TYRENDARRA has started to settle in to the 2023 South West District Football League season, backing up last weekend’s narrow win with a strong victory over Heathmere, 15.8 (98) to 6.5 (41), on Saturday.
The Darras have now taken their record to three wins from five rounds, and they sit in fourth position on the ladder.
It was a massive second term which gave the Darras the edge, as they kicked five unanswered goals to push the margin beyond 30 points at the main break.
The Meres were able to hold mostly steady in the third term, before the Darras produced another dominant effort in the fourth quarter, kicking six goals to one to close out the match.
Brett Uebergang was named the Darras’ best afield, while Hamish Aitken (six goals), Mitch Arnold, James Williams, Andy Paterson and Jordi Withers (five goals) also had strong performances.
Darras senior coach Sam Anson, who has been forced to the sidelines after a serious arm injury suffered back round two against Cavendish, said it was exactly the performance he wanted out of his group.
“I think the most impressive thing was that we rolled out a new forward structure at training and we were able to use that in a game very effectively despite only really having 40 minutes to learn it,” Anson said.
He added that he was very happy with the performance he got out of Aitken, saying it was a case of the forward doing exactly what was asked of him.
“He didn’t do anything spectacular, no hangers or goals from the boundary line, he just did exactly what I asked of him and was rewarded with six goals,” Anson said.
“As a coach that’s what you really want, guys who will listen and do exactly what you ask of them.
“We’re still not a full-strength side yet, and once we get our forward set-up really down pat, we’ll be a tough side to beat.”
Meanwhile, the Meres will be disappointed they weren’t able to play their opponents closer but will take something away from their solid first and third terms.
Jaiden Spicer, Craig Blackberry, Cody Driscoll, Jed Barclay, Ian Smyth and Kyle Anson were in their best.
Coleraine narrowly beat Heywood
Coleraine had to do it tough, but nonetheless they were able to get over the line in a close contest against Heywood, earning a 9.11 (65) to 9.7 (61) win.
The Lions hit their stride early in the piece, claiming a three-goal advantage by half time, as the Maroons had yet to find their feet.
The switch was flipped in the third term, as Coleraine were able to find the goals more regularly while limiting Heywood’s own opportunities, and slowly they reeled in the margin.
They eventually got over the line to remain undefeated after five rounds of action.
The Maroons’ best were Cody Deutscher, Samuel Youngman, Harry Armstrong, Marcus Rhook, Sam Tooley and Charles Youngman, while Heywood got strong performances from Nyawi Moore, Jason Walker, Jarod Donovan, Jack Fadersen, Jakobe Walker and Tim Reid.
Cavendish handle Saints
Cavendish claimed a monster win over Branxholme-Wallacedale in Branxholme, running out 24.12 (156) to 1.1 (7) winners.
The Bloods’ dominance never wavered over the four quarters, as they were able to consistently find the goals while preventing the Saints from doing the same.
Brodhi Carracher, Aiden Luhrs, Oliver Dinges, Johnny Gardner, Peter Coghlan and Edward Purvis were best for Cavendish, while Samuel Lambevski, Toby Hawthorne, Colby Hammond, Jack Goodman, Jay Hogan and Cameron Pepper fought hard for the Saints.
Dartmoor too good for Westerns
Dartmoor has held on to third place on the ladder with a resounding 16.16 (112) to 2.4 (16) win over Westerns.
The Giants set the tone with six unanswered goals in the first term and continued this dominance throughout the match to come home comfortable winners.
Lachlan Polaski, Kaleb Bowd, Joseph Franklin, Jay Ropitini, Kyle Carlin and Nathan Bell were the Giants’ best, while Westerns got strong efforts from Aaron Bamblett, Frank Makin, Noah Knight, Lachie Warburton, Brad Williams and Dylan Marlow.
