One quarter lapse again costs Gulls

Warragul’s search for its fifth win of the season eluded it at Morwell on Saturday.

Again a lapse for a critical period – this week the third quarter – was probably the difference between winning and losing.

The break Morwell got then set up its 129 to 10-6 win.

Warragul’s lack of multiple forward targets – coach Ben Hughes the main “go to” man – has been a burden all year and a main reason why it hasn’t been able to grab an extra win or two.

It wasn’t a pretty game on Saturday but an even contest, especially in the first half.

There were plenty of mistakes and turnovers by both sides.

Warragul edged away to a five-point lead, 3-2 to 2-3, by quarter time but surrendered the advantage as Morwell took a 5-6 to 5-2 lead into the dressing rooms at half time.

The match was up for grabs.

It was Morwell that snatched the initiative early in the third quarter running a bit harder and getting first to the contests.

The 4-1 the Tigers kicked for the term to stretch their lead to 22 points proved beyond Warragul’s reach although the last quarter was its most productive for the game.

However, it could not bridge the gap any further than the 15 points at the finish.

Injuries and other factors have led to little solidarity in the Gulls’ line-up over the season and did so again on Saturday.

But they have had opened the opportunity to give some valuable senior experience to youngsters from the finals bound under age teams.

At Morwell Under 18 player Liam Giliam came in for his debut.

Luke Tynan, a valuable addition during the middle stage of the season when released by VFL side Casey Demons, has been back there for the past three weeks and sorely missed at Warragul.

The early setbacks that ruled out key players Tom Muir and Brayden Fowler left gaps that couldn’t be filled and plenty of players have missed games during the year due to injuries.

Despite those “downs” there has been a terrific core that has given good service week after week.

The dependable Kim Drew, Mitch Nobelius, Jake Hughes, Matt Rennie and Nic Mulqueen were again prominent on Saturday alongside Angus Emery and Tom Kelly.

The goals, hard to come by, were kicked by Ben Hughes, Emery, Rennie and Mulqueen with two each and Jack Nuttall and Sam Russell got one goal apiece.

Warragul is off to Traralgon next week for a clash that will be watched a bit more keenly that many thought a few weeks ago.

Traralgon has got a late chance to push its way into the “final five” but it must get over the Gulls to stay in contention.

The Warragul fourths team takes to a sub-bathed Morwell oval for the start of their match on Saturday. They were in great form again ahead of their top of the ladder clash with Traralgon next Saturday.

Warragul’s Thomas Baum leaves Morwell chasers stranded as he breaks clear to send his team forward during the Under 18 match. The Gulls had a lapse in form for a surprise loss but are well entrenched in the top five.

Young Warragul player Will Cole squeezes out a handpass as he’s tackled in the senior clash with Morwell on Saturday.