IN A hard-fought contest during NAIDOC Round, the Cohuna Kangas powered to a commanding 103 to 69 win over Nyah Nyah West United, breaking the game open in the final quarter to claim an important four points.
The match was tightly contested early, with both sides trading blows in a physical opening term.
Cohuna edged ahead with 3.2 (20) to Nyah’s 2.2 (14), showing sharp forward pressure.
Nyah Nyah West responded strongly in the second quarter, lifting their intensity and narrowing the gap, but Cohuna’s ability to convert ensured they held a 13-point lead at halftime.
Cohuna didn’t fault after the break and came out firing.
Dominating at stoppages and winning key midfield contests, the Kangas piled on six goals to one in the third quarter.
Their ball movement sharpened, and their confidence grew, stretching the lead to 41 points at the final change.
To the Dees’ credit, they fought to the end.
Led by captain Dominic Gallo and forwards Alex Erlandson and Alex Birch, the team added four final-term goals.
But the Kangas maintained composure and control, closing out the game with another three majors to finish 16.7 (103) to 10.9 (69) victors.
Cohuna coach Jack Geary said the conditions were challenging but the team rose to the occasion.
“It was a good win against a tough contender,” he said.
“The wind made things challenging, but the boy’s showed resilience and composure to get the job done.
“Our backline held firm, and the midfield really controlled the clearances, which gave our forwards plenty of opportunities.”
The result continues Cohuna’s strong form over last year’s premiers, following their 84 to 55 win in round 18 last season.
With their latest triumph, they consolidate third place on the ladder and look well-positioned as finals approach.
Geary praised Thomas Toma and Ricky Monti in the middle.
“Toma and Monti did really well through the middle,” he said.
“Monti finished strong and contributed five goals.”
The defensive duo of Jarrod Findlay and William Lee held firm under pressure, while Sammy Leach added grunt in the ruck.
“We were out a ruck, so we threw big Sammy Leach in there and he had a really good game, he battled away all day and we were impressed with his efforts,” he said.
For Nyah Nyah West United, Gallo’s leadership never wavered, Erlandson provided a much-needed spark in the forward pocket, and Brayden Bigham worked tirelessly across the ground.
But all Nyah could throw at Cohuna was not enough, as the Kangas powered home to take out a 34-point win.
Played in the spirit of NAIDOC Week, the match was a proud showcase of community, culture, and competition, with Cohuna rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Nyah Nyah West United | 2.2 | 5.3 | 6.7 | 10.9 | 69 |
| Cohuna Kangas | 3.2 | 7.4 | 13.6 | 16.7 | 103 |
LJ Hooker best players:
3 votes: Thomas Toma (Cohuna)
2 votes: Ricky Monti (Cohuna)
1 vote: Dominic Gallo (NNWU)
