After week one of the 2023 Gippsland League finals, the Bairnsdale Football Netball Club still has four sides in the running for ultimate glory.
On Saturday the Redlegs under 16 footballers unfortunately succumbed to arch rival Maffra in the qualifying final at Wonathaggi.
Bairnsdale played its best football in the second quarter, setting up a five-point lead at half time but the Eagles turned up the heat in the second half, kicking five goals to one to win by 23 points.
Jobe Froud kicked two goals for the Redlegs, while Douglas Ashby, Jonah Walker, Max Neate, Ryan Cullinan, Brayden Fenner and Kael Frith were all named in the best players. Lindenow South youngster, Zach O’Keefe, was named in the best for Maffra.
The youngsters will be now part of four-team contingent of Bairnsdale sides that will play at Maffra this Sunday in the first semi final, with a win required to advance to the preliminary final. Maffra will play Leongatha for a spot in the grand final.
IMAGE: Bairnsdale youngster Bryce Lind kicks his side forward during Sunday’s disappointing Gippsland League loss to Maffra at the Western Park in Warragul. Unfortunately the Redlegs have been eliminated from the 2023 finals series. (PS)
