Young talent shines in tough game

By Geoff Wyatt

POOWONG welcomed Neerim-Neerim South in all grades in football and netball in cool overcast conditions with the ground in good condition. Poowong seniors made three changes out – Jarvis Brown to a leg injury, good to see him there Saturday supporting the boys, Jacob Graue and Matt Roberts concussion replaced by Tyran Lord, Josh Hall and Anthony Orsini.

Would be tough going against the undefeated Neerim boys, especially after losing a couple of our more consistent players to injury. Poowong kicked to the Drouin Road end and were first on the board with two points, Neerim lifted and dominated the quarter with Poowong unable to find anyone up forward in contests, Neerim added six goals, three to Poowong’s two points. 

The second quarter Neerim added five goals, three to Poowong’s single goal, Zac Gray kicking a goal on the siren.

Not looking good at halftime for Poowong, fortunately, the boys lifted their performance and showed the improvement in the young players from early in the season, the extra games lifting their experience. Poowong added two goals Zac Gray kicking his second and Anthony Orsini his first, with Poowong keeping Neerim to five goals. 

The last quarter was tight with Poowong’s defence battling hard. Neerim- Neerim South added three goals, Poowong’s Alex Henshall adding a good goal from the boundary.

Final scores Neerim Neerim South 19.13.127 to Poowong 4.6.30 a big improvement from the game at Neerim early in the season.

Best players were Fiachra Staunton who played his second last game for the club as he is returning to Ireland, a great club man all the best “Fig”; Mitch van’t Hof, a great effort in defence all day; Jett Blackwood from the Under 18’s another great game; Dave O’Neill another first year player having a good season; Anthony Orsini also from the U18s showed a lot of ability; and Joseph Bisognin who has had a great season.

The talent is there just need a couple of tall players next season to be competitive. 

The Reserves had a tough day losing 25.16.166 to Poowong 0.3.3, the Under 18s had a good win 11.14.80 to Neerim 4.1.25, and the Under 16s went down by four points 8.8.56 to Neerim 9.6.60.

In netball, Poowong won the Under 13s, U15s and under 17s, going down in A, B and C grades. Good to see the juniors playing well.

Next week we welcome Buln Buln in all grades, remember Cozzies Lotto Thursday night.