Timbercutters endure tough season opener

By Josh Huntly

Apr 3, 2022

Hands off: Mathoura and Rennie tussled in the first round of the PDFNL, with the latter running away 151-point winners. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Kick away: Mathoura and Rennie went toe-to-toe in round one. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Pressure: Mathoura players converge on a Rennie opponent in round one of the PDFNL. Photo: Steve Huntley. Photo by Steve Huntley

Mathoura took to the field for its first game of the Picola and District Football League season against Rennie on Saturday after a tumultuous off-season.

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The Timbercutters, who were besieged by a committee and player exodus, lined up with a youthful squad against the Hoppers, with last season’s under-17 squad forming the nucleus of Mathoura’s rebuild.

While many in the community would have been relieved to simply see the club take the field in a senior capacity, new coach Stan Gilday will be hoping it can improve on its round one showing to the Hoppers.

Mathoura was beset on all sides by Rennie, eventually slumping to a 151-point defeat.

Mathoura will have another stern test on its hands when it travels to Waaia this Saturday, with the Bombers coming off a strong win over reigning minor premier Strathmerton on Saturday.

In the Reserves, Mathoura were forced to forfeit their fixture, while the under-17 side toiled hard in a 109-point defeat.

Around the PDFL, Jerilderie, Katunga, Tungamah, and Berrigan all picked up round one victories, while Yarroweyah were forced to forfeit the clash against Tocumwal.

*Goalkickers and statistics for the Mathoura vs Rennie clash were unavailable at the time of writing.