The Lower South West’s return to division two at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Championships proved a tough assignment, with the newly promoted side unable to secure a victory across four matches before being relegated back to division three.
The campaign opened against eventual division premiers Central Midlands Coastal, with the Lower South West overwhelmed early as their opponents raced to a 24-point lead by half-time.
Despite the difficult start, the side responded after the main break, with Travis Abbott booting two goals and Brett Wilson adding another as they finished strongly before falling 5.6 (36) to 3.1 (19).
Wilson, Abbott, Zachary Hall and Tom Danks were named among the side’s best.
There were encouraging signs in the second match against eventual grand finalists Eastern Districts.
The Lower South West made an impressive start to lead 20-9 at the main break and looked on track for a breakthrough victory.
But Eastern Districts lifted in the second half to overrun the contest and claim a 7.6 (48) to 4.2 (26) win.
Wilson continued his outstanding carnival with three goals, while Matt Marinoni also found the scoreboard.
Wilson, Matt Wheatley, Marinoni and Lachlan Hughes were the standout performers.
Facing a must-win clash against Ongerup to keep their division two hopes alive, the Lower South West trailed 24-7 at half time before eventually going down 7.3 (45) to 1.3 (9).
Young midfielder Khai Robertson’s pace and willingness to take the game on was a feature throughout the contest, while Charlie Waideman was handed the difficult task of limiting dangerous forward Hayden Parker.
The side were doing their best to play fast and attacking but were getting themselves stuck at times with a poor handball or kick, then getting punished the other way in transition.
Kyle Smith kicked the side’s only goal, with Robertson, Patrick Reilly, Abbott and Wilson named best afield.
Needing a convincing victory over Upper Great Southern in the final round to avoid relegation, the Lower South West again struggled to make the most of its opportunities.
Costly skill errors and inefficient entries inside 50 prevented the side from building scoreboard pressure despite enjoying periods of control.
Robertson kicked an excellent long-range set shot before Tim Mayers snapped truly to briefly reduce the margin, but Upper Great Southern answered immediately to seal a 46-24 victory.
While the results were disappointing, the carnival provided valuable experience for the Lower South West’s emerging group as they look to regroup for next year’s campaign.
