Top football despite the cold
As the halfway mark in the Warragul and District Junior Football League approaches teams have found their feet and are settling into their own rhythms, putting their skills to the test against stronger sides and not giving an inch.
There was some great junior football on display against last weekend.
Buln Buln v Bunyip Under 10’s. On a very chilly morning both teams battled hard and with great spirits.
Despite the slippery conditions the skills were good.
Bunyip attacked the ball well and ultimately ran out the winner. Under 12’s. A great game of football was played with the teams applying pressure for the full game.
Buln kicked the first goal and kept it together all game with great determination to get their first win for the season on the board.
Bunyip fought hard to end each quarter well but couldn’t bridge the gap in the end. Buln Buln’s Tyler Steenholdt and Bunyip’s Cody Templeton played their 50th games. Under 14’s. Buln Buln played Bunyip at home and showed Bunyip what can be achieved through work rate.
It was aneven game for three quarters before Buln kicked away with the win.
Longwarry v Neerim District Under 10s. No wind and cloud made for an icy start to the game.
Strong tackling and pressure from Longwarry resulted in several rushed behinds to Neerim but digging in deep Neerim came out strong winners. Under 12’s. The game was played on a cold and wet ground that the sides handled well. It was a great game to watch, Longwarry ahead at the main break despite Neerim’s pressure.
But Longwarry was able to hold on to take the win. Under 14’s. Neerim jumped on the board with one point in the first quarter before Longwarry took off and made it a very difficult game for Neerim.
Neerim tried hard but just couldn’t match it against a very strong Longwarry.
Drouin Gold v Hallora Under 10’s. Drouin Gold hosted Hallora at Bellbird Park on a crisp morning.
Hallora scored a goal in the first minute of the game and kept the goals coming in the first quarter.
Drouin Gold applied strong pressure for the rest of the game and kicked a goal in the last quarter but in the end it was a win for Hallora. Under 12’s. It was a game of two halves with Drouin dominating the first half but Hallora responding well in the second to make for a tight match.
A strong tackling game and great defensive pressure by both sides.
As hard as Hallora battled it was not enough to be victorious. Under 14’s. Both teams came out hard. An undersized Hallora battled hard but Drouin`s strong teamwork and ball movement proved too great.
Garfield v Warragul Blues Under 10’s. It was a cold morning for Warragul Blues’ trip to Garfield.
Although Garfield applied great tackles and pressure across the four quarters the strong Blues’ team ran away with the win.
Blues celebrated with four of their players kicking their first ever goals. Under 12’s. After an even start Blues took control to score the opening goal.
They continued dominating in the second quarter to open a handy half time lead.
The second half was even as Garfield made a good contest.
After a hard fought last quarter the Blues run out convincing winners. Under 14’s. First versus second promised a hard fought contest and from the opening ball up it was obvious both sides had come to play.
Blues were a little slow during the first quarter but hit the front late in the second and stayed there for the remainder of the game.
The last quarter was closer but Warragul Blues were too good on the day displaying some great footy skills
Colts v Drouin Maroon Under 10’s. It was a frosty start to the game at Eastern Park between two determined sides. Both showed great skill and fought hard all game with Drouin kicking a couple of late goals to secure the win. Under 12’s. Eastern Park was in beautiful condition by the time this game started. Drouin kicked some first quarter goals to take the lead but then the Colts maintained possession the ball to win the second quarter.
Drouin had a good fourth quarter in front of goal to run away with the win. Under 14’s The cold weather didn’t stop the players turning it on for the spectators.
An exciting game from start to finish featured hard tackles, long kicks and terrific pressure.
Drouin Maroon were too strong on the day after a top game by both teams.
Warranor v Bulls Under 10’s. Cold conditions greeted the Under 10’s at Logan Park.
Warranor were up against a strong and physical team with The Bulls running out clear winners although Warranor never gave up and held their heads high all game. Under 12’s. The Bulls initially saw off many Warranor forward attacks but eventually Warranor’s pressure saw it build on the scoreboard for an 18-point win. Under 14’s The weather had improved a little for the Under 14s that played an even and tight contest.
Bulls were on top after the first quarter but Warranor’s consistency during the match was telling.
Warranor kept the pressure on during the four quarters to score a hard fought win.
Yarragon v Ellinbank Under 10’s. Both teams did plenty of pre-match warm ups and from the start were hard at the ball with plenty of spirit.
Ellinbank hit the scoreboard early with Yarragon fighting hard to keep them back.
Yarragon worked hard all game and almost scored a couple of times. In the end Ellinbank ran out winners against a hard working opposition. side. Under 12’s. The Panthers hosted the Eagles at their fabulous ground.
The day was primed for great football.
The pressure from both sides was evident early and the score board did not reflect the efforts of both teams.
With great ball movement throughout the match and linking passages of play Ellinbank managed to build a strong lead.
In a great defensive effort Yarragon kept the pressure up all game, holding back some talented players and making Ellinbank work hard for every goal.
Yarragon’s effort was rewarded in the final quarter when it held Ellinbank scoreless.
Ellinbank’s Ryan Murphy and Yarragon’s Kai Clancy played their 50th games. Under 14’s. Both teams started a little undermanned, calling on their under 12s to fill their numbers.
Ellinbank led from the start and were just too strong for Yarragon, despite seeming quite well-matched.
Ellinbank’s Ripley Pyle played his 100th game.
Caldermeade had the bye.