Buln Buln firms as favourite
Buln Buln have firmed as an early premiership favourite after overcoming a challenge from season 2024 finals hopeful Ellinbank.
The Lyrebirds trailed for much of the contest, heading into the final change seven points in arrears before charging home with six goals to one to win 13-9 (87) to 9-8 (62).
Three goals to one in the first term opened an early buffer for Ellinbank ahead of an entertaining second term where each side traded blows, four goals to three closing the margin to five points at the long break.
The third term proved a dour affair with two goals apiece before Buln Buln showed its class that helped it to the 2023 premiership, finishing with six goals to one.
Sam Batson, Trent Baker, Nathan Tutton, Patrick Ireland, Bob McCallum and Thomas Axford helped the Lyrebirds step up when it counted.
Ellinbank's prized recruit Connor Wilkins helped control the aerial battles with Bryce Joyce, Michael Urie, Jack Champion, Ben
Wragg and Gaige White also influential. the final term on the bench as the Cats put
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH returned to through the final four goals of the game. the winners list with a strong win over Yarragon, Harry Notman, Roberts, Declan Bagot, 12-14 (86) to 2-7 (19). Kody Wilson, Josh White and Tyssen Morrow
The Panthers were competitive early as the led the way for the Cats. sides tested each other out, play concentrating Joshawa Vosper, Bradley Morgan, Tyler between the arcs on the outer wing for Payroli, Taylor Rainey, Trav Davis and Riley much of the first quarter. Kop helped the Panthers compete in patches.
An unwell Tom Dovaston put on a shepherd TEN goals to spearhead Marc Holt helped on the last line to help the Panthers keep in Lang Lang thump Nyora, 23-17 (155) to 2-2 touch, although a classy set shot helped the (14).
Cats to a three goal to one advantage. The Saints were competitive early, scoring
The dour struggle continued in the second two goals to four to keep in touch. term, the Cats restricted to just two goals That would be the only joy for the Saints before opening the contest up in the second however, the Tigers adding 10 goals in the half. second term to effectively kill the contest.
Three goals to one in the third term, including Nine goals to nil in the second half round a Matt Roberts dribbler that just out the big win. snuck inside the post, helped open a handy Holt, Bradley Clark, Chaise Jordan, Dylan 40-point buffer at the final change. The dynamic Gallasch and Kyle Van der pluym led the forward would mark his senior return charge for the Tigers. with four goals. Nyora were best served by Braith Minchin,
Yarragon's forwards began getting frustrated Lewis Kennedy, William Mcgindle, Fletcher by turnovers, Dovaston spending much of Kennedy, Lachlan Roberts and Jesse Heylen.
WARRAGUL AND DROUIN GAZETTE April 16 2024 Page 55