Bruthen has defeated Swan Reach in controversial circumstances in round 10 of the Omeo and District Football Netball League at the Swan Reach Oval.
The match was played in perfect conditions, with a big crowd in attendance, with some of their behaviour unruly and not matching the quality of football that was played by both sides.
The score changed hands numerous times in an action packed last quarter, before Richie Harrison, who was outstanding across half back all day for the Bulldogs, kicked the match winning goal in the final minute of the match.
Harrison was awarded a free kick for a dangerous tackle in the middle of the ground, after being dumped on the head and appearing to get up staggering and groggy.
While trainers checked on Harrison’s welfare, the non officiating umpire awarded consecutive 50 metre penalties for dissent, placing Harrison on the line, where he converted to put the Bulldogs back in front for the final time.
The siren going shortly after as Swan Reach mounted another attack after receiving a free kick from the centre bounce stoppage.
Bruthen had come from 11 points down at three quarter time, after appearing to be gone at the final break, after the highly skilled duo of Alex Saunders and Darren Allan, inspired a six goal to one, third term, when the Swans looked on the ropes at half time.
Alex Saunders (two goals) and Allan’s kicking to Swan Reach full forward, Harley Whelan (five) was elite and a pleasure to watch.
Bruthen’s final quarter surge was inspired by perennial competition best and fairest, Harley Kenner (three) and courageous veteran, Ray Giddings, who continually pumped the ball forward to Jirra Moffat (three) and Matt Arnold (three).
Though Moffat was held for a majority of the afternoon by Reece Cunningham, who impressed in the last line of defence.
Kenner had been quiet in the third term but lead from the front in the final term.
Earlier Bruthen had led by 22 points at half time after numerous undisciplined acts had reverted the Swans to having to peg back their opponent, this including a bizarre sequence of events in the
first term, where Bruthen kicked three goals in 90 seconds, without the ball going back to the centre of the ground.
Kenner goalled, only for Moffat to be felled and receive a free kick, after he converted truly, Arnold was hit high and he received a free kick, guiding ball through to the response of a hushed crowd.
Best players for Bruthen were Harrison, Giddings, Kenner, Nat Griffiths, Will Matthews and Arnold.
Saunders, Allen, Mark Cooper, Peter Ritchie, Whelan and Dylan Byrant (two) were all pivotal for the Swans whose
frustrating indiscipline cost them a certain victory.
Their woes worsen by Keith Ritchie being reported for umpire abuse, and Peter Ritchie, Keith Ritchie and Phillip Solomon all set to have incidents that they were involved in referred to the competition match review officer.
The loss has seen Omeo Benambra replace Swan Reach on top of the ladder by percent, with Bruthen a further game away in third, hopeful of snaring the valuable double chance in the run home.
In this week’s games, the Swans will be hoping to bounce back at home against Buchan, who disappointed last week at home when put to the sword by Swifts Creek.
Bruthen will welcome the winless Lindenow South, who shouldn’t present too big of a challenge.
