HARROW-BALMORAL is back on the winners list after it defeated Jeparit-Rainbow by a huge 65 points at Harrow Recreation Reserve last Saturday in round 10 of the Horsham District Football Netball League (HDFNL).

The rain poured down as the sides warmed up and the Southern Roos had some fire in the belly after being defeated for the first time in 2022 the previous week against Rupanyup, while a Storm win could’ve put them on equal points with the blue and white powerhouse.

The Southern Roos were not only coming off a loss but one that saw as disastrous as they lost about six players to serious injury, so they prepared for a tough slog.

Some young talent was lost from the senior side in Digby Sangster (knee), Matt Jones (broken leg), Ethan Appleton (ankle), Tyler Hately (knee) and they were also without Callum Hobbs.

From the first bounce, Harrow-Balmoral dominated the play led by coach, Nick Pekin, the boys brought the intensity and piled 5.7 (37) to 0.2 (2) in the first quarter ultimately putting the game beyond Jeparit-Rainbow’s reach.

James Staude clunked a big lead up mark and delivered on a big goal while the creative, Greg Hamilton also got in on the action hitting the scoreboard.

The weather was terrible with mud and water splashing around as both midfields put their heads over the footy and crashed into bodies.

Peter Staude and Will Plush were contested bulls in the engine room and restricted any ball movement from the Storm.

By half time, the lead had extended with the scoreboard worsening for the visitors, 8.8 (56) to 0.4 (4), from here Harrow-Balmoral continued to tear them apart putting them to the sword in the third term adding another 31 points to go into the final break leading 13.9 (87) to 0.6 (6).

The Storm had a slight resurgence in the final term with the home side letting the foot off the throttle a bit to seven scoring shots – more than they’d had in the first three quarters combined.

The scoreboard was flattering for Jeparit-Rainbow as they scored their first goals of the game late in the last term to lose 14.9 (93) to 3.10 (28).

New recruit for the Southern Roos this year, young Nick Davis was impressive in the backline laying some big tackles and earning a spot along with Anthony Close.

Hamilton led goalkickers with four, while Michael Close (3), James Staude (2) rounded out the multiple goalkickers.

A grade netball

THE Southern Roos made it two from two as they recorded a very important win against Jeparit-Rainbow in the HDFNL A grade netball.

 Both sides were on even points coming into the clash and the win saw the blue and white jump into fourth position on the ladder in what is a tight finish for a finals spot.

The A grade ladder has fluctuated significantly this season with just one week required to change the way the entire ladder looks.

Just two wins separate second-placed Laharum from Kaniva-Leeor who sit all the way down in seventh position.

The home side started the game positively through Jorja Jones who was outstanding through the midcourt quickly pouncing on the ball to get some turnovers.

A grade coach, Kirby Knight was again a strong focal point in the goal ring and after converting on some opportunities in the first quarter, Harrow-Balmoral took a four-goal lead into the first break.

The Storm came in the second term and knew they had to get the game back on their terms before it was too late and at half time, they had kept themselves in the hunt, the score reading 25-19.

Courtney Clough (WA) and Brittany Keller (GA) combined, and the deadly duo caused the Jeparit-Rainbow defenders all sorts of problems.

The second half allowed the Southern Roos to flex their muscles and prove that they were worthy of a top four spot on the ladder.

The line of defence was impressive as the experienced Ebonie Salter took up position as goal keeper, Megan Little (GD) and Ashlee Rintoule (WD) provided some solid assistance at rebounding the ball quickly.

The home side ran away with the game in the second half to put a morale-boosting 13 goal win on the board, 47-34.

Jones and Clough were named as Harrow-Balmoral’s best players on the day while Knight (26 goals) and Keller (21 goals) shared the scoring duties well.

The league has a bye this weekend but next weekend the A grade side will take on the formidable and tough Laharum Demons outfit in hope of bringing a big win back from Cameron Oval.

The home side has marked the next game as a big one in its season and will come out all guns blazing with the hope of carrying some strong form into the latter part of the season.