General News
22 August, 2024
Final round haul snags league award
BOORT’S Chris O’Rourke has topped the North Central reserves goal kicking table after slotting four majors in the win over St Arnaud. O’Rourke’s four goals drew him level with Sea Lake Nandaly’s Billy Poulton who managed just the one goal...
BOORT’S Chris O’Rourke has topped the North Central reserves goal kicking table after slotting four majors in the win over St Arnaud.
O’Rourke’s four goals drew him level with Sea Lake Nandaly’s Billy Poulton who managed just the one goal in the final round.
Boort finished in third spot and will play Birchip Watchem in Saturday’s first semi-final.
Meanwhile, Wedderburn started 2024 in a blaze of glory, winning round one and bookended their season in round 18 against the Royal Blues.
A bit of grief endured in the interim between wins though, but a great way to close out the season. A tight contest all day with seldom more than two kicks separating the two teams.
A commendable all round team effort by the Redbacks with some players saving their best until last. Onballers Cal Miller-Govett, Matt Lockhart and Cam Lang stuck to the task of getting the ball moving from ball ups, Mitch Woods in the centre was outstanding, drifted forward, found space and finished with five goals. Could have been a little bit tidier though as he also kicked a point.
Andrew Roberts on a wing played the game of his life. Seems to enjoy the surface at the Donald Recreation Reserve as he put on the afterburners and outran his opponents as he drove the Redbacks into attack. Robbie Tonkin on a back flank found plenty of ball as has been his want all season, while Chris Hargreaves was the marking target up forward with his sticky fingers working well early.
In the under 17s, Boort had just its second loss of the season, going down to St Arnaud by 13 points.
The Pies finished the home and away season on top of the ladder and will clash again with St Arnaud in the second semi-final.
Wedderburn fronted up to their final game for 2024 with their usual enthusiastic and determined focus, found the Donald boys a little more accomplished but this did not diminish their desire and willingness to get in and give it their best shot. Something they may have picked up from their coaches Oscar Holt and Sam Lockhart because that is how they play each week.
The Royal Blues soon gained control after the first bounce and held the Redbacks at bay. Donald were able to hit the scoreboard regularly and it wasn’t until the second half that the Redbacks were able to join in and put goals on the board. Tyson Blair again featured in an on-ball role as he found plenty of footy and put long left kicks to advantage. Deacon Tansley in the centre was busy, and made the most of his possessions, adds more to his game each week. Beau Hartnell a welcome addition to the side albeit late in the season showed enough to get excited about what may lie ahead if he has a real shot at the game. Will Cunningham at full back steady and reliable as always had plenty to do as there was plenty of action in Donald’s forward half. Noah Winslett on ball saw action aplenty, used his possessions well. Blaz Cramp after a game in the under 14s still had plenty of energy to have an impact for the Redbacks. A bit to look forward to from this youngster in the years ahead.
Donald’s good contributors were Luca Rice, Ethan Clapham, Charlie and Marty Burke.
In the under 14s, Boort was too good for St Arnaud and will have the week off before meeting Sea Lake Nandaly in the second semi-final.