Top of the table round in junior footy
It was a top table clash this round of the Warragul and District Junior Football League, sides struggling to claw through to the finals.
Despite the mixed conditions, views of the finals were in the sights of many clubs pushing to make their way up the ladder before the season close. Garfield v Neerim District Under 10 Neerim got away to a decent start, but Garfield came out stronger in the second.
It was still even at half time, the Stars then came out shining and dominated the second half to be comfortable winners. Under 12 The first quarter was evenly matched for the two teams. Neerim showed good skills, however Garfield’s excellent team work put them on the front foot for the remainder of the match. They consolidated their lead and were just too good on the day. Under 14 Nice team play from Garfield saw goals scored in the first quarter. Neerim put in a good effort with lots of tackles. The game started with a tight contest until Garfield hit their straps and a very undermanned Neerim tried hard to defend.
The running game from Garfield saw them take the win. Josh Evans celebrated his 100th game. Caldermeade v Yarragon Under 10 Both teams came out strong, fighting for the ball in gritty contests.
The Cannons kicked the first goal, but Yarragon made them work for it.
The ball spent a lot of time floating around the middle, Caldermeade managing to hold on to their lead for the win. Under 12 The first quarter was very evenly matched in both teams having equal forward time.
The second quarter saw a more productive Yarragon forward line. Caldermeade did well to hold them back, halting the flow of several attacking plays. Yarragon were stronger on the day and took the match. Under 14 Yarragon dominated in the first quarter and most of the second.
Caldermeade responded in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to topple Yarragon’s lead. Warragul Blues v Bunyip Under 10 It was a third and fourth spot ladder clash between the Blues and Bunyip.
After observing a minute’s silence for the passing Warragul player Jake Garvey’s father, the game was on.
An early tussle saw the Blues getting a goal on the board in the first quarter. It was hotly contested but in the end that one goal won the match. Under 12 The Blues got off to a quick start with three goals. Bunyip fought hard all day but the scoreboard didn’t reflect their efforts. The Warragul side ended up with a comfortable win. Under 14 Both sides came out strong from the first bounce. Bunyip and the Blues managed to get on the scoreboard, Bunyip leading despite inaccurate kicking.
Two late goals to the Blues in the last quarter earned them the win. Drouin Cobras v Longwarry Under 10 Longwarry were first to score against the Cobras. Drouin slowly pegged them back and ran over the top in the last half, a strong third quarter leading them through to victory. Under 12 Drouin got an early lead kicking two quick goals. Longwarry steadied leading to a close contest throughout the rest of the game. Longwarry had their chances to score in the last quarter, but Drouin held them off to secure the win. Under 14 The Cobras came out and played hard from the first bounce.
Longwarry fought well and contested repeatedly, keeping the ball away from the Drouin forward line.
Pressure from the Crows saw the Cobras kicking points. In the end, the Drouin side took the game. Ethan Busse celebrated his 100-game milestone. Warranor v Drouin Jets Under 10 Warranor and the Jets played in a top of the ladder clash. Scoring between these two sides was difficult, but Warranor managed to kick straight three times under great pressure from the Jets.
The Jets fought hard but Warranor were too good on the day. Under 12 In a well fought out contest between evenly matched sides, Drouin was able to gain the edge to come away with the win. It was a good even contest for the first three quarters. Drouin came in at three quarter time, reshuffle the team, firing in the final quarter and kicking a quick two goals to come out on top. Under 14 Both teams came out strong and held the intensity for the entire game.
Warranor moved the ball well and broke through a strong Drouin defence. The Jets showed glimpses of good play but could not be consistent in their approach to the game.
Warranor came out victors. Vinnie Caia celebrates 75 games. Poowong-Loch v Colts Under 10 The slippery conditions made play difficult for the Bulls and Colts, using every ounce of their skills to move the ball.
The Warragul side made a better start, booting two goals in the first half. Poowong-Loch tried hard to close the gap in the second half, but fell short in the end. Under 12 Slippery conditions were dealt with well by both sides. The Poowong-Loch side put in maximum effort, battling the Colts from the forward line to the back line across the field.
In the end some precise kicking by the Warragul side won them the contest. Hallora v Ellinbank Under 10 Hallora took full advantage with good team work and ball use against an Ellinbank side that tried hard all day.
Ellinbank’s defence tried to respond, but a lack of opportunity and Hallora’s attack at the ball, proved too much and reduced any forward opportunities for Ellinbank. Max Williames celebrates 50 games. Under 12 Ellinbank got on the scoreboard first. Hallora kept tackling hard showing some great ball skills. The second half showed an increase in pressure from Hallora, keeping Ellinbank from scoring and winning them the match. Hayden King played his 50th game. Under 14 Ellinbank got off to a strong start due to some inconsistent play by Hallora, grabbing a 30-point lead at quarter time.
Ellinbank continued to strengthen their score, coming away with a solid win after a Hallora fight back at half time.