THE Cohuna Kangas scored their first win of the season with a resounding 70-point victory over Koondrook-Barham at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
It what proved a one-sided affair, the 14.14 (98) to 4.4 (28) victory was Kangas coach Jack Geary’s first following a narrow loss to Tyntynder in round 1.
Cohuna got away to a flying start with Hudson Fountain, for the second week in a row, providing some handy front-and-centre work to kick the first major of the day.
Key forward Dylan Johnston also provided a handy option in attack, kicking the second goal, before ending the afternoon with three majors.
Koondrook-Barham were kept scoreless in the first quarter, despite having many forward-50 entries, but struggled to convert on their chances.
From quarter time onwards, however, it was the Joel Helman show, the midfielder ending the day with a handsome five goals and clear best-on-ground honours.
The former Jack Betts Medallist was a nightmare for the Koondrook-Barham defenders, who battled to contain his presence, not only up forward but also through the middle, with fellow onballer Jarrod Findlay also booting two goals.
Koondrook-Barham got their running game going in the second quarter, scoring two goals, however, could only add one minor score in the third term.
Mitchell Christensen and Brayden Turvey were the only goalkickers for the visitors with both managing a couple each.
Cohuna youngster Jude Palmer also proved that he deserves his place in the senior team with a handy presence across the ground.
He took several contested marks at full stretch to provide his team with a strong target, to go with a great right-foot checkside goal from deep in the pocket.
Cohuna’s defence was again resilient with Brenton Conforti and Xavier Mitchell controlling across half-back and both featuring in the winning team’s better players. Ruckman Chris Anderson dominated proceedings around the contest and gave the Kangas’ midfielders first use of the ball.
Returning local Sam Leitch also assisted with the Kangas’ ruck dominance and managed to feature in the goalkickers with one major. Sam McGlone gave his team plenty of run and carry.
Jack Shannon was the most influential for Koondrook-Barham and tried all he could to stem the tide across half-back, while Kye Atwell, Nathan Hamence, Jack Thrum, Jason Hura and Mitchell Christensen also played well.
The tough start to season continues for Koondrook-Barham, who travel to Riverside Park this Saturday to take on reigning premiers Kerang, while Cohuna will head to Woorinen to tackle the Tigers.
FINAL SIREN
| Cohuna Kangas | 2.4 | 6.8 | 11.12 | 14.14 | 98 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koondrook Barham | 0.0 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 4.4 | 28 |
VOTES
3 – Joel Helman (Cohuna)
2 – Brenton Conforti (Cohuna)
1 – Christopher Anderson (Cohuna)
