Gulls clean sweep in lower grades
by
Warragul's fourths secured their first win of the season thanks to a tight victory over Drouin.
With both teams entering the contest searching for their first four points of the year stakes were high in the rivalry match. And in the end the Gulls did enough to claim the day 8.8 (56) to 7.7 (49).
Scores were tied on 41 apiece going into the last before Warragul finished the better of the two sides, booting 2.3 to 1.2 in the fourth quarter.
Jake Boote was outstanding for the home side, ably supported by Cooper Beckley (two goals), Cooper Leighton and Harvie Dennis.
For Drouin it was a case of a missed opportunity – the Hawks led by two goals at half time in a low scoring affair but couldn't quite translate that advantage into a winning one.
They'll get another crack at breaking their duck next week against bottom side Morwell. Drouin's best for the day were Dean Brown, Brody Rogers, Tyler Williames and Brodie Honeyman.
In other fourths results Wonthaggi thumped Morwell 13.7 (85) to 1.6 (12), Moe thrashed Sale 12.12 (84) to 1.2 (8) and Maffra obliterated Leongatha 17.13 (115) to 2.2 (14).
Warragul's thirds maintained their unbeaten streak – and broke Drouin's - with a ninepoint win on Saturday.
The Gulls maintained a lead for most of the day and though they had to endure a few nervous moments did enough to hold on 7.10 (57) to 6.7 (42).
Trailing by 14 at three quarter time, a
Drouin goal with minutes remaining put the Hawks within a couple of kicks but that would be as close as they would get before succumbing to last year's runners-up.
Xavier Olsson showed plenty of positive signs for the Gulls, as did Darcy Paul, Harrison Cant and Isaac Kittelty.
For Drouin it was William Young, Fletcher Lockwood, Zachary McMillan and Will Bethune all putting in solid efforts.
Elsewhere in the thirds Moe overcame Sale 8.6 (54) to 5.8 (38) and Maffra defeated Leongatha 12.3 (75) to 6.8 (44).
Warragul's reserves managed to pull off a reverse of their seniors results, staging a comeback to overwhelm Drouin 7.4 (46) to 5.8 (38).
The Gulls conceded the first four majors of the game before slowly turning the tables, kicking the seven of the final eight goals – including the only two majors of the final quarter - to claim their first victory since round one last year, also against Drouin.
Warragul were able to effectively shut down Drouin's transition, creating turnovers and eventually generating enough forward half opportunities to inevitably score.
Jack Casson, Daniel Smart, Chris Raso and Xavier La Frantz were all effective for the red and black.
Drouin were best served by Liam Lenders, Steven Wright, Flynn Bethune and Kaleb Hermansen (four goals).
In other reserves results Leongatha beat Maffra 9.10 (64) to 7.3 (45), Moe got the better of Sale 9.10 (64) to 5.7 (37) and Morwell destroyed Wonthaggi 17.12 (114) to 4.1 (25).