Thirty point victory for Poowong

By Geoff Wyatt

POOWONG Football and Netball Club welcomed Catani Club members and Poowong Club sponsors and life members to the Poowong Club on Saturday. The Club held a luncheon to thank sponsors and life members with guest speaker “Carlton Great” Anthony Koutoufides speaking to a full room enjoying the meal and listening to Anthony’s story of his football career, great story.

The President Matt Henshall spoke of Poowong’s commitment to local football and juniors, Poowong’s coach Dale Carroll and Eliza Cozzio (netball) outlined the Clubs strategy. Special thanks to John Vandeburgt and committee members and helpers for organising a great lunch and a great guest speaker. It is very important for clubs to thank sponsors for their sponsorship rather than just accept the money.

Great day for football, the U/16’s played at Ellinbank and lost after leading at half time, the U/18’s lost on the last kick of the match when Catani kicked a goal to win by six points, great game of Junior Football 52 to 46. The Reserves battled hard, have good numbers but need to work harder on the track. 

The Seniors were forced to make four changes, out Mick Molloy, Brady Rayner, Ben Peters and Mitch De Kleuver replaced by Mitch Cochrane, Josh Chiavaroli, Michael Robertson and in for his first game Bryce Riddell up from the U/18’s. Unfortunately, he received a knock very early and missed the remainder of the game, Bryce you will get another opportunity with your ability.

Poowong kicked to the Nyora end, minimal breeze and the ground in great condition. As both teams were looking for the four points both defences were working hard, scoring was limited, Poowong open with a point before Alex Henshall, who was working hard, added the first goal for Poowong. Play was continually drawn to the far wing with Catani defence holding out many forward efforts finally

Poowong adding a point and kicked their second goal when Connor Cunningham marked a long kick in the square.
Quarter time Poowong 2.2.14 to Catai 0.0.0

Jack Hazendonk, Alex Henshall, Connor Cunningham and Poowong’s defence all working hard.

Play in the second quarter echoed the first quarter on the far wing and defences on top, Poowong opened with a point to Jake Cochrane from HFF followed by a snap for a second point. Catani took the ball down the ground and a mark on the boundary from a long kick brought up their first goal and their second came from a series of good passes, back to four points. Alex Henshall kicked Poowong’s third goal and his second, Catani added their third from a boundary kick, Poowong’s Gavan Monson goaled from the pocket followed by a great effort by Connor Cunningham running into goal to open up a 19-point lead before a late point before the siren Poowong 5.8.38 to Catani 3.0.18 for a twenty point lead.

Poowong’s coach Dale Carroll asked players to keep up the pressure on the opposition to seal the game, they increased the lead to thirty-three points at three-quarter time. Connor Cunningham and Jake Cochrane were working well in the ruck, Alex Henshall, Zac Gray and Josh Chiavaroli around the ground and Andrew Logan was setting up the defence during the second quarter. Both sides attacked but the defences of both were holding up only broken by a great running goal by Jack Hazendonk. Mitch Cochranes kick from CHF found Connor Cunningham in the square for his third and

Poowong’s seventh. Three quarter time Poowong led by 33 points 7.11.53 to Catani 3.2.20.

Poowong looked safe at three quarter time based on the previous three quarters, but Catani attacked early, fortunately only managing two singles. Poowong attacked yielding three singles. After a great tackle by Micah Williames, Jack Hazendonk swooped on the ball and goaled, his second. A free kick and a 50-metre penalty resulted in Catani’s fourth goal. Catani added a late point and then a long kick for goal was knocked away by Poowong’s defence. Final scores Poowong 8.13.61 to Catani 4.7.31 a thirty-point victory, their second for the season.

 Best Players Connor Cunningham, Andrew Logan, Jake Cochrane, Zac Gray, Alex Henshall and Josh Chiavaroli.  

The Netball overall had a good day with A Grade winning against Catani something that has not happened for a while.

Next week off to Nilma-Darnum for football and netball with all grades hoping to be competitive in all teams, games start at 9am.