THE Amcap/New Holland WA state country side has finished their campaign at the Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival strongly with a win and a draw on the final day of competition.
Playing in a round robin format to decide fifth, sixth and seventh place, the team defeated Vic Districts in their first game 4.3-27 to 1.6-12.
WA’s superior forward options proved the difference with Simon Duckworth kicking two goals and being amongst the side’s best along with Julian Jacobs, Adam Walsh, Daniel Lewis, Luke Bairstow and Kris Clarkson.
NSW was their second opponent in a game that went down to the wire, finishing in a draw after NSW kicked a goal on the siren. The final score was 7.3-45 to 7.3-45 with Troy Ditchburn, Luke Bairstow, Julian Jacobs and Daniel Lewis recognised as the best players.
According to coach Rod Williams, the team’s performance has improved over the four days.
“The way we finished means we can walk away saying we did our best and had a fair dinkum go,” said Rod Wiliams.
“It’s a shame we started slow on Thursday and blew our chances of finishing one or two, but I’m certainly proud of the effort the boys have put in.
“The format’s been tough but the other sides have had to do it so I don’t know if they’ll change it in the future – it’s certainly been a lot of football for boys to take in,” said Rod Williams.
In terms of players who impressed during the carnival Rod Williams said WA’s captain, Simon Duckworth has been a standout.
“We all know Simon’s an outstanding player but to play the way he has and lead the team is a credit to him.
“Troy Ditchburn was also great over the carnival and we made a discovery in Julian Jacobs who gave us a lot of run and drive in the back half,” said Rod Williams.
WA finish the carnival in sixth place, losing the fifth spot to NSW on percentage, and according to Rod Williams the team probably need some harder opposition prior to the next national carnival to finish in a higher position.
“I think that from a selection perspective we’re pretty confident we brought away best side we possibly could but we might have to find some high tempo games before the next carnival to get our intensity up. We obviously came into the carnival too flat and that hurt us on the first day given the format that’s been played.
“We really couldn’t have asked for any more from the guys and like any carnival we’ve created some lifelong memories and friendships that will last for years to come,” said Rod Williams.
WA Country Football League General Manager, Cameron Knapton, agrees that the players have handled themselves in an impressive manner.
“From the WACFL Executive’s point of view we’re absolutely proud of the way the team played throughout carnival and the way they represented the state. Their on and off field behaviour has been outstanding and their preparation prior to the carnival has been first class,” said Cameron Knatpon.
After experiencing the final between South Australia and Vic Major later this afternoon and the presentation of All Australian jumpers, the team will return to WA tomorrow night.
Picture: David McKinlay (UGSFL) and Peter Farrant (UGSFL) in a contest with a Victorian player during a match at the Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival.
