Poowong’s hopes dashed by stronger Ellinbank side

POOWONG travelled to Nyora to take on Ellinbank. 

During the season it was one all.

Poowong made two changes in Josh Harvey and Jaemeel Knecht in for Jared Mills and James Scott, both players back from injury. 

Ellinbank had five players back including a player from Darwin. 

The game started with Ellinbank showing they meant business and kicked the first goal from a mark at CHF. Poowong worked the ball forward and Alex Henschell registered a point, then a long kick forward was out of bounds before Cody Loughridge scored the Magpie’s first goal from the forward flank.

Poowong’s defence spilt a mark and Ellinbank swooped on the ball and goaled. 

Connor Cunningham and Jack Hazendonk started well forward but were not being given any room to move by the opposition. 

Ellinbank took the ball from defence down the ground to kick their fifth and on the siren a long kick then bought up their sixth to open up a 31-point lead.                                             

Poowong would have to work harder and play catch up football. 

They opened with a free kick to Paddy Harmes for a goal, Ellinbank went forward and a good left foot kick resulted in a goal. 

Jack Hazendonk was playing well for Poowong but was continually being scragged.

Injuries to Will Lumby and Jye Loughridge before half time were taking their toll and a couple of limping players, making the job tough they had an opportunity but only a point resulted. 

Play had been bottled up for half the quarter before a free kick to Jaemeel Knecht, together with a 50-metre penalty. Jaemeel slotted a goal, their fourth. 

Ellinbank added three points before grabbing the ball from the ruck for a goal. 

In reply, Paddy Harmes added a goal from a free kick. 

A scuffle in the centre resulted in an Ellinbank goal from a long 50 metre penalty. 

Then a long kick from Will Robertson looked promising but only resulted in a point for Poowong.

Ellinbank went forward and added four points before adding four goals. Poowong came back and added three quick goals, two to Andrew Logan and another to Patrick Harmes.  

Before Ellinbank added five late goals to win 22.12. 134 to Poowong 11.5.71. 

Ellinbank were the better side in the end and will meet Trafalgar in the first semi.

Poowong have had a good season and hoped to go deeper into the finals, but it was not to be.

Coach Chris Doria did a great job with support from Reece Attenborough and Troy Shepherdon. 

To the committee led by Ted Attenborough, Col Attenborough, Clint Newcombe, Peter van t Hof, Keith Fort, to name a few did and amazing job over the season. 

Trainers Alan Massaro, Tony Stuart. Lorraine Connell and Andrew Jackman. Great support staff.

The under 17s netball are left to fly the flag for Poowong next week at the semi-final.

Great effort, all the best from all the Poowong supporters.

Poowong winds up at the Hotel Korumburra on October 1.

All the best to the Bulls in the Under 12s Grand Final next week at Yarragon.