by Chris Cavanagh, Leader News
SUNBURY Kangaroos have won plenty of games over the past five years, but for coach Chris Meacham Saturday’s was the second best in that period.
The Kangaroos cruised to an 18-point win over a much-hyped Rupertswood in the opening round of the Riddell District Football League 2014 season.
Playing in front of a big away crowd at the Rupertswood Mansion oval, the visitors were on the back foot early after two injuries struck in the first term.
Former Rupo player David Ennis went down with a broken collarbone and back-up ruckman Dwayne Tate was sent to hospital for facial surgery.
Scores were locked at 39 points apiece at half-time before a four-goal-to-one third term set up the result for the Kangaroos.
“To lose two guys straight away with a broken collarbone and split face and have numerous players cramping and injuries throughout the game it was a great result,” Meacham said.
“Besides our grand final win (2012), in my five years at the club that was the best win by a mile.”
Tate’s injury meant Brenton Sutherland had to spend the whole day in the ruck for the Kangaroos, who are down on tall stocks with Meacham still yet to convince veteran ruckman Jamie Cuffe to go around for another season.
While Sutherland was “superb” and the coach also highlighted the efforts of captain Daniel Gregory at full-back, off-season recruit Jamerson Campbell was named best-on-ground after booting three goals.
“We got him over from Gisborne and he’s fitted straight into our football club,” Meacham said.
“We can play him anywhere – on ball, down back. It’s an unknown for us still what he can do but for the league it’s another good player from an outside league coming into to it.”
Elsewhere, Wallan scored a 15-point win over Kilmore despite a seven-goal haul from Blues’ forward Simon Crump, Riddell thumped Lancefield by 61 points, Melton Centrals beat Rockbank by 40 points and Macedon held on by three points against Woodend Hesket.
Last Modified on 08/04/2014 10:20