Bairnsdale has gone down in another tight Gippsland League match, this time to
succumbing to Warragul late at Western Park last Saturday during round six.
It was Warragul’s second win of the season, holding a determined Redlegs combination at bay when they threatened to run away with the game in the final quarter.
The Gulls led most of the day, eventually winning by 10 points, but Bairnsdale was always within striking distance and looked capable of stealing a match it didn’t deserve to win.
Warragul led by seven points at three quarter time before Bairnsdale kicked the first two goals (Logan Austin and Link McKenna) of the final term to hit the front and many thought with momentum might have been enough to see it through, but Warragul wasn’t finished.
The Gulls booted three of the last four goals to keep their season alive.
The conditions didn’t really suit Bairnsdale. Played in wet and blustery conditions, targets were hard to hit, the Redlegs struggling to get their run and carry game going which has held them in good stead throughout their 2024 campaign.
Both teams enjoyed periods of dominance but generally speaking it was the Gulls who controlled the contest.
It’s a disappointing outcome for the Redlegs, with the loss seeing them drop from the top five for the first time for the season.
Lachlan Byrne-Jones, as you would expect, relished the conditions, a standout for his side well supported by hard working youngsters Lachlan Cloak and Randall Stewart, while Matt Corbett and Will Mitchell also impressed.
Brayden McCarrey kicked two goals, maintaining his position on top of the league goalkicking, though he was employed further from goal than normal with Austin and Xavier Richards, who returned from injury, playing closer to goal.
Lane Ward, Tom Hobbs and Jack Lewsey dominated for the gulls, feasting of the outstanding work of ruckman Mitch Smart, who claimed a big scalp in Redlegs star, Ethan East, who has taken all before him in the last 12 months.
Tom Crole kicked three goals for the Gulls including two in the last quarter when the game was up for grabs.
Bairnsdale maintained its spot in the top three in the reserves with an easy 32-point victory in the reserves, with Logan Dunkley leading the way with two goals and the best players being Charlie Mann, Oscar Clarke, Liam Bleyswyk, Matthew Hamilton, Jamie Fraser and Oliver Emmett.
Warragul dominated the thirds winning by 81 points with Jesse Bills, Max Neate,
Ryan Cullinan, Matthew Hamilton, Samuel O’Kelly and Campbell Reed among the best for Bairnsdale.
The Redlegs were much too good in the fourths, winning by 43 points with the exceptionally talented Wil Malady best on ground with six goals.
Luca Desio, Jobe Froud, Harry McGuinn, Angus Tanner and Xavier Cook also got plenty of the footy.
NETBALL
The earlier time slot appeared to suit the “A” grade Bairnsdale girls who came out firing with great pressure and tight contests across the court.
But in a high standard game the Redlegs battled hard but it was Warragul who edged away late, winning by 11 goals.
Best players for the Redlegs were the dynamic Dunkley sisters, Paris and Ruby.
Warragul was too good in “B” grade running out 25-goal winners, the Redlegs dropping away the momentum in the second half.
Sophie Bills and Charli Young were named in the best for the Redlegs.
It was a great result in “C” grade. The first half was a seesaw event, neither team breaking clear and scores were even at half time.
Bairnsdale lifted its intensity in the second half, going out to a slight lead but they managed to hold off a late charge from the Gulls to win by five goals.
Best players were Jas Kazakas and Annora Virgo.
The Bairnsdale under, 13s, 15s and 17s all had comfortable victories over their young and developing opposition.
Best players were Rahni O’Connor and Heidi Allen (under 17), Maizy Duck and Lilly Fullgrabe (under 15), and Halle Davis and Georgia Irish (under 13).
