The Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League kicked off its 2022 season on Saturday with a good round of matches and contests.
At the time of print the Kybybolite vs Naracoorte game had not been played as their traditional match up took place on Anzac Day.
Last year’s premiers Mundulla started its title defence against Keith with a hard fought 19-point win.
Wade Packer kicked three goals in the victory for Mundulla, while Jake McGrice and William Nankivell also kicked two goals each.
Daniel Noll, Dylan Mosey and McGrice were Mundulla’s best players.
Billy Wade shone up forward for Keith as he kicked four goals in a losing effort, while Seb Schreiber, George Thring and Billy Wade also fought hard.
Border Districts started the new season on a high note when they defeated last year’s grand finalists Padthaway by 19 points.
The Eagles were in control for most of the day and only straight kicking at goal kept Padthaway in it.
Nick Schild had a great day in front of goal for his new team as he booted six goals in the victory, while Blake Helyar and Nathan Naylor also helped out with two majors.
Jack Helyar, Mitchell Coles and Nick Schild were the Eagles best players.
Tobin Cox kicked an amazing seven goals to keep Padthaway in the game, but his efforts alongside Kiefer Scharkie and Darcy Boyanton were not enough.
Lucindale had a strong 94-point win over Penola at McCorquindale Park.
The Roos jumped out of the blocks in the first half to be 10 goals ahead by half time and never looked back.
Sam Williams booted five goals for the Roos, while new coach Nick Cane and West Adelaide recruit Hamish Gordon were able to both get three goals of their own in the victory.
Henry Tregoweth, Hamish Gordon and Tom Logan were strong performers in the win for Lucindale.
It was a tough start to life as Eagles’ coach for Brad Maney, who only had one multiple goal kicker at his disposal in Lewis March.
Anders McShane, Bradley Merrett and Damien Wenham battled hard for Penola all game long.
Bordertown recorded a strong win against Kingston at home on the weekend.
The Roosters looked good and clean with the ball for most of the game and took their chances in front of goal when they came along.
Kingston missed some very easy shots on goal and could not get a good consistent run of goals all game long.
The Roosters ran away with the game in the fourth quarter to win by 39 points.
Curtis McCarthy was strong in front of goal with five majors for the Roosters, while Thomas Whittlesea and Nick Dahlitz also hit the scoreboard multiple times.
Lochie Eats, Thomas Whittlesea and Tom Neville were the better players for the victors.
James Siviour kicked three goals in a losing effort and Jack Harding helped out with two goals to try and keep the Saints close.
Henry Lawrie, Jack Harding and Ben Warner were the Saints better players.
The season rolls on with round 2 this weekend when some interesting games will take place.
Lucindale host Keith in what could be a cracking game as both clubs have quality players on their respective lists.
Mundulla hosts traditional rival Bordertown in what could be an absolute belting contest.
Bordertown will go in with full confidence and will be ready to challenge the strong Mundulla outfit.
Kingston is at home to Border Districts and the Saints will be looking to rebound after their opening round loss.
Meanwhile, Border Districts look to have picked up a couple of handy players and will be keen to keep their winning run going to start the season.
Naracoorte is at home to Penola and will be keen to play good football in front of their home crowd with new coach Matt Willson leading the way.
The Eagles will be looking to be more competitive and will no doubt come out firing to take it right up to Naracoorte from the opening bounce.
Padthaway host Kybybolite in a game that could go either way.
Padthaway will be training hard to fix its goal kicking this week, but the Tigers will be looking to put in a strong performance on the road.
