By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos produced a win they will remember for a long time in a two point thriller against Hadfield in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.
The Kangaroos had started the season with two losses to their two crosstown rivals, so there was a bit of pressure on the side heading into Saturday.
Despite a slow start, the Kangaroos worked back into the game by half time. The Hawks had been wasteful in front of goal in the first half, having had 13 scoring shots to six.
Not much separated the two teams in the second half.
The Kangaroos finished with four goals to two in the final quarter to sneak home for 10.1 (61)-8.11 (59) win.
Kangaroos football manager Matthew Baird said it was a result that they needed.
“We were 0-4 a couple of years ago and after what happened last season, we were thinking what is going to happen,” he said.
“We had played the two Sunbury sides first up. We didn’t think we were too bad, but we kept giving sides starts.
“It was a character building win and the boys will remember this one for a long time with our backs up against the wall.
“We’re pretty stoked.”
Baird said they again gave the Hawks a start which wasn’t ideal having chased tail all day in their other matches.
Having fought their way back in, the match went down to the final seconds. Hadfield missed a shot with 30 seconds to go to take back the lead and get the win.
Shawn Bowden kicked three goals for the Kangaroos and was named their best.
Dean Halliwell and Bradley Collins were others named in the best.
Among those out there for the Kangaroos was Tie Cuffe, who has returned to the side this season.
Baird said they weren’t going to say no to the opportunity to get him back into the team. Cuffe is flying in to play.
“He’s not as fit as he would like to be, but he brings in poise and leadership and every club would want someone like a Tie Cuffe,” he said.
“We’ve made it work. He’s a four time best and fairest winner, we’re never going to say no to the opportunity to have him. It hasn’t taken him long to fit in.”
The win has the Kangaroos sitting 1-2 in what is proving to be a close competition. Glenroy and Rupertswood, which has played one less game, are the only undefeated teams.
“I don’t think a lot of people expected us to do too much,” Baird said. “Internally we think we’re going OK.
“The competition is so close and every week you have to rock up as there’s no easy matches.”
The Kangaroos play a winless Northern Saints this Saturday.
Baird said they can’t give the Saints a sniff or they grow in confidence.
It was a day of close wins for the Kangaroos, with their women’s side winning by one point against the Sunbury Lions, 3.7 (25)-3.6 (24).
Tylah Bell and Courtney Snedden were named the Kangaroos best.
