Lopsided matches across the board
Round three of Horsham District senior football competition produced lopsided results, with only one losing team finishing within 70 points of its opponent.
Traditional rivals Noradjuha-quantong and Natimuk United produced the closest match of the round at Quantong Recreation Reserve, but the Bombers were still easily able to account for the visitors after an even first quarter, winning 14.9 (93) to 7.6 (48).
Ruckman Jack Vague led the way for the Bombers, with Jayden Besford and Dawson Cross also handy, while Judah Hobbs and Brock Orval kicked three goals each.
Natimuk United’s best included Dylan
Newell, Lachlan Smith and coach Jarred Combe, while Joey Nagorcka was the sole multiple goal-kicker with two.
Rupanyup bounced back from a loss in its first game of the season by beating Kalkee 17.11 (113) to 5.11 (41) at Kalkee Recreation Reserve.
The Panthers were particularly dominant in the second term, booting nine goals to two as the likes of Bill Hansen and Lachlan Weidemann ran riot.
Coach Brayden Ison booted seven goals in the win, while Jacob Christie slotted four.
Kalkee’s best contributors included Patrick Mills, Zavier Hobbs, Douglas Grining and Luke Byrne.
Laharum continued its resurgence after last year’s winless campaign, accounting for Kaniva-leeor United in a 12.22 (94) to 3.5 (23) win that could have been much greater if not for inaccurate kicking.
The Mountain Men continued their early-season trend of dominating around the ball, with midfielders Daniel Easson and Robbie Miller in the thick of the action, while Brett Ervin provided solid rebound from the halfback line.
Ruckman Shannon Argall went forward to kick three goals, while Riley Cross worked hard across the halfforward line despite finishing without a major.
The Cougars’ best players included Hamish Bennett, Billy King, Luke Andrea and Luke Bennett.
Reigning premier Harrow-balmoral romped to a 134-point win against Edenhope-apsley, 24.16 (160) to 3.8 (26) as Nick Pekin put on a show with nine goals.
Cody Deutscher was a worthy foil for Pekin with five goals of his own, with vice-captain Peter Staude getting on the board with a goal in his 150th senior game.
Ben Campbell kicked two of the Saints’ three goals, with Fraser Thompson, Bernard Kealy, Adam Hood and Heath Keatley among the team’s top performers.
Swifts recorded the biggest win of the round against a short-handed Taylors Lake, downing the Lakers 29.15 (189) to 3.3 (21).
League-leading goal-kicker Paul Summers added to his total with eight goals, while midfielders Ryan Folkes, Chris Freeman and Angus Murray found plenty of the ball, Freeman and Murray booting four and five, respectively.
Coach Justin Beugelaar led the Lakers from the front, with Hunter Campey, Bray Cullinan and Billy Finnigan all giving effort in the loss.
This weekend’s games are shaping up to be more competitive, with Swifts at home to Noradjuha-quantong in a match pitting first against fourth on the ladder.
Laharum will aim to maintain its strong start when it hosts Taylors Lake at Cameron Oval, and Pimpinio will return from a bye to host neighbouring Kalkee.
Rupanyup will be at home to Kaniva-leeor United and Natimuk United will host Harrow-balmoral at Natimuk Showgrounds. Edenhope-apsley has a bye.