Footy report

Southern Football League
Round 1 Review

Claremont 16.11 (107) d New Norfolk 14.10 (94) at Boyer
FOR the third year in a row, Claremont defeated New Norfolk in the opening roster match of the SFL season in what was effectively a re-match of the 2013 and 2014 grand finalists. But in contrast to previous wins the 13 point victory on Saturday was played out at the Boyer Oval fortress of the Magpies' fiercest rival.

Twice during the course of the game the men from Abbotsfield Park had to pull back the Eagles' lead, lifting prior to half-time to boot seven of the last nine goals to half time. Through Todd Kelly, Sean Salter and the outstanding Nathan Brown, the Pies edged in front and ex-University player Field Reeves finished the game as he started with a goal just prior to the final siren.

Claremont coach Kim Excell said the hard work would start now, with New Norfolk missing some key players. In response New Norfolk coach Caden Wilson said that despite the loss there were positives out of the game for New Norfolk. “It’s disappointing to lose at home but I’m proud that we stuck with them”, Wilson said when speaking to the Mercury.

In the Reserves contest Claremont was victorious by 45 points and in the Under 18 competition New Norfolk took on the Kingborough Tigers with the Tigers running out victors in the first game of the day.

BEN HARRISON