Buln outlast Eagles
Buln Buln outlasted Ellinbank in muddy conditions on Saturday, winning 7-15 (57) to 7-7 (49).
But it wasn’t without some nervous moments for the Lyrebirds, with Ellinbank drawing level during the final term and threatening to steal an upset.
The Bankers took a narrow lead into quarter time before the Lyrebirds edged ahead in a low scoring match played out in muddy and slippery conditions due to the constant drizzle throughout.
Facing a 10 point deficit at three-quarter-time, the Bankers came home strong to draw level to set up an exciting finish.
The Lyrebirds steadied with a late goal to take a narrow win.
Jack Nuttall and Jack Symes each booted three goals for the Lyrebirds to feature among the better players.
They were backed up by Bryce Monahan, Dylan Farrell, Matt Gray and Sean Symes.
Shaun Phelan was Ellinbank’s best, booting three goals.
Matthew Barrand, Ashley Wallace, Neale Parke, Nathan Pulham and Daniel Burke kept the Bankers in the match.
Lyrebirds hold edge
Buln Buln edged out Ellinbank in the Reserves, winning 8-9 (57) to 7-6 (48).
After a tight first half, the Lyrebirds kicked three goals in the third term to extend the margin to 24 points.
The Bankers finished strongly, scoring three goals of their own, but the margin proved too great to pull in given the difficult conditions.
Paul Willis, Harry Wans, Riley Steenholdt, Jarrod Castle, Jake Pierrehumbert and Jeremy Jagoe set up the win for Buln Buln.
For Ellinbank it was Luke Russell, Matthew Mullan, Troy Smethurst, Kris Stephens, Jack and Daniel Pandolfo who saw them almost steal it.
Buln in low scoring affair
Buln Buln created more chances to score in a low scoring under 18s affair, 3-12 (30) to 2-6 (18).
Inaccuracy from both sides ensured it was anyone’s game throughout, with the Lyrebirds able to hold out in a goalless final term.
Harry Wans, Corey Ford, Jediah Melbourne, Jack Davidson, Charlie Park and Jake Pierrehumbert were listed as the better players for Buln Buln.
Matthew Farthing, Mathew Notman, Cameron Lyon, Dale Armstrong, Thomas Robertson and Jack Pandolfo best served Ellinbank.
Lyrebirds begin sweep
Buln Buln recorded a comfortable win in the under 16s to begin its clean sweep, 10-7 (67) to 3-5 (23).
The Lyrebirds opened up a 19-point lead at the first change and further increased its lead out to 40 points in the third term to have the match in their keeping.
Mitchell Leek continued his good form in front of goal, booting five majors.
Michael Rowlinson, Chad Hall, Taijyn Lacy, Noah Jarred, Connor Gardner and Jesse Brown led the way for Lyrebirds.
Buln Buln listed its better players as Ethan Davey, Isaac Taylor, Brian Kelly, Jesse Kelly, Josh Tongs and Lucas Maffei.