Hampden juniors back on court after snap COVID-19 lockdown

Roosters' best on court Annabelle Thornton was happy she could play with her teammates again after a snap coronavirus lockdown. The Roosters had a bye last weekend regardless.

Thornton, 14, was crucial in the Roosters' 22-16 win against a gallant Cobden at Friendly Societies' Park.

It was a match played in unusual circumstances with state government restrictions limiting numbers through the gates.

It meant junior games, including 13 and under reserves netball, under 14 football and under 16 football, were played without family watching on.

Thornton, who goes to Emmanuel College, said it was different but she was grateful to play.

"It was really fun and I enjoy it so much, it's really good to play with your friends and it's also good to win," she said.

Thornton, who named Frankie Butters and Matilda Stevens as South Warrnambool's best, played goal keeper and goal defence.

"I love defending because you get that enjoyment when you get an intercept," she said.

"You just get to give yourself a pat on the back."

South Warrnambool has two established mentors at the helm - Leah Kermeen and Gill Herrmann.

"They have been the best coaches I've ever had," she said.

"They keep us strong and fit. They're amazing."

South Warrnambool under 14 football coach Darren Lynch said giving teenagers a sense of normality was important.

"It was great the two clubs could come to the arrangement we have to get everyone out on the ground," he said after the Roosters' narrow win against Cobden.

"The kids were keen to get out there and show off their skills. I think kids are pretty resilient, especially after last year (when we didn't get to play) and they can get through these things.

"But I think to get some normality back in their lives with school and footy training really helps.

"For their development it's important to get out on the track as much as they can."

The match pitted two sides fighting for spots in the top five.

Lynch, who named captain Sam Rhodes as best on ground, said the windy conditions made it tough and the Roosters' kicking for goal "let us down a bit".

"It was good to play in a game which went all the way down to the wire," he said.

"We had a draw against Hamilton, who are the top side, the week before so the boys were pretty happy after that game."

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