Strong start for reigning premiers

REIGNING Hampden League premiers South Warrnambool has kick started its 2024 campaign with a round one win over North.

The much-anticipated grand final re-match once again lived up to expectations, with spectators treated to a great display of quality football at Friendlies Society Park.

The Roosters got off to a flying start, kicking 4.2 to 1.1 in the first quarter before North found its momentum in the second to get within a goal at the main break.

An eight goal third quarter proved the key for South, while the Eagles could only add three points to the board.

The Eagles went out firing in the final term, kicking five majors while containing the Roosters to just four points.

Final scores were South Warrnambool 14.11.95 to North Warrnambool 11.6.72.

Best for the Roosters were Josh Saunders, Jed Henderson, Harry Lee, Myles McCluggage, Nick Thompson and Shannon Beks while for the Eagles Angus Noske, Jackson Grundy, Jack Johnstone, Jett Bermingham, Jordan Dillon and Michael Barlow were best.

Shannon Beks kicked five for South and was supported on the board by Samuel Rhodes, Oliver Smith and Nick Thompson with two apiece.

Other contributors included Jack Dye,Sam Kelly and Myles McCluggage (one each).

For North, Adam Wines booted three while Michael Barlow, Thomas Batten, Harley Cobb, Jackson Grundy, Thomas James, Bailey Jenkinson, Felix Jones and Matthew Wines kicked one each.

Other round one Hampden League matches, Koroit defeated Warrnambool, Port Fairy was big winners over Portland, Cobden defeated the Kangaroos and Terang Mortlake took the points over Camperdown.

Round two action this weekend will see Koroit host Cobden, Warrnambool will travel to Gardens Oval, North will host Portland, Hamilton will face Camperdown and Terang Mortlake will host the Roosters.