MUNDARING Roos have recorded a 40-point victory over the Mt Helena Lions 10.20 (90) to 6.14 (50), in the Lions’ first match back on their home ground after months of changeroom rebuilds.
The visitors were spearheaded by their returning full-forward in Austin Thomas, who controlled the scoring with his nine goals.
Even with several forced behinds, both teams were plagued with accuracy issues and missed set shots on goal throughout the day.
Both teams had early difficulties converting in front of a goal, managing a meager three-goal return from 14 combined attempts between them.
The Lions capitalised just enough to take a slender five-point break in the first quarter.
The second quarter progressed in the same vein as the first, although Mundaring swung the lead back into their favour as the term went on.
Roo Dylan O’Loghlen rebounded several of the Lions’ forward entries, kicking the ball back into the centre where teammate Sam Butler marked and in turn spotted up Kyle Tenardi deep in the Roos’ forward line.
At the end of the second quarter, Mundaring had moved out to an 11-point lead.
Lion Matt Ellwood moved back into defense to help teammate Marshall Hearne, who was under the pump from the continuous Roo entries.
Lion Chase Brydson teamed with Aiden Beaman to get the ball forward for the Lions to score their only third-quarter goal.
The last quarter saw Thomas score all four of Mundaring’s goals to seal the match.
At the final siren, it was the Roos by 40 points, but both teams will be looking forward to regaining key players from injury after the general bye as they work towards finals when they could again lock horns.
The Hills Football Association’s general bye is held this coming weekend as a combined squad of 30 players, plus coaches and support staff, take part in the Nutrien AG Country Football Carnival from July 10 to 12.
Over 600 of the state’s best country footballers will be competing in the three-day, three-division carnival, and full fixtures have been posted on the HFA’s Facebook page.
