Excitement as juniors begin
The good weather Friday night for the match between Colts and Warragul Blues game certainly turned around for those playing Saturday.
In windy and cold conditions teams were excited to hit the field for round one despite some teams struggling against the blustery conditions to get points on the board.
Buln Buln played their first round in the Warragul and District Junior Football League in 19 years. Colts v Warragul Blues Under 10 A beautiful night for the first game of the year saw Colts host the Blues under lights at Western Park.
The Colts started strong off the block taking the quick lead. The first three quarters saw a very close contest and made for an interesting last quarter.
Blues fought hard in the last, however in the end the Colts won in a tight finish. Under 12 A balmy autumn night under lights at Western Park made for a great atmosphere and was a terrific way to start the season for both sides.
The Blues came out strong but the Colts never gave up and fought back right to the final siren.
Courage and persistence were the order of the night and both sides showed great potential for the season ahead. Under 14 The Blues got off to a great start getting the goals on the board.
The Colts were tireless in their efforts all night but fell short to the stronger Blues side. Bunyip v Buln Buln Under 10 A chilly morning saw a slow start to the game before Bunyip kicked with the wind to get some scores on the board early.
Buln Buln fought back hard and scores were close at half time.
Both teams continued to work well in the second half however it was not enough for Buln and Bunyip came away with a convincing win. Under 12 In very trying and windy conditions, Buln Buln were very excited to play showing plenty of enthusiasm throughout the game.
Bunyip were very disciplined and, in the end, proved too strong for Buln Buln to come away with a strong win. Under 14 On a wet and miserable Saturday morning both teams handed the conditions well and contested strongly, displaying fantastic skills for round one.
Both defenders had to work overtime repelling offensive charges. Bunyip kicked straighter which proved to be the difference between the two sides in the end. Neerim District v Garfield Under 10 Neerim and Garfield took to the ground for the first time under the new reduce ground size rules.
A very strong wind favoured the southern end. Garfield started the game well kicking into the wind and despite a spirited attack from Neerim in the last quarter, Garfield held strong to win. Under 12 In very windy conditions both teams showed great spirit for the first round of the season.
Garfield started off strong in the wind and continued the momentum for the rest of the game. Neerim put up a great contest, but Garfield were too strong in the end. Under 14 A strong breeze made scoring to the northern end of the ground difficult.
After an even first few minutes Garfield managed four goals into the wind. The second and third quarters were an arm wrestle with only two goals being scored by Garfield.
In the final term with Neerim legs beginning to tire, Garfield finished the game well. Caldermeade v Poowong/Loch Under 10 The Bulls kicked away taking advantage of the wind in the first quarter giving them a strong start.
Caldermeade came into the second with all Cannons firing, leading at the half time break. The Bulls had a great third term coming away at the change with the lead.
But Caldermeade never gave up and with some strong kicking and solid work came away with the win. Under 12 With the wind swirling around the ground at Catani, it was hard to see through the dust.
The Bulls had a strong start though and continued that strength throughout the game. Credit to Caldermeade for working hard all the way to the end. Under 14 On a terrible day for football Caldermeade held Poowong-Loch to just one goal when the Bulls had the wind on their side. Caldermeade in response booted five goals in an entertaining burst in the second quarter.
Conditions didn’t change, but both sides fought hard all game and the Cannons came out with a good win. Longwarry v Hallora Under 10 Wintery conditions certainly arrived early for the opening round at Longwarry.
Longwarry put the first score on the board with tight defence from Hallora. Scores were kept to a minimum throughout the second and third quarters. Under 12 Hallora won the toss and used the wind to their advantage kicking the first two goals, but Longwarry soon hit back into the wind.
Longwarry gained the lead into the second half where they kept on top in a windy game.
Tyler Hickford and Jacob Ventura played their 50th match. Under 14 After an even first-quarter the Crows got on top, making better use of the wind.
Longwarry played very well with and against the wind. Ellinbank v Warranor Under 10 Warranor got the jump on the home side utilising the wind to have a handy lead after the first quarter.
Once the boys warmed up Ellinbank fought back in the second.
There was some great defence from both sides but it was Warranor who took the advantage to extend their lead and come out victorious in a tightly contested match. Under 12 Ellinbank fought hard against a quality Warranor side in cold windy conditions.
Some great passages of play through the corridor with the teams showing some great skills by moving the ball with their hands, kicking into space and some great marking in packs. Under 14 Warranor came out strong and held control of the game in wet and windy conditions resulting in Ellinbank having to defend relentlessly.
Ellinbank’s great ball movement created a goal before half time however Warranor kicked away in the second half to come away with a good win despite the strong defence from Ellinbank.
Ellinbank’s Jack Champion played his 50th match. Jets v Cobras Under 10 The two Drouin teams played each other in an exciting game.
Both teams contested well and goals were hard to come by early. The Jets could take a slight lead going into quarter time and maintained that until the final siren. Under 12 It was a fantastic effort by the Cobras who managed to keep the Jets goalless in the last half. The Cobras battled hard to make James Pepper’s 100 game milestone a memorable one. Under 14 The Drouin clash is always a good game and gives the club an opportunity to come together as one.
The teams played hard, tackling whoever had the ball. Cobras dominated on the scoreboard but Jets played hard all day.
Injured player Ben Peace came along to cheer on the sides. Jack Smith celebrated his 50th game milestone.