Trentham senior footballers opened the 2023 season with a comfortable victory at home over Navarre on Saturday.
With new non-playing coach Clive Raak in charge, the Saints opened up a lead of 46 points by the last change, before easing off as wet weather made an impact.
Raak has made no secret about the aim for this season after the Saints went close in 2022, and making high place in finals is a priority for starters.
There were some very one-sided matches in the MCDFNL on Saturday, and Trentham aim to improve as the season progresses.
The newly rejuvenated pavilion and clubrooms was appreciated, and even though the canteen was “organised chaos” at times, the tremendous effort by volunteers paid off.
In his first game day as president, Tim White took the opportunity to say there had been great work by many in the preseason “with heaps achieved”.
“Good luck to all footballers and netballers, new and continuing, the coaches and many volunteers who help to make the club tick,” White said.
The Saints are anticipating continued strong backing from sponsors and supporters.
It’s a long trip from Navarre, and the visitors took a while to settle in the main match, being outscored by 26 points in the first term.
In the wash-up, Trentham earned the 30-point victory, though some tougher opposition obviously lies ahead.
Versatile Luke Whitehouse led the way with five goals, and Casey Williams managed three.
Joel Cowen has been a fine player for the Saints, and showed he is in for another good season, with Brandon Jensen and Mitchell Peeler also prominent.
Trentham 4.4, 7.8, 11.7, 11.11 (77) d Navarre 0.2, 3.2, 4.3, 7.5 (47).
Trentham Reserves set the ball rolling with a 14.13 (97) to 2.8 (20) victory.
In the Under 14s, Trentham won by four ponts after a close tussle, and the visiting U11s won by 16 points.
NETBALL TUSSLE
Trentham A-grade netballers showed some good signs with a 28-23 victory over Navarre, with the visitors turning the tables 32-21 in B-grade.
Trentham C-graders were on fire and chalked up a 38-21 victory, while Navaree prevailed in the orher matches, winning 30-12 in the U1us, 43-4 in the U15s, and 17-0 in the U11s.
The Saints will welcome new netballers to add to current numbers.
