Panthers upset Laharum in thriller
WIMMERA MAIL-TIMES
RUPANYUP might have finally put its inconsistency issues behind it in the best possible way.
The Panthers sat fifth on the ladder entering Saturday's match against Laharum, but had not achieved back-to-back wins all season.
That all changed as they produced some brilliant football to hang on for a three-point win against the Mountain Men.
Laharum's eight-goal-to-four first half saw the side take a 26-point lead into half-time and it looked as if it could break the game open at any stage.
Those goals never came however, as Rupanyup slammed on six goals to none in the third term to take a six-point advantage into the final quarter.
It was tight and tense throughout the fourth quarter, as the lead changed several times.
Ollie Harrison looked as if he might be Laharum's hero with a late goal in his first senior game.
It gave the Mountain Men the lead with only minutes remaining.
The Panthers got the last laugh through Nathan Sachse however and were able to run the game out with a slender lead.
It was a big win for Rupanyup, which retains fifth place on the ladder and is now in the box seat to claim the last finals berth.
Paul Trotter was a clear best-on-ground recipient for the Panthers, foiling numerous Laharum forays inside 50 and turning the ball back in the other direction.
He was aided by Pat Brooks, who did an outstanding job on Laharum key forward Shannon Argall, keeping him to three goals and forcing him into the ruck in the decisive last quarter.
Sachse's game-winner was a highlight, while Jamie Barber and David Lang were also impressive.
Rhys Bennett's three goals saw him named Laharum's best performer, while young players Robbie Miller and Daniel Easson both played good games.
Rupanyup secretary Kel Tyler said the game had a finals-like atmosphere.
"The last quarter was a see-sawing event and there was a very vocal crowd," he said.
"It was a exciting game because it was so close right through the last quarter to get the win is a great result for us."
Laharum coach Marcus Demaria said it was disappointing for his side to lose.
"We didn't turn up to play and they did it was as simple as that," he said.
"Once they got their tails up they were hard to beat and they were always going to be hard to beat with the home crowd."
Last Modified on 26/03/2014 22:15