Bairnsdale registered its second win of the season in the reserves last Saturday during round four of the Gippsland League at Western Park in Warragul.
The Redlegs came out on top in a strong showing against Warragul, claiming a 26-point win in a well-rounded effort.
After a tight first half which saw Bairnsdale seven-point leaders at half time, they kicked five goals to two in an inspired second half performance to score a well deserved victory.
Caleb Crofts led the way up forward kicking three important goals in a low-scoring match, while veteran Bryan Froud turned the clock back with a best-on-ground performance.
Jason Waddell and Harry Cook were dominant across half back, while Tom Selleck and Reece Carstairs were solid four quarter performers.
The under 18 match was a classic, with less than a goal separating the sides for the majority.
Warragul went into the match full of confidence, unbeaten ladder leaders but even they wouldn’t have bargained for the relentless pressure the young Redlegs brought to the table.
The Gulls led by a goal at the first change, with the scores tied up at next three sirens, the draw a fitting result for a match that neither side deserved to lose.
Ollie Emmett and Jobe Froud, who racked up the possessions at will, both kicked two goals for the Redlegs, with the coaching staff naming Froud, Charles O’Byrne, Banjo Nugent-Brown, Max Neate, Charlie Cook and Ryan Cullinan the better players.
Warragul remains on top of the ladder, while Bairnsdale remain in striking distance in fifth spot.
Bairnsdale suffered its first defeat of the season in the under 16s, going down to Gulls by 49 points.
Within range at half time, Bairnsdale were no match for Warragul who kicked eight goals to two in an impressive second half display.
Luca Desio, Flynn Ashwood, Joseph Sykes, Tom Carter, Angus Tanner and Archer Crawley were among the best for the Redlegs who remain in fourth place despite the hiccup.
Bairnsdale will host Maffra this week in a local derby of sorts.
