CKS Swifts defender, Aaron Chavasse, has won praise for his performance for Horsham District in the narrow loss to Heathcote District Football League on Saturday.
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Chavasse, who is in his first season at Swifts, was a shining light in the HDFL's narrow loss in the Worksafe Country Championships match at Horsham.
The defender was one of three CKS Swifts players selected, the others being Damon Folkes and Scott Carey, who incidentally kicked the first goal of the match.
Horsham District continued to press and managed six more scoring chances than Heathcote, but poor kicking meant the game was in the balance at the first break.
In the second term Heathcote pulled away marginally, leading by two goals at half time.
After half time the game continued to push on goal for goal, with the final result not decided until the final stages of the match.
Horsham District Football League led with less than two minutes remaining, but a poor turnover allowed Heathcote to kick the winning goal late.
HDFL coach Geoff Burdett was thrilled with how the game panned out, without enjoying the final result.
"It was just a terrific game," Burdett said.
"It was high intensity, high pressure, aggressive tackles, perfect weather, in front of a big crowd.
"It was perfect football minus the result."
Burdett was happy with each of the CKS Swifts representatives, saying they contributed in their own way.
"Scott (Carey) had a very good game," Burdett said.
"You don't realise how fit he is, week in week out."
Burdett also praised young gun Damon Folkes.
"Despite coming off the bench he still took his opportunity," Burdett said.
"He's young and he has a good football body. He contributed well and it was a good experience for him."
However, Burdett said by far the best of the Swifts players was Aaron Chavasse.
"Aaron was great at full back. He took their best forward and shut him down well I thought."
Chavasse was among the better players for Horsham District on the day.
Other key players were Deek Roberts, Brent Forsyth, Tim Wade, Callum Hobbs and Sam Weddell.
Noradjuha Quantong forward Weddell was the most prolific in front of goal, kicking four majors, while Tim Wade of Kalkee did a good job in the ruck.
The final score was Horsham District Football League 15.11.101 going down to Heathcote 16.10.106.
"While we are disappointed to lose by five points, it was still a great game," Burdett said.
"It was so fast and furious."
Burdett said the game was played at a level that exceeds the regular Horsham District competition and that the players did a fine job of representing the league.