Bairnsdale’s Gippsland League football campaign concluded last Sunday at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve when the gallant thirds team went down to Moe by 17 points in the elimination final.
Ultimately the Redlegs were unable to utilise the wind when it was at their back, but their attitude and commitment couldn’t be questioned as they fought the contest right out to the end.
Despite wayward kicking in the first term, the Lions went to the first break 11-point leaders as the Bairnsdale defenders worked hard to stem the plentiful supply into the forward 50.
At the other end the Redlegs struggled for entries, though on one foray Daniel Martin managed to kick one of his two majors for the match.
The second quarter was a real arm wrestle with neither side able to kick a goal, conditions tricky and the ball played between the arcs as the respective half backlines impressed.
With the game on the line in the third quarter it was the Lions who made better use of the conditions, kicking three vital goals to open up a significant 22-point lead in a low-scoring match.
Bairnsdale didn’t bow out without a huge final quarter effort, kicking the only goal of the term, but the Lions held firm, progressing to another sudden death elimination final this Sunday at their home ground (Ted Summerton Reserve) against Warragul.
Among the best for a brave Bairnsdale were Martin, long-kicking wingman Archer Crawley, vice captain Harley Young, the hard-running and fearless Luca Desio, Zane Holley and skipper Oscar Baylis.
