Sport
8 June, 2023
Pumas big start to 2023 continues with fourth win
Maryborough’s strongest start to an AFL Masters Vic Country football season has continued with a fourth straight victory, but not before a major fright against a determined Kerang side at Princes Park on Sunday. The Pumas kicked five goals to two...
Maryborough’s strongest start to an AFL Masters Vic Country football season has continued with a fourth straight victory, but not before a major fright against a determined Kerang side at Princes Park on Sunday.
The Pumas kicked five goals to two in the final quarter on the way to a 14.7 (91) to 8.3 (51) result against the Rams.
The home side had enjoyed a five-goal lead at half time and appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable win. However, elusive Kerang forward Travis Smith threatened to turn the match on its head with three consecutive majors, on the way to a six-goal haul and man of the match honours.
Maryborough defender Matt Broad said there were some nerves at three quarter time.
“We had talked before the match about our Princes Park fortress, and how it was important to follow up some good results on the road with a strong performance at home,” he said.
“Things started well but you can’t take the foot off the accelerator against a good side. The Rams hit a purple patch and we had to steady in that last quarter. Fortunately, we were able to do that.”
The catalyst for the Rams fightback was Pumas’ midfielder Andrew Hughes, who volunteered to help out the undermanned visitors in the third term. As Kerang got on top in the middle of the ground, Smith took advantage of an increase in opportunities to score.
Maryborough forward Travis Cain combined with fellow Pumas spearheads Trev Chapman and Terry Hillier in the final quarter to restore the home team’s ascendency. Chapman finished with four goals, with Cain and Hillier scoring three apiece.
Apart from Hughes, who played three strong quarters for Maryborough in addition to one with Kerang, the Pumas’ best included Scott Newitt, Nick Weaver and Tim Lillis.
The Pumas next face Moorabool Valley on June 18 in Meredith.