Football
14 August, 2025
Cougars welcome Southern Roos test
Kaniva Leeor United will look to register their first-ever win over Harrow Balmoral in men’s senior football this Saturday in round 18 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Cougars have moved to fourth on the ladder and are likely to play finals, with a win on Saturday to confirm their finals appearance while also potentially lifting them into the top three.
The last time the two teams met Harrow Balmoral defeated Kaniva Leeor 58-48.
Jonno Hicks, coach of Kaniva Leeor, says that both teams will enter Saturday with improved sides since the last encounter.
“Harrow are a quality opposition, and even with injuries they've had this year they've still managed to win games and finish second, which is a real credit to them,” Hicks said.
“They're nearly full strength now and they're such a threat.
“Last game against them was also one of our worst injury-wise and we’ve welcomed back quite a few since then and recruited Tyler (Roos) and Josh (Clayton).
“They’ll be a far-improved side but hopefully we will be improved as well, which will be good.”
Harrow Balmoral’s improvement has been demonstrated in recent results, including a 140-76 win over Pimpinio and a 97-52 win over the Swifts – teams they only just managed to overcome earlier in the year.
But the Cougars have been one of the big improvers themselves, boasting a 10-5 record, and the only team to defeat Noradjuha Quantong this season.
Hicks acknowledges the challenge that Harrow Balmoral face but says his side has a chance to claim their first win over the reigning premiers.
“They’re a team we've never beaten,” Hicks said.
“We've gone five years in the league and are yet to beat Harrow so that's a huge challenge for us at home to finish off the year and hopefully one the guys really set themselves for.
“We want to keep improving and part of that is being able to challenge those top sides, so we’re really looking forward to coming out this week with a good showing against a team we respect.”
Providing extra motivation for the Cougars is the possibility of a top-three finish, as well as a strong showing for the club’s ladies’ day.
“Hopefully it will be a finals-like atmosphere for our last home game of the season,” Hicks said.
“We’ve had really good support here at home so hopefully we put on a good show, particularly being ladies’ day.”