Lyrebirds thirds win thriller
BULN BULN held on to overcome Yarragon in another low scoring but thrilling junior contest in the under 18 elimination final.
Conversion proved difficult for both sides as the Lyrebirds hung on to win 3-11 (29) to 3-9 (27).
The first term saw play concentrate between the arcs, neither side putting through a goal as they headed into the first change 0-4 to 0-2.
Yarragon converted the first of the contest mid-way through the second term, William Kemp winning the free kick for catching his opponent.
Buln Buln responded late in the term through Logan Wallmeyer and Logan Leatham to enter the half time break with a five-point lead.
Kallis Keady marked on the lead for the only goal of the Page 58 WARRAGUL AND DROUIN GAZETTE August 30 2022 third term as the sides continued to trade minors, the Panthers heading into the final term with a narrow two-point lead.
A costly turnover on the wing opened the door for Buln Buln to find Leatham on the lead and push the margin out to seven points.
Not to be denied Lachlan King marked in the pocket to reduce the margin to just two points and give the Panthers some hope with 25 seconds to play.
A saving mark in defence and bail out kick to centre wing was enough for the Lyrebirds to hold on and advance.
Ryley Huysman, Daniel Axford, Will Battley, Jarrod Clynes, Jaran Guy and Matthew Cahill led the Lyrebirds to victory.
Ensuring the Panthers remained in the contest to the final siren were Liam Smith-Butterworth, Jackson Spencer, Zavier Allsopp, Keady, Jake Websdale and Zak Keeble.