A FIRED up Natimuk United side brought a physical contest to arguably the league’s best side in the competition, but missed shots proved costly as Harrow-Balmoral claimed a 34-point victory on Saturday.
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The Southern Roos started off quickly to take an early advantage.
Coach Nick Pekin said building quick leads was becoming an expectation for his squads.
“Every game it is pivotal to get those early leads – to get early starts like that is vital in the context of the whole game,” he said.
The lead could have easily blown out to five or six goals in the first quarter, but Natimuk United dug in and fought back with two goals of its own to steady the ship.
Harrow-Balmoral had a four-goal lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was much of the same, however inaccuracy in front of goal hurt Natimuk United in its efforts to bridge the gap.
Rams playing coach Sam Anson said goal kicking was something his side needs to work on. “
“We just missed our opportunities and there were a lot of points kicked,” he said.
“It was as simple as that, we had about four shots within five minutes and missed them all, then they went and kicked two goals. That really hurt us.
“We just need to lower the eyes and take our opportunities as we missed some very easy goals.
“Jono Lovel cut off everything down back and was probably the standout to be honest. All in all it was pretty good across the board.”
Despite being down by as much as 46 points in the final quarter, Natimuk United’s tackling pressure around the ground never subsided.
Edward Ferguson was solid for Harrow-Balmoral up forward, kicking five goals for the game, while Nathan Koenig kicked three for Natimuk United.
Anson said he was pleased with his side’s effort for the four quarters.
“Credit to our boys today – we took it to the best team in the competition,” Anson said.
“They killed us last year so it’s a huge turnaround from us. I think they underestimated us but we are slowly getting that respect back and showing we are a physical and a top three side.”
Injuries again cost the Rams, with the side finishing without a bench.
“We had more injuries and Jaydon Stiles is hurt again – that’s just footy and sometimes you’re lucky and other times you aren’t,” Anson said.
Pekin said he expected a physical contest from Natimuk United.
“We identified Natimuk United as bringing that physicality to the contest, and to our credit we got through it in a taxing day,” he said.
“Both sides had a few blokes cramping again – it pushed our fitness.
“They did miss a few easy shots. I’ve tried to bring goal kicking drills to Harrow-Balmoral. You don’t want to be missing opportunities.”
The Southern Roos’ height proved a key factor in the win, with ruckman Todd Lawrence playing well and forward Simon Close kicking three goals.
“Todd Lawrence is always chiming in and has been invaluable to the team,” Pekin said.
“I thought the whole backline was solid and overall the collective effort was great.
“Our confidence is high and we have another test next week against the Swifts. Hopefully the victories keep flowing.”
