Football
22 July, 2025
Cougars hold off spirited Saints
Kaniva Leeor United have elevated themselves into the league’s top five in men’s senior football by defeating Edenhope Apsley on Saturday in round 14 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
It was the fourth consecutive win for the Cougars as they defeated Edenhope Apsley 12.8 (86) to 8.7 (55).
Playing at Edenhope, Kaniva got off to a strong start, kicking four opening-term goals to lead 26-12 at the first break.
But as displayed in recent performances, the Saints brought the challenge, outplaying Kaniva in the second and keeping them goalless as Edenhope went up 33-29 at half-time.
A strong third-quarter from Kaniva was more reminiscent of their recent form, kicking five goals in the term to regain the lead and go up 60-36.
The Cougars held on in the fourth to come away with a 31-point victory.
Billy King and Blake Dodson continued their standout seasons for the Cougars, two of Kaniva’s best in the victory, while Ryan Obst and Jordan Lockwood were impressive for the losing side.
Jacob Eats and Riley Vivian both kicked four goals each for Kaniva while Obst and Allan McIntrye kicked two each for the Saints.
Jonno Hicks, coach of Kaniva Leeor, was pleased to get a win from the hard-fought match.
“It was a pretty scrappy game and it wasn’t our best footy, but we got the win,” Hicks said,
“From when we last played them, they (Edenhope Apsley) were far more improved on their intent at the contest and around the ball.
“We were probably lucky they didn't make the most of their opportunities going forward, and they probably outplayed us in the first half.”
Hicks acknowledged that greater application from the team helped to set up the game for Kaniva in the third quarter.
“The focus at half-time was just about lifting our intent and our work-rate,” Hicks said.
“They were winning a lot of ball and then once they did, they actually spread better than us, which is something we've been working on: trying to get a running game going.
“But that third quarter is probably the one that set the game up for us and we were really able to turn things around."
With a few players missing Hicks was impressed with the debuts of various players, including youngster Leeroy Grant.
“Leeroy Grant came up from under 17s and was named in our best,” Hicks said.
“In the first half I think he actually led the way with his tackling and his intent around the football.
“He was obviously really keen to come in and play seniors, and the attitude he brought to that game was really impressive.
“I think he could have a really long career in our seniors.”