EARLY signs are good at Natimuk United after the side comfortably defeated a young Noradjuha-Quantong team on the opening day of the Horsham District football season.
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After a close first half, Natimuk United pulled away in the second half, winning by a comfortable 50 points, 118 to 68.
Natimuk United led for the whole game, but the Bombers kept with them throughout a tight first half.
Noradjuha-Quantong struggled in the second half, kicking just 3.7 to Natimuk United’s 8.7.
Natimuk United coach Sam Anson said he was pleased with the first game of the season.
“It’s good to get the first game out of the way with a lot of new guys who haven’t played together,” he said.
“It was a learning curve and we got the win which was positive.
Our top seven best players on the day have all come through the juniors here at the club, so I thought that was a good effort.
- Sam Anson
“Our top seven best players on the day have all come through the juniors here at the club, so I thought that was a good effort to have them come through. The younger fellas did really well.”
Anson said his side struggled in the midfield, and it would be a focus point going forward.
“Our forward line structured up well and our back line was tight, but we need to be better in the midfield,” he said.
“They flogged us in the midfield to be honest. But being the first game, I thought we came together well.”
Anson said he expected Noradjuha-Quantong to be a solid side this season.
“They were a competitive side and run really quick,” he said.
“I reckon they will upset some sides for sure, especially if you give them a look at it.”
Nathan Koenig kicked five and new signing Jaydon Stiles kicked four for the Rams.
Noradjuha-Quantong senior coach Gareth Hose said his side played well in the first half, but turnovers cost them in the end.
“We just turned the football over too much at crucial times,” he said.
“We ran out of legs in the last quarter a bit.
“I’m really pleased with our effort. I thought our pressure was excellent, especially early on. We were pretty even with them with the contested footy.”
Hose said his side rued some missed opportunities in the second half.
“It was a bit of a scrappy game,” he said.
“They missed a lot and we missed a couple that were crucial and pretty easy gets that we probably should have nailed. Players were tired because of the heat from both teams.”
Austin Smith, Cam Bruce and James Hallett were named best on for the Bombers, with Jesse Wilkinson, Stiles and Alex Ridsdale best on for the Rams.
