Sport
15 April, 2024
Bright lights shine for Harcourt
HARCOURT 6.8 (44) def CARISBROOK 4.11 (35) Make that 28 on the trot for the Lions, who took the grand final rematch against Carisbrook in what was a gritty affair under lights at Harcourt Recreation Reserve. A good crowd poured into the Den as last...
HARCOURT 6.8 (44) def CARISBROOK 4.11 (35)
Make that 28 on the trot for the Lions, who took the grand final rematch against Carisbrook in what was a gritty affair under lights at Harcourt Recreation Reserve.
A good crowd poured into the Den as last year’s squad reunited to unfurl their premiership flag from last season’s victory against the Redbacks pre-game.
Recent history suggested a low-scoring game was on the cards, but the big shock was that neither team was able to break through in the first term as both teams adjusted to the new settings at Harcourt in the early stages, with the sun going down and the lights beaming on to what was a pristine surface.
Carisbrook provided the bulk of the play early on, but, much to the frustration of co-coaches Luke Treacy and Dean Chester, they were unable to hit the scoreboard with significant force, instead registering three behinds, while Harcourt were left scoreless.
With the unusual sight of the second centre bounce of the game opening the second term, the game continued to be a defensive battle, but it was Harcourt who managed to put their noses in front thanks to two goals to one during the quarter.
Things continued to be very tight during the third quarter, but it was Carisbrook who enjoyed their best offensive quarter of the night, kicking three goals, while Harcourt added two.
It was a one-point ball game at the end of the third, with the Lions still holding on to the lead, and were determined to give incoming coach Carl Thiesz his first victory on his coaching debut.
The Lions heeded his words of encouragement, and kicked two goals, while Carisbrook kicked six behinds, to eventually record a nine-point victory to keep their remarkable streak intact.
It was a source of frustration for the Redbacks that they couldn’t quite find a way to get over the line against Harcourt for a fourth time in succession, having now lost their last four games to the Lions by a combined 39 points.
Cameron Anderson continued where he has left off from the last couple of seasons, and starred for the Lions, while new recruits Thorne Wilson, Braydon Vaz and Patrick Gretgrix were busy. The reliable Mark Noonan and Josh Hogg were also named in the best for the Lions. There were no multiple goalkickers for the Lions, who now look ahead to the short trip to Newstead for a second consecutive night match next week.
Carisbrook’s experienced returnee Brady Neill provided plenty of drive for the Redbacks, while Dillan Treacy, Mitchell Treacy, Jason Bowen, Matt Bilton and Cohen Leech were also named in the best players. Liam Cunningham was the only multiple goalkicker on the ground for the Redbacks, kicking two majors.