THE South West District Football League’s 2023 season had one last twist left in store during Saturday’s 16th and final round of the season, as Tyrendarra upset Cavendish 9.6 (60) to 5.12 (42).
While the result didn’t change the ladder heading into finals, with the Darras still locked in to third and the Bloods in second, it certainly has implications for the matchups themselves, with the Darras proving once and for all that they’re a force to be reckoned with in this finals series.
While many were ready to call this a two-horse race between the Bloods and minor premiers Coleraine, with this victory Tyrendarra has shown any conversation about this year’s premiership needs to include them.
While the Bloods were on top in the early-going of this matchup, the Darras found their stride in the second term, kicking four goals while holding their opposition scoreless to take a 17-point lead into the main break.
From there it was a war of attrition, with neither side willing to give an inch, but ultimately it was the Darras who were able to effectively maintain their three-goal buffer, as Jack Burton, Sam Anson, Reece Williams, Dylan Jennings, Jack Cocks and Patty Haylock were named in their best.
The Bloods will rue their wastefulness in front of goal, but nonetheless they got strong performances from Jonathon Coghlan, Christopher Quinn, Harrison Rees, Johnny Gardner, Ricky Luhrs and William Luhrs.
Giants build momentum
Dartmoor’s 11.15 (81) to 9.6 (60) victory over Heathmere could prove to be an important momentum builder ahead of their finals campaign in which they’ll be up against it from the very first sudden-death elimination final against Heywood.
The Giants have endured an up and down 2023 season which has been marred by injuries at various points, with club president Ryan Childs saying it was pleasing to finish the home and away season off with a win.
“It’s always good to get over the line at the end… it sort of rolls on into the finals,” Childs said.
“We believe we have the best list in the league which can go up against anyone on any day.”
Childs said he was keen to see them get as close as they could to having their best 21 players on the park this weekend.
“There’s still one or two out, but otherwise we’re pretty close to full strength which is good to see,” he said.
For Heathmere, while they’re finishing off their 2023 campaign with just two wins, there are numerous positive signs for the club even in this defeat, which saw them serve up a quality contest to a top-five side.
Coleraine takes minor premiership
Coleraine has stamped their authority on the season with an emphatic 22.16 (148) to 8.5 (53) victory over Branxholme-Wallacedale, and in doing so has claimed their second consecutive minor premiership.
The Saints had an exceptional first quarter to take a slim lead into the first change, but the Maroons quickly turned things in their favour in the second.
Patrick Sinnott was once again dominant up forward, bagging seven goals and in doing so claiming the goal-kicking award for 2023.
Cody Deutscher, Samuel Youngman, Zach Soawyer, Sinnott, Sam Tooley and Connor Deutscher were the Maroons’ best.
With five wins for the season, the Saints were the strongest side to miss out on finals this year, and will be keen to build on this year’s campaign into the future.
Daniel Blake, Samuel Brewer, Cameron Pepper, Ryan Anton, Thomas Scott and Kade McCallum were their best in their final bout of the season.
Heywood downs Westerns
Heywood is locked into fourth place heading into finals after a convincing, although not utterly dominant, 11.9 (75) to 4.4 (28) victory over Westerns.
The Roos had the upper hand early, before Heywood took control from the second quarter onwards to run away with a big win.
Josh Ferguson, Nyawi Moore, Nathan Hardingham, Mark Troeth, Jack Fadersen and Leigh Malseed were the Lions’ best.
It was another tough season for Westerns as their seniors went without a win through all 16 games, but they’ll take some positives away from a number of their performances throughout the season.
