late goals for the quarter. Three-quarter time Poowong held a 37-point lead 12.4.76 to Yarragon 6.3.39.

Poowong came out hard and goaled early snuffing out any effort from Yarragon. Their full-back marked their first efforts to go forward before Alex Henshall marked and goaled - followed by points to Jake Cochrane with Connor Cunningham's point touching on the line. 

Jake Cochrane then passed to Connor Cunningham for his first goal, Pat Doran kicked his second. 

The last ten minutes saw Yarragon add a point from a poster Zac Gray adding Poowong sixteenth from a good snap followed by Jake Cochrane hitting the post when the Final siren sounded. 

Poowong held a 64-point lead 16.8.104 to Yarragon 6.4.40. 

What a turnaround – congratulations to the coach Dale Carroll and the players for their efforts on the day. Best players in a team effort to Alex Henshall, Zac Gray, Mitch Molloy, Jake Cochrane, Rory Pattinson and Tommy Burgess.

Next week they take on Trafalgar at home should be a good game. Might have a couple of experienced players back to help the young ones – a few new footballers have arrived lately, congratulations to all involved. 

The reserves finished up going down by 46 points – looked good early. The U/16’s had a good win by 47 points currently fourth on the ladder. 

Reminder: The Club Ball is next Saturday Night check the PFC Website for details.