Poowong retains Demon Cup in close match

By Geoff Wyatt

THE start of the Ellinbank Football League for 2023 saw Poowong welcome Ellinbank Under 15s and U/18s and Nyora playing for the Demon Cup in the seniors and the reserves. 

Prior to the seniors, both clubs held a minutes silence together for Heather Fort of Poowong a great worker and supporter for Poowong’s football and netball, with husband Keith and Geoff Glover who was Nyora through and through.

Both were great workers for their respective clubs having each been awarded life memberships by their clubs.

Poowong seniors and reserves are very different teams to last season with nine new senior players, together with a new senior coach Rodney Gundrill from Wonthaggi, and Reece Attenborough as his assistant. 

The game started in cool conditions with very little breeze, Nyora were first on the new electronic scoreboard with a goal to Scott Pugh. 

Poowong replied with a goal to new recruit Mitch Malloy. 

The second quarter was another quarter played between defences; Poowong were first into attack but Andrew Logan’s long kick was touched on the line followed by three rushed points to Nyora.

Poowong went forward with the assistance of a 50-metre penalty… young recruit Charlie Koscal kicked his first senior goal for the club. 

Another rushed point to Nyora, Poowong worked the ball forward with a series of hand passes resulting in a goal to Kurt Newton, their third. 

Poowong kept up the pressure and a long kick forward found Andrew Logan in the square to kick their fourth to open up a 18 point lead. Nyora lifted with Nick Anderson kicking Nyora’s second just on half time.

Poowong new players quickly fitted in with last year’s players and were showing signs of being a team that will worry other teams in the league. 

The breeze was stronger going to Poowong’s end and the Magpies were quickly into stride with Will Robertson goaling followed by Andrew Logan with another from the flank.

The early part of the quarter was played between defences but Nyora managed a goal through Rhys Grange Lyiak. 

Zac Gray added a point from a long shot from a free kick for holding the ball. 

Nyora suddenly found the goals with two goals to Scott Pugh after a point from the pocket. 
With a few minutes left and the margin just one goal, both sides desperately were trying to take the four points. 

Poowong were going forward when the final siren sounded. 

A great win to start the season. 

As it’s early in the season and you might be looking to play football, Poowong is a great family club. Training Tuesday and Thursday nights or contact Ted Attenborough 0407 597 341 

With no football over Easter and the bye on April 15, Poowong will meet Neerim South on April 22, at Neerim South.