by Daniel Paproth, Sunbury Macedon Ranges Weekly
THERE was a sense of occasion at Gilbert Gordon Oval on Saturday.
Grand final preview it wasn’t, but there was plenty at stake as Woodend-Hesket and Kilmore, both winless heading into the game, searched for their first win of the Riddell District Football League season.
In the end, it was a one-sided affair – the Hawks were far too good, winning by 40 points even after Kilmore kicked four goals in the final term. Woodend started impressively, moving the ball at pace as its players broke away from the Blues, who seemed to be a step behind all afternoon.
Under-18s star Tom Gawthrop, playing just his second senior game, was mighty impressive early, taking several strong marks and easily out-muscling his Kilmore opponents for three goals.
In an eye-catching piece of play in the second term, Justin Milverton managed to keep the ball in along the boundary line inside 50 and fired off a handpass under pressure to Gawthrop, who nailed the goal from the pocket.
The Hawks set up the win with six goals to one in the second term, and with a 47-point lead at half-time the game had the sniff of a thumping.
As Blues’ heads dropped, the Hawks jumped all over each other to celebrate goals and further boosting their confidence.
Kilmore’s deficit – which blew out to nearly 10 goals at one stage – was largely of its own doing. The Blues struggled to move the ball when they had it, frequently getting pinged for holding-the-ball or turning it over.
The Hawks edged to a 51-point lead at three-quarter time and eased up in the last as the Blues finally broke some lines close the gap in the last term. They won the second half.
Woodend coach Glenn Hopkins was not concerned about breaking the duck, saying building the club and developing players was the key.
“It’s good to have a win but it’s not so much about wins and losses,” he said.
“We’ve got a long way to go to build the club back up to where it needs to be.
“Today was a good effort – we made effort to take the game on and that’s what we did.
“The players were rewarded for their running and we’ve got to be able to keep that spirit going.
“For us it’s just good to do the things we’re trying to do and for them to work.”
Last Modified on 25/06/2013 11:55