Picola United suffered its first loss of the Picola and District League football season, falling to Waaia in round three by 50 points on Saturday, April 13 at Waaia Recreation Reserve.
The Blues fought staunchly throughout the first half, matching Waaia in scoring shots in the first quarter but ended the period trailing by 10, 1.2 (8) to 3.0 (18).
The away side kicked two goals in the second term to remain in touch, but Waaia added four of their own and two minor scores to take a 19-point advantage into the main break.
The Bombers kicked away in the third period, adding five goals to the Blues’ one in the term to put themselves beyond reach, before following up with a 4.6 final quarter to crack the century mark and seal the win 16.10 (106) to 8.8 (56).
“Not the desired result, but we'll take a fair bit out of it,” Picola United coach Rhys Woodland said.
“(Waaia) have sort of been the measuring stick the last few years and it’s good to get them early on the year and have a look at them and see how they go about it.
“We will take a lot out of it, and a few blokes really stood up, which was good, so we weren't overly upset.
“We were in the game for most of it; they just ran over the top of us and had a little bit more legs towards the end of the game, but plenty of positives.”
It was a split contribution in the goal tally for Picola with Connor Langley, Austin Morgan and Cody Haub each kicking two for the Blues side.
Ruck Tanner Smith earned best-on-ground for Picola, while Woodland also praised Ben Turpin and half-forward George Preston for their performances.
Picola endured a stop-start beginning to their season, playing in a truncated opening round on Easter Saturday before having the bye in round two.
“(The bye was) not ideal, to be honest, but you have to work your way around that,” Woodland said.
“We had a few injuries coming out of the Mathoura game (in round one), and being such a hot day as well, it probably wasn’t too bad.
“It gave us an extra chance to get a few more back, but probably not the best way to start, but that’s the way the draw comes out.”
The Blues host Strathmerton in round four, which is currently boasting a 2-0 record.
“Another cracking contest,” Woodland said.
“The boys are really looking forward to it.
“We think we can mix it with the best this year, and these two sides (Waaia and Strathmerton) have been really strong for a very long time now.
“Get them early days, see what the best in the competition are doing and where we sit.
“We give ourselves a good chance this weekend and (we’ll) have another crack at it.”
PDNL
Picola United’s A-grade netball side had a tough day out against a quality Waaia outfit falling 49-14.
Coach Annie Jorgensen is remaining positive despite suffering her first loss in charge of the A-grade team.
“At no stage today did the score reflect our competitiveness on court,” she said.
“Our attack end gelled well, and Kim McPherson led in defence.
“Some really positive passages of play and signs for the weeks to come.”
Jorgensen also praised two young players, Sarah Connelly and Charli Ryan, who made their senior A-grade debut in the game, citing ‘exciting signs’ for the junior ranks at Picola.
Picola United is now 1-1 in the young season after a one-goal win against Mathoura in round one on Easter Saturday.
The Blues face a tough test next weekend as they host Strathmerton, which sits atop the table after convincing wins in its first two fixtures.
The Game
Scores
Picola United: 1.2, 3.5, 4.8, 8.8 (56)
Waaia: 3.0, 7.2, 12.4, 16.10 (106)
Goals
Picola United: Connor Langley 2, Cody Haub 2, Austin Morgan 2, Logan Daniel, Blake Azzopardi
Waaia: Connor Brown 4, Dustin Blake 2, Harvey Walker 2, Charlie Burrows 2, Brayden Coates, Timothy Belford, Lachlan Wright, Dylan Cornick, Jesse Trower, Kade Gall
Best
Picola United: Tanner Smith, Benjamin Turpin, Brandon Byrne, George Preston, Blake Azzopardi, Logan Daniel
Waaia: Harvey Walker, Dustin Blake, Timothy Belford, Ashley Thompson, William Foster, Adam Brooks