COHUNA Kangas hosted Lake Boga in the opening game of the 2015 season in near perfect conditions despite overnight rain.
The last post was played and a minute’s silence was held to commemorate the upcoming Anzac Day before the first bounce.
The Kangas took to the field with only six players remaining from their elimination final loss last year, while the Magpies had fared slightly better holding onto 13 players from their 2014 Round 18 clash.
Both sides were relying heavily on youth with the Kangas fielding 10 players out of their 2014 colts premiership side.
The Magpies kicked with the aid of a slight breeze first up and after both sides had finished sizing one another up after a scrappy beginning the visitors managed to hit the scoreboard first.
Jessi Lampi showed he was going to be a handy inclusion for the Magpies being heavily involved at the clearances and working well with the bullocking Kyle Brawn to give the Pies the early momentum.
Lampi goaled again after a high tackle and subsequent 50m penalty and then new signing Ethan Tibbles goaled after a Matt Pickering intercept to shoot the Magpies out to a handy 17-point lead.
Harrison Keely was good for the home side in defence as was courageous onballer Dylan Friedberger.
For more on this story, see Monday’s Guardian (April 20, 2015).
