Crows close gap to rivals

Longwarry closed the gap to the top five with an important win over rivals Buln Buln, 12-15 (87) to 5-6 (36).

With the Crows looking for a strong second half to the season to push for a finals berth, a strong opening half set them well on their way to victory over a rival they will look to displace.

The Crows now sit just percentage outside the top five.

Six goals to one in the first term put the Lyrebirds well and truly on the back foot, and while they were able to tighten the match from that point, the early buffer allowed the Crows to take control.

The Crows kicked the only goal of a torrid second term, but three goals to two in the third kept the advantage and ensured the match would finish in their favour.

The match petered out as both teams scored two goals in the final term.

Daniel Fry led his team strongly, finishing with six majors in a best afield effort. Ben Cuckson, Riley Rundell, Troy Lehman, Aaron Serong and Braydon McHugh also helped the Crows kick out to a match-winning lead.

Trent Baker, Matt Gray, Darcy Brown, Jake Herbel, Lex Wright and Brandon Allen helped the Lyrebirds rein it in after the Crows’ fast start.

Lyrebirds take points

Buln Buln took the points in an entertaining Reserves match, 12-8 (80) to 8-5 (53).

The Lyrebirds made their move following a tight first term, gradually edging ahead across the remaining three quarters.

Josh Lambert booted five goals, while Thomas Wyatt chipped in with three majors. Paul Willis, Jeremy Jagoe, Thomas Park and Jarrod Castle also helped the Lyrebirds gain the advantage.

Jeremy Hill, Nathan Sullivan, Shaun Eckhardt, John Werner, James English and Peter Harrison helped keep the Crows in the contest.

Buln too strong

Buln Buln were strong winners in the under 16s, 13-6 (84) to 4-7 (31).

The Lyrebirds set up the win with a strong opening half, restricting the Crows to just three behinds to take a comfortable 41-point buffer.

The Crows improved in the second half, winning the third quarter, but the damage had been done.

Jarryd Thomas and Jaryd Kelly each kicked four goals for the Lyrebirds. Max Chesterfield, Nelson Brew, Jaiden McDougal, Josh Pearn, Jacob Blackstock and Blake Hasan helped the Lyrebirds kick out to a commanding lead.

Bailey Stephens, Jonah Serong, Liam Quarrell, Matt Hurst, Harrison Stephens and Cameron Reid stood up for the Crows in the second half.