Football
19 August, 2025
Final quarter the difference as Harrow Balmoral overcome Kaniva Leeor
A four-goal final quarter from Harrow Balmoral’s senior football side proved the difference as the Southern Roos defeated Kaniva Leeor on Saturday in round 18 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Playing at Kaniva, Harrow Balmoral kicked 9.15 (69) to Kaniva Leeor United’s 6.7 (43).
In a contest-heavy first quarter, the visitors got the better start with goals to Mitchell Grant and Jai Thompson giving the Southern Roos a 15-1 lead.
But the Cougars hit right back early in the second quarter through a couple of Riley Vivian goals.
Both sides were gifted multiple chances at goal, with Kaniva Leeor able to capitalise more as a long-range goal from Jesse Salt saw them take the lead and go up 29-26 at half-time.
Despite Kaniva Leeor’s Lochie Eats exiting the game with a knee injury on the stroke of half-time, the home side maintained a tight lead for most of the quarter before a Simon Close goal saw the Southern Roos hold a 43-42 lead at the final break.
As they have done multiple times this season, Harrow Balmoral closed strongly, minimising the Cougars’ chances up forward while taking advantage of their opportunities.
A great mark inside 50 and a subsequent goal from Simon Close headlined the win for the reigning premiers, who prevailed by 26.
As well as Simon Close’s three-goal performance, Jai Thompson and William Plush had a critical impact across the field for the Southern Roos.
For Kaniva Leeor, Charlie Maddern and Blake Dodson defended well down back in their side’s losing effort.
The loss means Kaniva Leeor will play Laharum in the elimination final this Sunday, while Harrow Balmoral go against Pimpinio in the qualifying final on Saturday.