Some resolute defending and two final quarter goals from star full forward Joel Aish has lead the Blackwood Football Club to its first win of 2021 defeating the Mt Barker Roos by 14 points in a tight contest at Hanson Oval in Round 2 of the Police Credit Union Hills Football League.

Speaking post-match coach Scott Prebble said it was a gritty win from his side. “It was an outstanding effort to get the victory today. We were down to virtually one rotation midway through the first quarter. The side dug deep and played to the plan against a good side. It was great to see the effort from every single player.”

Troy Hocking battles his Mt Barker opponent

The Woods entered the clash with three changes with Daniel Bennetts, Patrick Hillard and River Moore playing their first match of the season. Kicking towards the Wellington Road end in the term, the Roos kicked the opening major courtesy of Tom Worthley. Blackwood began to work their way into the match in the middle part of the term with two majors from recruit Alex Scott and 2020 Mail Medallist Matt Tuck. A late goal to Mt Barker courtesy of a 50 metre penalty saw Levi Francis kick his first goal and draw the margin of two points at the first break.

Getting on top around the midfield at the start of the second quarter, the home side was able to gain multiple entries inside forward 50. A turnover across the half forward line from a switch kick saw the Roos move the ball with speed down the clubroom wing inside the forward 50. Courtesy of a free kick Billy Stokes was able to kick the third goal for the Roos. The travelling Woods who were well supported by a large travelling contingent pushed hard in the next period having multiple shots on goal through captain Ryan Dijksman and Scott. Unable to score a goal, the Barkeroos then moved the ball down the interchange to find key forward Damian Hynes who converted truly for their fourth major of the game.

In their first year of senior football, youngsters Oscar Hodge and Eduard Van Den Berg provided valuable drive for the Woods who moved the ball forward to star forward Joel Aish. Passing off he found Mat Tee who went back and kicked straight for the Woods third goal of the game. Another 50 metre penalty saw Sam Callins get an immediate reply for the home side. When Hynes kicked his second for the term the Roos extended their lead to 10 points at the major break.

The Woods registered the first goal of the third term through skipper Ryan Dijksman. Turning the ball across the centre line the Woods moved it quick inside 50 to find Dijksman in space who snapped truly over his left shoulder. A second goal from Dijksman at the seven minute mark so the Woods hit the lead as they were running over the top of the Roos in the middle part of the term. Three minutes later Tom Worthley got the reply for the home side kicking straight over the goal umpires hat from 35 out directly in front. Aish kicked his first goal of the game in the middle part of the term snapping truly from a mark 20 metres out. Further goals to Daniel Benson and Mat Tee saw the Woods head into final break leading by 14 points.

Andrew Bruce urged his side to give one last effort as the Barkeroos got onto around the midfield in the last term. Having multiple inside 50 entries the Roos registered the opening goal of the final term through Hynes. Registering multiple behinds the Roos applied the pressure to the Woods. Moving the ball coast to coast from a kick out, debutant Hillard kicked long inside 50. Showing his class, Joel Aish evaded two Roos opponent to snap truly on his left boot to score a goal against the run of play.

Holding strong under pressure the Woods didn’t concede a further major as they moved the ball coast to coast again. Skipper Dijksman found space kicking long to top of the square to find Aish to marked against his opponent. Kicking his third goal for the match on the final siren the Woods ran out 14 point winners in a highly entertaining contest.

Defender Nathan Dunn was awarded best player for the Woods in his entertaining contest with Damian Hynes. Rhys Sporn, Sam Zevenboom, Matt Tuck and Patrick Hillard also caught the eye of the coaching staff featuring in the better players.