They have done it.
After a wait of 1064 days, the Redeyes returned to the Picola District Football Netball League winners’ list on Saturday afternoon.
The victory against Mathoura at Blighty Recreation Reserve was Blighty’s first senior win since it downed Tocumwal in 2019, and it was certainly an impressive one.
The Redeyes came from behind early to produce an inspired 12.16 (88) to 7.10 (52) result.
At the beginning of the contest it looked like the Timbercutters would be on top, kicking four goals to take an 11-point lead into the first break, however from there on the tide turned.
Blighty outscored Mathoura 34 points to seven in the second term, leading for the rest of the afternoon to grind out an important result.
Blighty coach Kyel Bain said it was exciting to get a win.
“The seniors haven't won since 2019, so there was quite a buzz around after the game, all the boys were up and about,” Bain said.
“Aaron Litchfield at full-back played an outstanding game and so did Andrew Simpson up at centre-half forward. He finished with four goals, which really helped.
“He (Simpson) had been playing good footy in the seconds and he stood up to centre-half forward in the seniors and played a real good game, the same as Charlie Waters, Luke Hay and Nick Hay through the midfield.”
Bain said the Redeyes had to tighten things up after the first term, with a man-to-man game helping combat the Timbercutters’ handball strategy.
While finals are certainly out of reach this season for the Redeyes, the victory will certainly have an impact on the club, with a drought-breaking win a sure way to get everyone up and about.
In other round 10 action, the table-topping Tungamah survived an early scare, defeating Jerilderie by 12 points.
The Demons led at both half-time and the end of the third quarter, however a strong final term for the Bears saw them get over the line.
Desmond O’Kane put in a good shift for the Bears alongside Matthew O’Kane, while Damon Symes kicked five goals.
In Strathmerton, the Bulldogs celebrated coach Tim Bramich’s 200th game in charge in style, defeating Katamatite by 39 points.
The Bulldogs were simply too strong for the injury-impacted Tigers, with Darcy Robinson performing well for the home side.
Waaia continued its impressive season, defeating a solid Berrigan side by 38 points away from home.
Jesse Trower was named best-on-ground for the Bombers, who led at every change.
In Katunga, an inspired Swans outfit tightened its grip on fourth spot, defeating Tocumwal by 47 points.
Seven goals to Katunga’s Braydon Kearns helped inspire the win, with the side well and truly up and about.
Over at Memorial Park, the Deni Rovers picked up a solid 42-point home victory against Rennie.
The Rovers put in a solid four-quarter performance to get over the line, with the win just the side’s second of the season so far.
Katandra had a week off.