James Murphy
KONGORONG 16.18 (114) d GLENCOE 11.6 (72)
AFTER a few close calls, Kongorong has finally notched up its first win of the 2023 Mid South Eastern Football League season.
The Hawks hosted Glencoe for a physical contest but after a fiery first quarter, home team put the foot down.
The guests were up 10-5 at the first change, before Kongorong made use of its forward supply in the second and booted eight-goals-five to the Murphies’ 1.1.
From there the writing was on the wall and Glencoe was faced with a 41-point half-time deficit.
The next two quarters were relatively even and the arm wrestle resumed as both teams fought for supremacy.
Glencoe kicked six goals in the third which narrowed the gap slightly, but the Hawks still managed five and kept the Murphies at arm’s length.
Three each in the fourth left little room for movement and Kongorong secured a solid first win, with more sure to come for the revamped Hawks.
Best on ground for the victors was Brandon Kranz, whose fearless pursuit of the football came to the fore when the going was tough.
Tyrone Rayner and Jack Austin were also impressive, while it was Jarrod Ryan who stepped up in front of goal.
He booted seven majors in a strong display, aided by captain Jett Attard and Luke McIntyre with two each.
Ryan rounded out the best players, along with Matthew Roberts and Will Vickery in a gutsy performance from the Hawks.
Glencoe’s Jake Blackwell had plenty of the ball up forward from early in the match and he finished with a team-high three goals.
Dylan Childs and Alex Hentschke also had multiples with two each and the former was named second best for his strong performance.
However, it was Patrick Mitchell who received the top honours, capping off an impressive opening three games from the midfielder.
Henry Smith, Jack Edmonds and William Maloney were also solid, but in the end the Murphies were denied their second win for the year.
Kongorong will freshen up with the bye this week, while Glencoe hosts Robe in what will be another hefty challenge.
