A heavily underdog Jerilderie put up a brave effort against Katamatite however the Tigers proved too strong running away with a 38 point victory in round one of the Picola Football League.
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The first quarter was a tight battle with both sides attacking the ball hard, eager to stamp their authority on the game.
Cameron McFayden and Grant Smith started the game strongly and at the first break there was only three points separating the sides.
In the second term, the Demons continued their disciplined play with David Gregory and Sam Sleigh both strong contributors in their first game back at the club.
The third term saw Katamatite score early unanswered goals to go into the last break with a 43 point lead.
The final quarter saw Jerilderie lift their intensity to outscore the Tigers for the term, but it wasn’t enough and Katamatite steadied to have a comfortable win.
Lachie Watson had a great game in defence, while Jye Holcombe lifted to be in the best for Jerilderie.
Final score, Katamatite 15.9 (99) to Jerilderie 9.7 (61) .
While the loss was disappointing, there were plenty of encouraging signs and the Demons are anticipating a successful year on and off the field.
Coach Chris Marshall said it was pleasing to be in the game right up until the end of the last quarter and is hoping his side can continue through the season.
‘‘We were only about two goals down with five minutes to go but just fell away at the crucial time with our lack of skills.
‘‘Our forward entries were good and the backline was pretty strong for the day.
‘‘Our ball use probably cost us in the end but that happens with a younger side.
‘‘We’re looking to build some confidence. We’ve had pre-season training since December 3 and all the boys are reasonably fit, we just have to find confidence in our ability and jell in a few new players.’’
The match didn’t come without some bruises for the Demons with Marshall going down with a knee injury during the second quarter, leaving his side down a rotation on the bench.
He said he’ll most likely miss a few weeks, meaning he won’t line-up against Picola United for Jerilderie’s first home game of the year this Saturday.
‘‘It’s exciting to showcase what we’ve done to our fans,’’ Marshall said.
‘‘It’s always tough against Picola but I’m confident if we go out with the same attitude we had against Katamatite, attack the ball like we did and have a bit more polish with the ball we’ll be in the game at three quarter time.’’
It was a great start to the season for the Demons reserves, scoring a convincing win in their first game of the season.
The first half saw some great team work to see Jerilderie go into the main break with a 12 point lead. Bohdi Beasley came back into the side to show he had lost none of his ability to be best on ground for the Demons, while Nick Baldwin also had a great game.
The third term saw the Demons extend their lead to 24 points over the Tigers going into three quarter time. Joel Bryce and Jack Anthony were good for the Demons.
The last quarter saw the Tigers fight back, but could not bridge the gap and Jerilderie ran out 21 point victors. Cameron Arnold had a great game for the Demons, while Luke Keating had a great game kicking five goals.
Final score, Jerilderie 8.5 (53) to Katamatite 4.8 (32).
The Demons Under 17s put on a dominant display against the Tigers to start their season with a 137 point win.
From the first bounce Jerilderie showed great discipline and teamwork with everyone contributing to the win.
Ben Neessen was his usual hard at the ball self and was rewarded with six goals for a best on ground performance, while Oliver Knight found plenty of the ball in front of goal to finish the day with five goals.
Brad Aylett showed plenty of run and had a great first game for the Demons, while Justin Lawton picked up plenty of possessions and Rory Knight had a long awaited run in the forward line to kick two goals.
Final score, Jerilderie 21.17 (143) to Katamatite 1.0 (6).
The young Demons fourths came up against a much bigger and stronger Tigers side that controlled the game from the first bounce.
Travis Lawton and Cruz Nash battled hard all day to be two of Jerilderie’s best, while Jason Ray showed plenty of courage and determination in his first game back in the Demon colours.
Chelsea Mason stepped up and attacked the ball well in her first game, as did Matt DiLullo and Tex Flack showed plenty of aggression at the ball.
Final score, Katamatite 11.9 (75) to Jerilderie no score.