First-Half Avalanche Buries Woodside

Cowwarr’s first half of football blitz

Cowwarr  21.12   138

Woodside  10.12    72

Cowwarr has long been a happy hunting ground for Woodside, but Saturday told a very different story, with all three Wildcats football sides going down to the home team — none more painful than the senior defeat.

The Saints produced a near-flawless opening half, blowing the game apart with a seven-goal-to-one first quarter before piling on another eight majors in the second term, while keeping the reigning premiers scoreless in a dominant display.

Woodside coach Hudson Holmes tries to lift his side in the second half.

Woodside’s task was made harder by injuries, with O’Sullivan, King and Michaelides all sidelined, but coach Hudson Holmes was not looking for excuses.

“It was a disappointing day,” Holmes said. “They came in waves and we didn’t do enough to stop them. The positives were that a couple of the kids stood up.”

To their credit, the Wildcats showed more resistance after the main break, producing a far more competitive second half. However, Cowwarr remained in control, answering every challenge as Woodside attempted to claw back momentum.

Cam Whiteoak battled hard throughout but had little support as the visitors struggled to match Cowwarr’s intensity and efficiency.

Holmes said the playing group was fully aware of how costly the opening half had been.

Woodside young gun Tanner Hall gets a kick away

“We had a young side in and as leaders we knew how bad our first half was — it was very obvious. There’s no point dwelling on it. I was pleased we fought back a little, but overall it’s very disappointing,” he said.

Woodside will look to regroup quickly, with an extra day to prepare for Sunday’s clash against Glengarry on their home deck.

“We’re battling a few injuries, but it gives more kids an opportunity. We’ll keep learning and improving,” Holmes said.

Adam Janssen tries to break clear of the Cowwarr tackle

Cowwarr Best: Sammy Hallyburton, Tristen Waack, Shannen Lange, Jack Johnstone, Lachlan Sykes, Ben Coffey

Woodside Best: Cameron Whiteoak, Luke Johnson, Adam Janssen, Tanner Hall, Michael Stockdale, Zac Richards

Cowwarr goals: S Hallyburton, K Hughes 4 each  S Lange, C Michie, G Ruach  3 each, B Hood, J Brown, T Waack, M McMaster  1 each.

Woodside goals: Z Richards 3,  H Holmes, C Whiteoak, R Foat, M O’Sullivan, R Denovan  1 each