AN injury to a young Taylors Lake football player has put a dampener on a tight victory against Pimpinio.
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Reuben Macchia was carted off to hospital in the first quarter of his first senior game after he was concussed in an alleged sling tackle in round 13 on Saturday.
The Lakers pushed through early and took the lead but the Tigers weren’t too far behind, trailing by 14 points.
The second quarter saw a goal-for-goal battle erupt with both sides playing an intense attacking game to try and gain some ascendancy.
The second half saw the Lakers push through, displaying an effort the side had been missing in recent rounds.
While the Tigers players did their best to control the Lakers, the match ended in a disappointing defeat. The final score was 22.16 (148) to 19.13 (127).
Lakers coach Daryl Eastwell commended his under-17 players for handling themselves well during a challenging game.
Macchia, 16, played alongside youngsters Connor Healey, Trent McGough, Matthew McCulloch and Ashley Lawson.
“In the time that Reuben was on the ground he played some good footy and really showed he is going to be a star,” Eastwell said.
The win was a positive for the Lakers. Then side has struggled for form throughout the season.
“I’m really happy with the way the guys fought it out,” Eastwell said.
“It was a good, high scoring, physical game of footy for two teams outside of the top six.
It was a good, high scoring, physical game of footy.
- Daryl Eastwell
“The guys are in pretty good spirits and I was happy with the way they fought it out.”
Deek Roberts was a sensation for the Lakers and Charles Pennant was also in great form for the side.
Alexander Hill, normally a defender, has been a standout in the ruck in the last few rounds and continued to deliver for the Lakers on Saturday.
“The whole team pulled their weight when they had to,” Eastwell said.
“We’ve really thrown Alex into the ruck and he’s taken it by the throat and got into it.
“Our captain Ben Roberts was inspirational in his efforts and endeavors on the field. He was hard at it and had a good use of the footy.
“Pat Purcell really stood up as a leader and got us over the line.”
Eastwell said the Tigers presented a challenge.
“At times it looked like we were breaking it open but to Pimpinio’s credit they fought back,” he said.
“I admire the way they went around it. The Tigers are a very well coached side.
“They created extra run and space that all good sides use, which really kept up their game.”
Gavin Kelm was the leading goal kicker for the match, booting six for the Lakers.
Deek Roberts showed his usual class and kicked five goals for the side. Joshua Murphy, Nathan Koenig and Ben Roberts also contributed well, slotting two goals each.
Patrick Knott kicked five goals for the Tigers alongside standout Cameron Ellis, who kicked three. Brodie Mines, Bernard Ward and Darcy O’Connor kicked two each.
