Tigers forced to forfeit

LACK of player numbers again hit the Lang Lang under 18s, who were unable to make the trip for the junior catch up game at Ellinbank.

It's the second time this season the Tigers have been forced to forfeit, having been impacted by Covid-19 in a fixture earlier this season.

It pushed their under 16 clash at Poowong back to 10.25am, and they put up a competitive effort against the Magpies.

In a low scoring affair, they burst out of the blocks to take an early lead.

The Magpies worked their way into the contest, but their inaccuracy kept the Tigers in the contest, leading by just two points at the final change.

The match opened up in the final term, the Magpies booting five goals to two to win 7-10 (52) to 5-2 (32).

Ellinbank and Buln Buln still made the early start of 8.15am.

The Lyrebirds were competitive early before the Eagles kicked away to win 11-5 (71) to 1-3 (9).

Will O'Brien booted six goals for the home side.

Neerim-Neerim South overcame inaccuracy to make it consecutive wins, defeating Trafalgar 4-13 (37) to 1-0 (6).

Longwarry confirmed the under 16 minor premiership, comfortably accounting for second-placed Yarragon 14-11 (95) to 4-3 (27).

The Panthers were competitive early despite regular coach Chris Kemp being away due to health and safety protocols, the sides heading into the first change 1-3 apiece.

Six goals in the second term and five goals in the final quarter saw the Crows take control of the contest, Clancy Pope finishing with five majors.

Neerim-Neerim South and Longwarry were big winners in the under 18s.

Early inaccuracy kept the Lyrebirds in the contest as the Cats registered 1-6 in the first term at the neutral venue in Trafalgar.

From there the Cats kicked away, booting seven, six and four majors across the final three terms to win 18-16 (124) to 3-3 (21).

Longwarry dominated across their contest with Yarragon, conceding just one behind while scoring 19-20 (134).

The Crows had benefit from Lachie Spinks and Fintan Fox dropping back from the seniors, the pair booting seven and five goals respectively.