‘Magic’ is the term of endearment applied to elusive Kyneton forward Cam Manuel, and he was a hero with a winning after-the-siren goal against Eaglehawk on Saturday.
Manuel kicked five goals, and the last was the most important, giving the courageous Tigers a never-say-die victory to keep their finals hopes alive.
Facing Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park can be a daunting task, and this time the home side was fired up after a shock loss to Kangaroo Flat.
The Hawks flew out of the blocks after a magnificent smoking ceremony for the Indigenous Round, but quarter time discussion seemed to settle the Tigers down.
Manuel’s long goals lifted spirits, Hamish Yunghanns was everywhere.
The inclusion of talented Ben Cameron was a welcome boost for the Tigers, and he did what he does best – win the football.
Eaglehawk monopolised the ball for long periods, but inaccuracy proved costly.
The Hawks had 26 scoring shots to Kyneton’s 17, yet the latter gained a victory equally important as the courageous two points victory at Gisborne three rounds ago.
Led by the reliable James Orr, the Tigers cut the deficit to eight points going into the last term.
Staunch defender Harry Huntley even managed to kick a couple of vital goals for the Tigers.
When the Hawks kicked three quick majors in the tense last quarter it looked all over.
Then entered ‘Magic’ to produce a winning clutch goal after the siren.
Best for the Tigers in a real team effort were Manuel,Cameron, Mitch Comben, Jake Summers, Lucas Iudica and Jayden Eales.
This Saturday, Kyneton take on Kangaroo Flat and cannot underestimate the Kangaroos after their victory over Eaglehawk.
Final scores were 12.5 (77) to 10.16 (76).
In the Reserves, an undermanned Kyneton faced well drilled opposition, but produced resolute defence.
Coach Pretty was in the senior side, and with ‘The Truck’ missing it was always going to be a tough assignment.
Best players were Ryan Dubens, Mitchell Johns, Nicholas Tunzi, Matthew Hanna and Bayden Ganim.
UNDER 18s
What a week for the magnificent young men in the Under 18s. The club has rallied around the lads after the tragic death of Castlemaine opponent Dallas Keogh-Frankling in the previous round.
President Hayden Evans said the club was so proud of this group and wished to congratulate each and every one of them for the support they had given one another.
“Also to the support staff and their parents, we thank you so much,” Evans said.
The boys ran out with emotions running high against the Hawks.
They led strongly with superb displays from Codie Young and the dashing midfield of Brody Muir, Will Armstrong and Lachie Thompson.
Eaglehawk came back hard but could not match the young Tigers who chalked up a famous victory.
Better players were Thompson, Young, Muir, Max Short, Jesse Smith and Oliver Plunkett.
Best wishes go to Austin Stevens who sustained a bad knock late in the game.
