Football
29 May, 2025
Roos hold off fast-finishing Kaniva
Harrow Balmoral held off a fourth-quarter flurry from Kaniva Leeor to win their round seven Horsham District Football Netball League clash on Saturday.
Final scores were Harrow Balmoral 8.10 58 to Kaniva 6.12 48.
The defending champions took a six-point lead at the first break before a dominant second quarter saw them lead 50-14 at halftime.
After a low-scoring third quarter from both teams, Kaniva booted five goals in the final term.
For Harrow Balmoral, Will Burbury and Clinton Robinson were impressive, while Hamish Bennett and Nathan McCarthy were amongst Kaniva’s best.
Some missed opportunities proved costly for Kaniva Leeor, particularly in the first half, according to Kaniva Leeor coach Jonno Hicks.
“I thought we competed really well,” Hicks said.
“The system was working really well in the first half, we just really struggled to convert.
“So we had plenty of opportunity and kicked the first three or four scoring shots of the game, but just couldn't get goals on the board.”
Hicks credited the improved defensive effort in the second half which helped nullify Harrow’s attack.
“They moved the ball really well out of stoppage and we just wanted to make sure we manned up across the ground,” Hicks said.
“Anytime they had a loose player across the ground, they were using them really well and that's what probably hurt us a bit in the second quarter, leaving men go free.
“So we wanted to make sure we focused on those one-on-ones across the grounds and backed our guys to compete in the contest.”
The game marked a milestone for Kaniva captain Jock Maddern and fellow senior Hamish Bennett, with both playing their 100th game.
Hicks praised Maddern and Bennett for their ongoing leadership with the club.
“It was our captain's hundredth game in Jock Maddern, and also Hamish Bennett as well,” Hicks said.
“The way they play every week and put their body on the line for everyone else, and the way they support the club, it was nice to see the boys give them the respect they deserved, and the effort we brought was fantastic.”
– MACKENZIE BOOK