Wombats romp past Kangaroos

By Oliver Shedden

Apr 29, 2025

Zaid Besim celebrates after kicking a goal in the first quarter. Photos: Oliver Shedden.

Coming off a two-week break, Lancaster came out firing against fierce rival Girgarre in its first home game of the 2025 Kyabram District Football League season.

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The Wombats continue to show why they came tantalisingly close to a historic three-peat in 2024 and appear to be strong contenders to claim three flags in four years, starting their season unbeaten heading into round four.

Meanwhile, Girgarre got a win over Merrigum in round two but has struggled when facing premiership-calibre sides, being put to the sword by Murchison-Toolamba and Lancaster.

Girgarre’s Harry Browning-Briese tries to wrap up Declan Hallet. Photo by Oliver Shedden

The Kangaroos began the round three contest valiantly, kicking 2.4 in the first quarter, but the Wombats were the stronger unit, drilling six majors to open their account.

The match-ups between the two rivals are always fierce, with plenty of rough and tumble through the first half as the hosts continued to dissect the visitors in the second quarter.

Cameron Simpson goes for goal. Photo by Oliver Shedden

The sheer volume of chances inside 50 for the Wombats made for a blowout score in the lead-up to half-time, yet they struggled to kick straight, recording 4.9 for the term.

In contrast, the Kangaroos kept it tidy with the slim chances they had in the second quarter, booting 2.3.

Wez Hill and Tylah McLean contest for the ball. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Girgarre was able to bounce back a fraction after half-time, the Roos playing their best quarter of attacking football for the contest, adding a further 3.2 to the tally.

A solid showing by the Kangaroos wasn’t enough to come close to eclipsing Lancaster’s lead, and despite accuracy concerns the Wombats still got 3.5 on the board.

Daniel Foley in space. Photo by Oliver Shedden

By the final frame, Girgarre seemed to run out of steam, kicking just one goal while being completely overrun by the Wombats, who cleaned up down the stretch with a further 7.11.

In a 93-point win, more than half of Lancaster’s shots failed to convert for maximum points.

Nathan Oliver on the burst. Photo by Oliver Shedden

The final score was Lancaster 20.28 (148) to Girgarre 8.7 (55).

It was a day out for players named Ryan on both sides, with Ryan Hatch of Lancaster and Ryan Butler of Girgarre kicking three goals apiece.

Joshua Mackrell launches one in front of goal. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Eight Lancaster players contributed at least a pair of goals in the contest, with Noah Sewell, Cameron Simpson, Thomas Davies, Daniel Foley, Adam Lovison, Nicholas Ryan topping the best-on list.

The Kangaroos will get a chance to catch their breath in round four as they have the bye, while the Wombats will look to keep the good times rolling as they enter the Lions’ den of Stanhope Recreation Reserve.