Laharum stops Edenhope-Apsley upset win
WIMMERA MAIL-TIMES
Laharum 67 d Edenhope-Apsley 54
A FIGHTING performance from Edenhope-Apsley almost delivered it a massive upset win against Laharum on Saturday.
The reigning premier was a huge pre-game favourite despite the Saints’ form this season.
Underdog status did not deter the home team, which won each of the first two quarters narrowly to take a one-goal lead into half-time.
A tight, low-scoring third term saw the Mountain Men kick three goals to two to tie the scores at the final change.
In the final quarter the Mountain Men ramped up their pressure and restricted the Saints to just one behind.
Tackling pressure from both sides was immense and the game was free-flowing despite the low score.
Laharum’s big-game experience shone through at the end and lifted it to a 13-point victory.
Daniel Easson, who was named Laharum’s best, kicked the game-sealing goal to cap off his day.
A slightly better spread of goal-kickers, even in the absence of the injured Dylan Parish, helped get Laharum across the line.
The team’s seven goal-kickers were led by Rhys Bennett with three, while Tom Clissold, four goals, was the only Saint to score more than one major.
Matt Velthuis and captain Sam Winfield were prominent for the Mountain Men.
The likes of Dave McLeish and Brent Christie have been heralded in the middle for the Saints this year, but Bernie Kealy, Ben Johnson, Bart Nolan and Will Middleton were all impressive.
Laharum coach Shannon Argall said it was a great game of football to be involved in.
“We got our defensive game going in the last quarter and encouraged our midfield and half-backs to be brave and switch the ball,” he said.
Edenhope-Apsley’s Grant Coxon said his side was disappointed not to hang on, but could be proud of itself.
“Their experience in the last quarter was the big difference between the sides, but there wasn’t anyone in our team who didn’t leave everything on the field,” he said.
“Now we know where we’ve got to get to, and if we can produce team efforts like that, we’ll be around the mark.”
Last Modified on 19/05/2014 21:02