Juniors kick off under lights
Round 11 kicked off on Friday night at Ellinbank.
It was the start of a full weekend of junior football for the Warragul and District Junior Football League, culminating with the match played out at Longwarry on Sunday morning.
It was a round of crisp, wintery conditions with players having to dig deep on the field to battle the cold and the opposition for the ball. Ellinbank v Yarragon Under 10 The round 11 opener kicked off with a crisp night under lights with Ellinbank hosting Yarragon.
The game was always going to be a strong bout, with both sides placed close on the ladder and eager for a win.
Ellinbank kicked their only major in the final term, which gave them the lead by one point and the win. Ellinbank’s Bailey Helps played his 50th game. Under 12 In very crisp conditions, both teams came out hard to play. Yarragon jumped out of the blocks early but Ellinbank came back after quarter time to take the lead.
Ellinbank dominated the scoreboard throughout the game and came away with a comfortable win. Under 14 A night match made a fun change and a great contested game between Ellinbank and Yarragon.
Yarragon led a fighting Ellinbank but were just too strong, taking away the win. Garfield v Buln Buln Under 10 Overcast skies and a biting wind brought a slight goal advantage to the southern end of the ground.
Buln Buln stood out in the first quarter with its attacking play and teamwork resulting in a great goal while keeping Garfield scoreless.
The second quarter was more evenly fought with Garfield edging into the lead.
An exciting third quarter was marked by good solid passages of play by both teams and a second goal by Garfield.
The final term saw rain start to fall and a flurry of points by Garfield before they ran out unconvincing winners in yet another tight contest. Under 12 The rain started at the beginning of the game with an icy breeze cramping the fingers.
The first quarter started tough for both teams with low scores.
The second quarter saw Garfield take away a comfortable lead.
There was great play by both teams and pressure all the way down the ground.
Despite the intensity of the game Garfield came away clear winners. Under 14 Garfield got away to a strong start and were able to move the ball quickly with precision in a structured manner.
Buln Buln had a fantastic third quarter and began to look very impressive.
Buln Buln thanked Garfield for lending some of its better players as it allows the Buln Buln boys to learn and develop more. Garfield’s Patrick Bray played his 50th game. Caldermeade v Drouin Gold Under 10 Both teams came out strong and tackled for the ball well.
Caldermeade scored the first two goals to go in the lead.
Drouin had a great second half but Caldermeade held on and came away with the win. Under 12 Both teams struggled to make the ball work for them down in their forward, making for a low scoring game.
Amongst many fumbled marks were some great efforts in building a defensive wall from both teams.
In the end it was Drouin Gold that came out with the win. Under 14 Both teams fought hard for the ball and put in some great defensive tackles.
Caldermeade threw everything they had at Gold.
Gold was able to withstand the pressure and came away with the win. Drouin Maroon v Neerim District Under 10 In a game where goals were hard to find, the Cats put in a gutsy effort.
Drouin have a great contest throughout the entire game.
A mark by Drouin at the final siren saw it get kicked through for a point to even the score for a draw. Under 12 The drizzle of rain was hindering to both teams.
Neerim moved the ball well, putting pressure on Drouin’s strong forward line.
Drouin were able to hold it in their 50 enough to maintain the game, but Neerim’s defensive back line helped to keep the score to a low.
Drouin Maroon’s Zac McMillan played his 100th game. Under 14 A cold morning met Drouin Maroons and Neerim at Bellbird Park but the Drouin side were hot in the first quarter kicking six unanswered goals. A quieter second saw no goals to either team. Drouin Maroon put together a good team effort to come away eventual winners. Bulls v Hallora Under 10 The Bulls controlled the scoreboard throughout the game but it was a fantastic match played by both teams, lots of hard tackles laid and ball defence.
The scoreboard did not reflect the evenness of both teams. Under 12 Five players short made for a tough start for Hallora.
They gave it their all, but the Bulls dominated the play from the start and went away with a convincing win.
Bulls players Finn Donohue and Darcy Sutton played their 50th game. Under 14 Hallora got off to a great start but The Bulls pushed hard all game.
Hallora were too strong in the end and took home their first win for the season. Bulls player Xavier Spaul played his 50th game. Colts v Bunyip Under 10 Both teams put in a great effort with no one scoring by the end of the first.
In the second Colts started to dominate a little more and were able to get the first score on the board.
The third saw Colts domination continue with another goal on the board and they went into the last full of confidence.
To Bunyip’s credit they never gave up and managed to steal the win with some lucky breaks in the last. Under 12 It was a wet game for two determined teams at Eastern Park.
Both sides came out fighting and despite the scoreboard the Colts spent a lot of time in their own forward half showing great improvement and courage.
After a few missed opportunities Bunyip came away with the win to keep their final hopes alive. Under 14 Colts contested all day but Bunyip ran the ball better and ended up with a convincing win. Longwarry v Blues Under 10 Warragul Blues got off to a great start attacking early, scoring two first quarter goals.
Longwarry challenged throughout the remaining quarters but were beaten by a stronger team on the day. Under 12 It was a very even contest throughout with Blues kicking two goals against a solid Longwarry defence in the first quarter.
The second quarter was very even with Longwarry scoring a goal on the half time siren.
Longwarry fought hard all day but Blues were stronger on the day. Under 14 The Blues got off to flying start, getting the score on the board.
Longwarry fought hard all game but couldn't contain the Blues.
Warranor had the bye.