Garfield edge out Bunyip in fiery clash
Garfield have edged out rivals Bunyip in a closely contested and at times fiery clash, winning 6-9 (45) to 3-3 (21).
With stars Robert Hughes (Bunyip), Brett Reid and Ben Marsh (Garfield) taking their place in the Reserves, each side entered the contest with a slightly different look.
The contest was typical of any between the two rivals as both sides went hard for the ball and were relentless with their pressure.
A real arm wrestle ensued, with just 39 seconds over time on in the first term as the sides went into the first break locked at one behind apiece.
Bunyip scored two goals to edge ahead in the second term, but could only manage one goal in the second half as Garfield added five to run away with the points.
Jarryd Drew proved the difference in a tough day for scoring, booting three majors. Other better players for the Stars were Darcy Payne, Adam Macgibbon, James Ferguson, and Saxon Watson.
Zac Vansittart, Nathan Lieshout, Joel Gibson, Sam O’Sullivan, Michael Whyte and Brad Walker were the better players for Bunyip.
In pleasing signs for Bunyip Brad Wolfe made a successful return, being named in the best players in the Reserves, following his comeback from an horrific broken leg last preseason.
Cora Lynn bounced back strongly to record a comfortable victory over Nar Nar Goon, 17-7 (109) to 8-15 (63).
Nathan Langley was the star, booting seven goals as the Goon were plagued by inaccuracy issues in their first West Gippsland football match.
It was a third quarter burst that set up the Cobras’ comfortable victory. Trailing by six points at the main change, the Cobras slammed through nine majors to head into the final term with a commanding 43-point lead.
The lapse proved costly for an otherwise competitive Goon outfit.
The Cobras had a new look outfit following injuries sustained in last week’s season opener, but had its senior players step up where it counted.
Ryan Gillis chipped in with three goals, while Andrew Green, Jeremy Monckton and William Thomas also stepped up. Brayden Weller made his senior debut and wasn’t out of place, also being named in the best.
Nar Nar Goon were best served by Tyler Joosten, Kris Fowler, Robert Cracknell, Jesse Cribbes and Brent Hughes.
The clash between Koo wee rup and Kilcunda Bass lived up to its billing, with the Demons charging home to win 9-10 (64) to 8-4 (52).
The match wasn’t without its controversy, with the Demons questioning the legality of Kilcunda Bass coach Brent Macaffer wearing the number zero on his back.
The Demons’ ability to quell the influence of the former Collingwood star went a long way towards securing victory.
Both teams entered the contest as early favorites to play finals, and the contest didn’t disappoint.
Following a tight opening half where the Demons went in two points to the good, momentum shifted to the visitor in the third term, booting five goals to lead by 39-points at the final change.
The Demons didn’t waste their opportunities to the scoring end, keeping the Panthers scoreless to storm home with six goals of their own.
Ruckman Scott Houghton led the way for the Demons. He was supported by Luke Walker, David Collins, Mitchell Leek, Nathan Muratore and Nathan Voss.
Kilcunda Bass were best served by David Hutchinson, Matthew Edwards, Chris Endres, Jaidyn Burgess, Brad Aldwell and Tim Smith.
Dalyston edged out Phillip Island by four points in a cliff hanger.
In a match that was tight throughout, the Magpies held on to win 7-12 (54) to 7-7 (49).
Michael Kraska kicked three goals for the Magpies, while Steven Pimm booted four majors for the Bulldogs.
Inverloch-Kongwak continued their winning charge, with its fitness again key in disposing of Korumburra-Bena 13-10 (88) to 7-6 (48).
The Sea Eagles held a slender four point lead at half time but it was again its superior fitness that won out, booting eight goals to two to run away with it in the second half.