Bairnsdale has claimed its first win of the Gippsland League season, defeating Morwell away last Sunday by 21 points during round three.
The Redlegs produced a match-winning second quarter burst, kicking seven goals to two to open up a 32-point half-time lead, before holding off a determined Morwell outfit coached by Shaun Mooney in the second half.
The Tigers never gave up and mounted several spirited challenges in the final 40 minutes of the game, but it was Bairnsdale who had all the answers
Key recruit Oscar Morrison was outstanding up forward, booting seven goals and taking nine marks, while young teammates Rex Hargreaves, Kael Frith and Max Neate provided strong support with two goals each.
The victory highlighted the areas Bairnsdale will look to build on throughout the season. For the first time this year, the Redlegs won the inside-50 count (50–46) and also led contested possessions (141–106), marks (104–71), tackles (50–36) and clearances (39–33), pointing to a strong all-round performance.
The inclusion of recruit, former Bell Park player Hamish Dawson proved pivotal, winning five clearances alongside Cooper Harvey and Jesse Bills (23 possessions), who spent more time in the midfield.
Co-captain Tyran Rees also produced his best game of the season with eight clearances and 27 possessions, filling the void that has been occupied in recent weeks by Cooper Vickery, who played well for Carlton in the VFL over the weekend.
Lachlan Byrne-Jones was prolific with 35 possessions, back to his best, the Redlegs hierarchy delighted to see him back in the limelight after missing the second half of last season.
His run of half back was pivotal in the second term, while the efforts of unsung heroes down back like Oscar Clarke, Max East and Reece Carstairs continues to improve each week.
Sam Townsend collected 30 disposals and kicked a goal, while Ethan East again impressed with 15 possessions, seven marks and 22 hitouts, providing strong support in the ruck and defence.
Morrison continues to build with each outing and will be a key focal point as the season continues.
Coach Kane Ashwood was delighted to claim the four points.
“It was a great reward for effort. We have played well in matches this season, but significant lapses have cost us. We played three and half quarters and got the points,” Ashwood said.
Bairnsdale faces a significant test this Saturday when it hosts the in-form, Garry Ayers-coached Warragul at City Oval.
Unfortunately young Charlie Cook suffered a rib/lung injury and looks like missing four or five weeks.
Randall Stewart is likely to return from a quad injury this week, while Jobe Froud will be back from Gippsland Power.
Jonah Walker will miss having been invited to play in a young guns game.
Bairnsdale won’t shy away from the contest this weekend.
“It’s going to be 26 degrees and a dry deck – our type of conditions,” Ashwood said.
“We will run, run and run some more. They are a good side but we will challenge them.”
Bairnsdale under 16s and 18s were also victorious, while the reserves suffered defeat.
