After honourable losses to Warragul and Wonthaggi, Bairnsdale travelled to the Drouin Recreation Reserve for its round 15 Gippsland League clash favoured to secure a victory.
While the Hawks were chasing just their third win of the season, the Redlegs were eager to lock in their fifth. However, following three and a half tight quarters, Drouin broke away late to claim a hard-fought 14-point win, leaving coach Kane Ashwood and his squad deeply disappointed.
Only two points separated the two sides in their previous encounter, where the Redlegs dominated the final 10 minutes. This time around, it was the Hawks who had all the answers late.
Drouin’s triumph came despite late third-quarter controversy when disagreements erupted over the correct scoreline.
Goal umpires and team managers clashed over how many goals Bairnsdale had actually kicked, leading to varying accounts of where the score stood at the final break.
The umpires’ official scorecard prevailed, handing the Hawks a two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter rather than a four-point deficit.
The three quarter time scoreboard read: Drouin 53 Bairnsdale 58.
When play resumed, after umpires conferred during the break, the scoreboard read: Drouin 59 Bairnsdale 57.
After analysing the third quarter, the Advertiser believes the score should have read: Drouin 53 Bairnsdale 57.
Regardless of the scoreboard dispute, the Hawks booted enough goals in the final term to ensure there was no doubt about where the four points belonged.
The Redlegs took an early final-quarter lead when Brayden McCarrey slotted his second goal of the afternoon. Tyran Rees (37 disposals) and Jonah Walker (20 disposals) both had opportunities to extend the margin, but each registered behinds.
Drouin regained the lead as time-on approached when Brodie Atkins (31 disposals) kicked his second major, quickly followed by a third from Rylie Baker.
Bairnsdale maintained frantic pressure in hopes of forcing a late mistake, but the home side held firm. A clever late goal from Vincent Kuol extended the final margin as the siren approached.
Drouin defender Campbell Bedford played a starring role in the victory, well supported by midfielders Atkins and Seb Amoroso. Big man Jack Walsh put in a physical performance down back against the Redlegs’ key forwards, while Caleb Kleeven and Zayne Atkins were crucial late.
For Bairnsdale, Cooper Vickery (43 disposals) and skipper Rees battled tirelessly around the stoppages against Drouin’s youthful midfield. Jamie Dore kicked two goals and provided a constant aerial threat up forward, while Walker and Ryan Cullinan rounded out the Redlegs’ best.
Bairnsdale faces another tough assignment this week when it hosts Moe.
