Sport

Heartbreak for Blues as lead slips away

By Matthew Kappos

May 12, 2024

In the fight: Blake Jorgensen rises above the pack to take a great mark. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Picola United was on top for large stretches of the game against Katunga, but ultimately couldn’t hold on to its lead in round seven of Picola and District football action.

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Saturday’s fixture at Picola Recreation Reserve saw Picola blitz its way into the lead early on, kicking 6.0 in the opening term to race out to an 11-point advantage.

It was a lead the Blues maintained into the half as the teams traded goals in the second term.

Breaking free: Katunga's Cameron Bishop attempts to break the tackle of Fraser Monahan. Photo by Aidan Briggs

In the second half, Katunga began to make its move, closing the gap to a single goal by halftime before kicking four majors to two in the final period to take the game 14.7 (91) to 13.4 (82).

Cody Haub led the way for the Blues with five goals while Taylor Beard added three and Kian Wise picked up two majors.

Freebie: Kian Wise cruises into an open goal, one of two he kicked for the game. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Haub’s performance earned him best-on-ground honours for his side, while Tanner Smith, Blake Jorgensen, Logan and Tom Daniel constituted the rest of Picola United’s best.

When speaking to The Riv over the past few weeks, Blues coach Rhys Woodland indicated this game was part of what he considered a crucial group of fixtures against teams his side wants to compete with for finals places this year.

Gaining advantage: Tanner Smith wins this ruck contest for Picola United. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Despite letting the result slip, the Blues showed plenty of fight throughout the game and proved they could compete with teams of Katunga’s calibre.

Elusive: Katunga’s Bayley Thomas attempts to weave through a pack of Picola United players. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Picola United moves to 2-4 with this result and will face another important fixture next Saturday when it faces Jerilderie (3-3).

PDNL

Reeling it in: Georgia Barnett claims the ball inside the semi-circle. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Picola United faced a strong Katunga side and was unable to force a contest, falling comfortably, 56-22, in round seven.

“Our defenders worked hard all day in a physical contest. Sasha Daniel really stood up and provided great pressure and intensity all game,” Picola United coach Annie Jorgensen said.

“Unfortunately, our mid-court were a little flat, and our entries into the attack end were pressured and we lost our own rhythm after half-time.

“Our inaccuracy in goals gave Katunga opportunities to stretch their lead early.”

Scorer: Katunga’s Aimee Sidebottom lines up a shot from close range. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Blues are now 2-4 for the season and, as the table begins to become clearer, will need to pick up some wins over the next few weeks to remain in touch with the finals sides.

They will have an opportunity to rebound next Saturday as they take on a winless Jerilderie outfit.