HAMILTON Kangaroos Under 18.5’s football side has been eliminated from finals after they lost in the preliminary final against South Warrnambool 7.20 (69) – 3.1 (19) on Saturday at Reid Oval.
The Roos were still in the game at half time due to the Roosters poor kicking (2.13) as they trailed by only 19 points but after half time the Roosters found the middle of the goals and blew the lead out to 34 points at three quarter time.
Going into the last quarter the Roos needed a miracle comeback, but it wasn’t to be as the final margin was blown out to 50 points ending the reigning premiers season.
Hamilton Coach Luke Uebergang said it was a gift that the side were still in the game after South’s poor kicking in front of goal.
“They were really strong across the ground and didn’t allow us to transition the footy so they took us away from our game plan and they brought the pressure meaning our defenders didn’t have much time and had to get quick kicks away forcing us to go down the line and play into their hands,” he said.
“Will Rantall was a good lead up for them and we thought we had Luamon Lual covered through the midfield, but he was moved to half-back and he got off the chain a bit and he sat back and cut everything off.
“I was disappointed because if we made the grand final it would’ve been a really good year but to get to a prelim it means your better than six teams – it was a good result considering how many players we had playing seniors and I am super proud of the whole squad this year and did what they needed to do throughout the year to get us to the finals.
“It’s always a challenge naming the side for finals especially this year with the rule changing where you can’t over qualify and had guys who played once or twice play finals.
“Afterwards I praised the boys to take it the way they did but it’s the price for being a successful club there is going to be tough calls but I think it’s a positive that we want so many guys to play with us – especially with Brad signed on its promising signs at the minute.”
