Football
29 July, 2025
Rupanyup gets redemption against Natimuk United
Rupanyup reversed the result of their early-season clash with Natimuk United, winning their Saturday matchup in round 15 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The final score saw Rupanyup kick 13.8 86 to Natimuk’s 8.13 61.
Playing at home against a Panthers side who had not won a game since round six, the Rams were favourites heading into the game, but it was Rupanyup who got the better start, establishing a 21-10 lead at the first break.
The Panthers continued their momentum in the second quarter, extending their lead to 27 (46-19) at halftime.
Unlike the round four clash between the two sides, where Rupanyup held a halftime lead before relinquishing it, the visitors remained dominant, kicking five goals in the third quarter to enter the final quarter up 79-26.
Despite a better fourth-quarter effort from Natimuk United, Rupanyup were never in trouble late in the game, finishing 25-point winners.
Cam Weston and Jimmy Finnigan were two of the Panthers’ best, while Mitchell Clarke and Liam Klowss performed well for the Rams.
Blake Turner had another strong game up forward, bagging five goals, while Jack Bellinger led Natimuk with three.
Weston, co-coach of Rupanyup, was happy with the team's intent and their second-half start.
"I was so proud of the team," Weston said.
"When we played them (Natimuk) at the start of the year, we were up about 20 points at halftime, and Natimuk came out and ran all over the top of us.
"I just reminded them of that and we came out (in the third quarter) and kicked three goals in the first seven minutes.
In a weather-impacted day, Weston says his side's onus on winning the one-on-one battles proved pivotal.
"We really pride ourselves to be winning the one-on ones and getting in there and getting our hands dirty," Weston said.
"I think the team that put their head over the ball and was willing to have numbers around the contest was going to win it, and I thought that the boys did that really well all day."
As well as acknowledging Turner's standout performance, Weston praised various contributions in ther win.
"Alby Kingston and Jimmy Finnigan in the middle, playing on the ball, they were instrumental.
"And likewise, Daniel Weetra played across the half-back line, he was wonderful too."
The win puts Rupanyup into the race for seventh on the ladder, just behind Kalkee and Natimuk United.