After three losses and a draw since their last win against Tocumwal back in round eight, the thumping victory came at just the right time for United with the race for finals football heating up.
The Blues jumped out of the blocks early against the Timbercutters, booting 11 goals to zero in the first term and hitting the 100-point mark by half-time on their way to a 27.16 (178) to 4.5 (29) triumph.
Cody Haub was prolific down forward for the Blues with seven majors on the day, while teammates Taylor Beard and debutant Jason Beckett each kicked five.
United coach Darby Walsh said it was a good result for his side, while it also served as an opportunity for some younger layers to make an impact
“We got the result we needed to get, it was really important,” Walsh said.
“Against a team towards the bottom of the ladder, it can be easy to get ahead of yourself and go away from your core values. I thought we stuck true to ourselves for four quarters.”
United had three players make their senior debut — Becket, Bailey Plattfuss and Tanner Webber, with a young group of players out on the field.
“We brought some young kids in, I think it was a really good opportunity and experience for those guys. They all did a fantastic job,” Walsh said.
“We had five under-17s kids played and every one of them showed glimpses of being ready and prepared for senior football.”
Walsh said skipper Blake Jorgensen was best on ground for United, adding that everyone in the team played well.
“Blake was fantastic. He had a really strong game through the midfield and had a really good leader’s game,” Walsh said.
“There were a lot of guys who had good games, it was a genuine team effort.”
United’s Zac Mckenzie and Lachlan Caldwell both chalked up milestones on the weekend, playing in their 100th and 150th games for the club, respectively.
Elsewhere in the Picola & District League, Jerilderie caused one of the upsets of the season with a stunning 15-point win over previously undefeated Waaia.
The Bombers were sloppy in front of goal, kicking 5.13 as they tasted defeat for the first time in 2022.
United’s triumph sees it hold onto eighth spot on the ladder, but Jerilderie’s shock win means the Demons remain just two points behind them in ninth.
The Game
Mathoura: 0.2, 2.3, 3.4, 4.5 (29)
Picola United: 11.1, 16.4, 22.12, 27.16 (178)
Best
Mathoura: Thomas Creighton, Khye Macree, Darby Baldwin, Logan Monro
Picola United: Blake Jorgensen, Ben Turpin, Cody Haub, Mitchell Heggart, Mitch Hore, Jason Beckett
Goals
Mathoura: Jack Pell 2, Clinton Mcnabb, Seth Wright
Picola United: Cody Haub 7, Jason Beckett, Taylor Beard 5, Mitchell Heggart 3, Mitch Hore 2, Ben Turpin, Blake Jorgensen, Connor Langley, Zac Mckenzie, Jordan Gattuso
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