By Brook Shaune-Bould
WOORINEN proved too strong for Koondrook-Barham on Saturday with a dominant second-half performance that propelled them to a 49-point victory.
The first half was a close contest, with both teams giving their all and the margin staying within a couple of goals.
At half-time the Tigers were ahead by seven points, but the Raiders looked capable of staying with them.
Koondrook-Barham coach Darren Troy applauded their efforts at the break, saying it was the best the team had played in a long time. He singled out Joshua McMahon for praise and urged his players to continue to look for opportunities.
Woorinen coach Marcus Demaria called on his team to lift their intensity and start to build momentum.
The Tigers were quick to respond. They kicked four goals in the third term and allowed the Raiders only a point. By three-quarter time they had taken a 32-point lead and looked unbeatable.
A lack of fitness showed for the Raiders after half-time. They scored only one major in the second half, while the Tigers kicked seven.
Nyawi Moore was among the Tigers’ best players. He scored two goals and was invaluable through the midfield.
Jack Shannon was outstanding for the Raiders, up front and on the back line. He was the only multiple goalkicker for Woorinen, with three majors. He also spoiled two Tigers attempts at goals in the final term.
Arnold Kirby was the Tigers’ leading goalkicker, with three majors, followed by Nyawi Moore and Adam Saunders with two each.
Demaria said the team was still learning and would continue to improve. He highlighted Daniel Mase’s strong performance and said his tackling helped lift the team.
“It just goes to show, when we bring the heat, when we bring our best, when we compete, when we pressure and when we play on our terms, we can turn it around,” he said.
Demaria warned against becoming complacent and said the team needed to be able to compete week in, week out for all four quarters.
“I’ve got no doubt the past couple of games we’ve come out thinking we’re going to have a pretty easy game, but we can’t have that sort of attitude,” he said.
“Our second half, particularly the third quarter, was amazing, fantastic. That’s the level that we want to get to and sustain.”
Troy singled out Jack Shannon for praise.
He said he was happy with the team’s performance and believed it reflected their enjoyment of training and playing.
“We’re playing some really good footy,” he said.
“It’s just a matter of trying to prolong that now.”
“We did that against Nyah as well. We were in the whole game and that’s all you can ask. If they’re giving their all and they’re in the game, then the result will look after itself.”
VOTES
3 Votes Josh Domaille (Woorinen)
2 Votes Jye Barry (Woorinen)
1 Votes Jack Shannon (Koondrook-Barham)
MATCH RESULTS
KOONDROOK-BARHAM 4.2 6.3 6.4 7.4.46
WOORINEN 4.1 7.4 11.6 14.11.95
GOALS – KOONDROOK-BARHAM – Jack Shannon 3, Jacob Barrington, Todd Frankling, Jordan Iudica, Warren Lolicato 1.
WOORINEN – Arnold Kirby 3, Nyawi Moore, Adam Saunders 2, Josh Domaille, Dominic Gallo, Lachlan Gardner, Matthew King, Daniel Mase, Robbie Miller, Regan Vesty 1.
BEST – KOONDROOK-BARHAM – Jack Shannon, Jordan Iudica, Lucas Iudica, Colin McVeigh, James Martin, Lachlan Laursen.
WOORINEN – Josh Domaille, Jye Barry, Angus Butterfield, Daniel Mase, Regan Vesty, Robbie Miller.
