General News
17 June, 2021
Young guns perform in Power victory
KOLORA Noorat coach Ben Walsh has heaped praise on his side’s younger brigade after they stood up in the absence of key members during the Power’s win on Saturday.
KOLORA Noorat coach Ben Walsh has heaped praise on his side’s younger brigade after they stood up in the absence of key members during the Power’s win on Saturday.
The 2019 premier returned to play after the COVID-enforced break with a 37 point win over Russells Creek despite missing key forwards Ben Fraser and Jacob Mahony and star midfielder Jason Moloney.
The Power’s emerging generation featuring the likes of Harry O’Sullivan, Sam Kenna, Joel Dillon and Luke Justin willed their side over the line after Creek put up a spirited effort in the opening half.
However, Kolora Noorat was able to gain the ascendency with a five goal to one burst in the third term, with the Power then able to control the contest as it ran away with a 13.10 (88) to 7.9 (51) victory.
Walsh was delighted with the result post-match.
“It was a really good performance. It was a bit of a grind in the first half but we really clicked into gear halfway through the third term,” he said.
“We kicked three or four goals in quick time which really broke the game open and took the pressure off us, but it was good that we could work through a few things as well.
“We were missing a few of our older heads that are good in those situations but it was good to have a few of our younger ones stand up when they needed too.
“It was pretty pleasing in the end.”
Walsh said his side’s display was testament to its growing maturity and its ability to respond when faced with a challenge.
He said his side was continually learning, with the Creek win set to give the Power additional confidence.
“I think particularly under pressure these are the times where you learn more about yourself,” Walsh said.
“You probably don’t get it as often when you’re winning but sometimes it’s good to be challenged like we were on the weekend.
“Guys like Harry O’Sullivan and Luke Justin, who have mainly been playing midfield, really stood up, so it was great to give them opportunities under pressure.
“Hopefully they take a lot of confidence out of it.”
The Power is now preparing for a crunch game with fellow finals fancy Merrivale this weekend.
“They’re certainly one team we rate highly and they’re a different beast at Merrivale,” Walsh said.
“Always in my time they’ve been hard to beat, particularly down at Merrivale.
“They have a strong following and play the ground extremely well but I think we play the ground well too so we’re excited to get down there and give it a good crack.
“They’ve improved too as the year has gone on judging by the results – we beat them comprehensively early in the season but I’m expecting a tough battle on the weekend.”
In other senior football matches, Merrivale defeated Timboon Demons, South Rovers accounted for Allansford, Nirranda held off Panmure and Old Collegians were too good for Dennington.
In the A grade netball, the Power was no match for a stronger Creek outfit.
The Power went down 57-30 despite producing a strong first term.
In other A grade games, Timboon Demons outclassed Merrivale, Nirranda beat Panmure, Old Collegians rolled Dennington and South Rovers and Allansford drew.
In the remaining matches this weekend, Dennington hosts Timboon Demons, Allansford welcomes Nirranda, Panmure takes on Old Collegians and Russells Creek faces South Rovers.