Gulls youth survives Sale scare

Warragul's thirds managed to stave off a plucky challenge from Sale over the weekend, keeping their season on track as finals approach.

Playing the bottom side on the table, the Gulls looked comfortable early, as they built a lead. But they were made to sweat in the second half, where they managed just one goal while Sale worked their way back into the match.

In truth, the Gulls could have been made to pay earlier if not for some inaccuracy from the Magpies, who to date have won just two matches. In the end, the home side prevailed 6.9 (45) to 5.8 (38).

All six of Warragul's goals were from individual goalkickers in an encouraging display of how they spread the load, but the manner in which they stopped scoring in the second half may have presented some concern.

Luke Garner, Charlie MacLean and Tom Stern were among the best players for the Gulls on the day. Despite the fade-out, the fact remains they got the four points, allowing them to retain second on the ladder.

In other thirds results, Bairnsdale thumped Traralgon 9.7 (61) to 4.5 (29) and Morwell defeated Wonthaggi 13.4 (82) to 7.8 (50).

It was a much simpler affair for the Warragul fourths side, who used a powerful second half to leave Sale absolutely towelled up.

After a low-scoring, relatively dour game in the first half that saw the Gulls go into half time two goals to one up, the home side came alive in the second half. They booted eight goals to one to run the game out 10.12 (72) to 2.6 (18) winners.

Harry Brown kicked three goals and was ably supported by Heath Jinks and Brodie Smith, who both kicked two each. Smith, in particular, put in a standout performance, along with Lucas Carter, Bailey Rainford and Oliver Wilson.

The win now has Warragul, who are currently in third position, equal on points with second-placed Maffra, trailing by percentage alone. With a top three spot and a double chance secured, the Gulls will be looking to build momentum for the upcoming finals series.

In the other fourths match played over the weekend, Traralgon totally eviscerated Bairnsdale 24.16 (160) to 0.1 (1).

Warragul's reserves had a day to forget as they were outplayed by Sale.

The Gulls started positively to lead at quarter time by four points, but from that point onwards were up against it before they eventually fell 5.7 (37) to 10.11 (71).

Joel Kilday, Jordan Murphy and Jamie Somers were among the better players for Warragul.

Elsewhere in the reserves, Traralgon destroyed Bairnsdale 22.18 (150) to 4.1 (25) and Wonthaggi demolished Morwell 14.10 (94) to 0.4 (4).