Pumas pounce as Pirates flag

– Glen Atwell
LYNDALE has started its Southern Football League (SFL) season in the best way imaginable, thumping the Parkmore Pirates by 110 points at Wachter Reserve on Saturday.
In a rousing pre-game ceremony, the Pirates unfurled their 2006 Division Three premiership flag in front of an almost entirely new Parkmore team.
But the flag-hoisting had its desired effect, as the Pirates kicked the first goal of the game and attacked the ball fiercely. Lyndale struck back within minutes, but the first-quarter arm wrestle continued and when the siren sounded the Pumas were eight points ahead.
At quarter-time, Lyndale coach Paul Wilson instructed his players to run hard and move the ball quickly. The team responded, piling on four goals to Parkmore’s one in the second term.
That trend continued in the third quarter, Lyndale booting seven goals to one and opening up a match-winning lead.
With the result beyond doubt, the Pumas kicked another eight goals in the final quarter to hand Parkmore the first 100-point drubbing of the SFL season.
But it’s not all bad news for the Pirates.
Despite the departure of most of its premiership players, Parkmore has recruited well and will no doubt improve as the players gain some match fitness.
Wilson said he was pleased with the Pumas’ ability to link up early in the season.
“It was great to get the team working well and spotting each other up,” he said. “Parkmore was undermanned, but they played hard. It was an even first quarter. It was good to get a win on the board first up.”
Wilson has now set his sights on playing Murrumbeena at Barry J. Powell Reserve this Saturday and making sure the Pumas go 2-0.
“It’s a big game, it’s Tristan Caples’ 200th game and Ed McClean’s 250th,” he said.
“It will be a good learning experience for all our young players to see just how much experience is still in the side.
Parkmore clashes with the in-form Dingley Dingoes at Souter Reserve.