Bairnsdale has fallen short by five points against Sale in its quest to make a significant top five statement in round seven of the Gippsland League at the Sale Oval.
Victory would have seen the Redlegs sitting in fifth position, four points ahead of Morwell and Warragul.
Instead they are sixth, trailing Morwell by percentage, knowing they have let a huge opportunity slip.
Bairnsdale dominated the first quarter, kicking four goals to one, opening up a handy 15-point advantage.
Jobe Froud, Byron Vickery, Tyran Rees and Jamie Dore all kicked majors for the visitors.
Interestingly as Dore kicked his first of five for the afternoon, deep in time on, key Redlegs goal kicker Brayden McCarrey limped from the field with a significant leg injury, which looks likely to sideline him for some time.
Cooper Vickery was enjoying being back in Bairnsdale colours, with Carlton having a bye in the VFL, his use of the football a feature.
Sale fought back strongly in the second term, with Jack Leslie (31 touches) leading the way, supported by the usual suspects, Shannon Lange (31), coach Jack Johnstone (35) and the emerging Ashton Wright (37).
Bairnsdale’s lead was cut to just five points at half time, and the momentum Sale gained in the second term continued to carry them forward in the third term, as they piled on another four goals to cease the lead.
The attractive Bairnsdale play of the first term deserted them, as they coughed the ball up too many times going forward, the Magpies seven–point leaders at the final change and the ball seemingly bouncing their way.
But the Redlegs weren’t done, a Dore major and a rushed behind inside the first four minutes levelled the scores.
Sale edged back seven points ahead when Cooper Whitehill snapped cleverly at the 13 minute mark.
Things began to look dire when Thomas Campbell kicked his third for the afternoon for the Magpies from the goal line after a 50 metre penalty.
Kael Frith and Rees (25) both missed with snaps within range as the Magpies held a 12-point advantage, which became three goals as time on approached when Lange kicked to a vacant goal square from 35 metres and the ball rolled through.
Time was running out for the Redlegs but goals at the 26 minute mark to Oscar Clarke and Dore, after the Redlegs won the ball from the centre stoppage gave them some hope as time ticked away.
When Bairnsdale defender, Hugh Longbottom marked 35 from goal at the 29 minute mark, he had a chance to level the scores, but it wasn’t to be, the ball going left, play finishing on the wing shortly after, Sale hanging on for a memorable five-point victory against their arch rival.
Among the best for a disappointed Bairnsdale were Ricky Tatnell, Dore, Cooper Vickery (28), Will Mitchell (33), Joshua Lando and Oscar Clarke.
The winners got outstanding contributions from Whitehill, Wright, Will Leslie, Kane Cutler, Lange and Jack Leslie.
Redlegs coach, Kane Ashwood was disappointed in his side’s inability to play four quarters of football.
“I thought we were good for the first 20 minutes and last 15 was some disappointing aspects in the middle of that, which we need to tighten up on,” Ashwood said.
BIG FREEZE MATCH
Bairnsdale will be looking to bounce back this week when it hosts Traralgon in the annual MND Big Freeze match, which always attracts a huge crowd to watch the football and 20 sliders tackle the icy cold ice for an outstanding cause.
With Gippsland Power having a bye this week, Jonah Walker and Jesse Bills will be likely inclusions for Cooper Vickery who returns to the VFL, and McCarrey who is set to miss four to five weeks with his hamstring injury.
Some younger players who have been performing well at reserve and under 18 level will also come under consideration.
The Bairnsdale Football Netball Club is looking to raise more than $100,000 for the third year running for the MND charity, and are well placed to do so, with $89,400 already in the kitty by noon on Tuesday.
Leading the fundraising are Kaitlin Mathers ($17,033) from Whelans and Frank Desio ($12,041) from Kennedy Trailers.
