THE Swifts and Natimuk United have played out the first draw of the Horsham District league season so far.
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Nothing could split the sides as the Swifts scored 16.11 (107) to Natimuk United’s 15.17 (107).
It was the Swifts that started the better of the two sides. After a disappointing loss to Kalkee last week the Swifts came out firing with a point to prove and scored five goals to the Rams’ one.
Some tactical changes from the Rams at the first break ensured the side was able to get into the contest during the second term.
Natimuk United kicked five goals to the Swifts’ two in the quarter to reduce the margin to just seven points at half-time. The returning Jaydon Stiles was in good form for the Rams and kicked four goals for the day to help get his side back into the contest.
Led by playing coach Sam Anson, the Rams continued to fight and held a lead after three quarters.
Heading into the final term Natimuk United had earned its way to a six-point lead, setting up an enticing final quarter between the two sides.
An entertaining final quarter saw the lead change and opportunities wasted.
The Swifts kicked 5.3 to the Rams’ 3.7 in the final quarter as the siren sounded with the two teams stuck on 107.
The result reflects where the two teams find themselves on the ladder, with the Rams in fifth and the Swifts in sixth.
Swifts coach Scott Carey paid credit to the way Natimuk United fought its way back into the game after the first term.
“It’s very disappointing not to get the win, we thought we played well enough for long enough to take the four points,” he said.
“To Natimuk United’s credit they never let us get too far away and worked themselves back into the contest. They were able to level it up when it mattered.
“We definitely wanted to start well after last week. Natimuk United had had two weeks off and we needed to catch them off guard in the first term.
“After quarter time they were up and about and moving the ball pretty sharply.”
Natimuk United and the Swifts will meet again in the final round of the home and away season in what could be a telling game.
“We are working up a bit of a rivalry with Natimuk United – they are a good club and it what was a great game,” Carey said.