Lockington-Bamawm United has slumped to a third straight defeat in the Heathcote District Football League senior competition, falling by 34 points to Huntly at Strauch Reserve on Saturday.
Entering the game off back-to-back losses at the hands of sides expected to be there at the pointy end come September in Heathcote and White Hills, Stacy Fiske’s Cats were keen to make amends and level their 2024 ledger when they travelled to take on the Hawks.
From the first bounce of the ball, however, LBU was on the back foot, with the home side booting 3.6 in the opening term while the Cats mustered just 2.2 in reply to head to the first break down by 10 points.
The second term was where the damage truly transpired, however, as LBU once again only managed to put 2.2 on the board, whereas the Hawks found their range in front of goal, converting 5.3 for the quarter to open up a 29-point lead at the main change.
LBU managed to respond somewhat in the third term, stemming the bleeding that occurred in the first half and matching the home side on the scoreboard. However, it was unable to make any headway in terms of reeling in the margin, which remained at 29 points.
It would be as close as the Cats got for the rest of the day, as the Hawks managed a 2.1 to 1.2 final term to deny LBU its second win of the season.
The assignments get no easier for the Cats who face reigning premier Mount Pleasant next week in what looms as a tough task, before being given the chance to regroup with the bye in round six.
HDNL
Lockington-Bamawm United is on the board for season 2024, with the Cats recording their first win under new coach Ash Cullen at the weekend.
Travelling to Strauch Reserve to take only the similarly winless Huntly, the Cats looked primed for a tough encounter, with neither side willing to give an inch in the first term, which ended with scores locked at 11 apiece.
LBU established a small but significant advantage in the second quarter, however, outscoring the Hawks to lead by two goals at the main break.
A thrilling finale was set up following another tight tussle in the third term, as the two sides again matched each other, seeing the Cats maintain the two-goal margin heading into the final quarter.
With a maiden win on the line for both sides, it was the Cats that prevailed, outlasting the home side to wrap up the eventual 42-38 victory and join the winners’ circle for the first time this season.
LBU will look to maintain its newfound winning momentum when it takes on Mount Pleasant next weekend at home.
The Game
Scores
Lockington-Bamawm United: 2.2, 4.4, 7.6, 8.8 (56)
Huntly: 3.6, 8.9, 11.11, 13.12 (90)
Goals
Lockington-Bamawm United: Anthony McMahon 2, Tyler Phillips 2, Taylor Butler, Lachlan Holthuisen, Thomas Leech, Jeremy Mundie
Huntly: Lachy Wilson 5, Abe Sladden 2, Dale Lowry, Hamish Morcom, Noah Sherlock, Joseph Violi
Best
Lockington-Bamawm United: Jeremy Mundie, Brodie Collins, Jacob Gardiner, Taylor Butler, Tyler Phillips, Charlie Hinks
Huntly: Abe Sladden, Dale Lowry, Lachy Wilson, Darby Walsh, Mitch Avard, Jackson Fry