General News
19 September, 2024
Golden fleece: Rams win first flag
IN ONLY its third year in the competition, East Loddon has won the Loddon Valley under-18 premiership by 12 points after withstanding a late fightback from Marong. On a windy day at Mitiamo it was clear accuracy in front of goal would decide the...
IN ONLY its third year in the competition, East Loddon has won the Loddon Valley under-18 premiership by 12 points after withstanding a late fightback from Marong.
On a windy day at Mitiamo it was clear accuracy in front of goal would decide the winner.
After a run of behinds Mitch Hancock broke through for the first two goals of the game for the Rams, before a running goal from Bailey O’Neil for Marong trimmed the margin.
Blake Dowton found the goals early in the second quarter with a snap over his shoulder to extend the East Loddon lead, but goals were proving hard to find as midfield pressure from both teams was high.
However, Rams’ star Liam Stephens withstood enormous pressure and showed his class kicking a nice goal just before half-time, giving his side an 18-point margin.
In the third quarter Mason Hocking kicked the first set-shot goal of the day for the Rams, but after his three-goal haul in the second semi-final Cooper Murray added a skilful crumbing goal to keep Marong in the game.
East Loddon led by 20 points at the last change, but with two early goals from Max Lowery and Jack McMurray, a comeback was still on the cards for the Panthers.
The under-siege Rams upped the pressure, and Hocking kicked the sealer amid jubilation from East Loddon players and fans. Stephens was awarded the best-afield medal.
- ISAAC JOHNSTONE-MCCLOUD