With an unusually late start due to Wychep-roof-Narraport having no under-17s, the teams were bolstered by some of the girls who have been playing in the girls competition and an exciting, albeit low-scoring game ensued.
The Bulls started well, applying pressure early as the Demons headed straight to goal, and a behind resulted. Both teams continued to apply great pressure until Bailey Kemp was able to get the Bulls forward for Sammy Ferrier to score the first goal. At the end of the first quarter Birchip-Watchem led 1.0 (6) to 0.3 (3).
The second quarter saw more of the same, with lots of pressure and defensive work resulting in the ball going back and forth from each other’s forward line. When the Bulls finally had a shot on goal it hit the post for a behind and that was the only score of the quarter, so when the second quarter ended the Bulls were still ahead 1.1 (7) to 0.3 (3).
The third quarter started with the Demons heading straight for their forward line, but they couldn’t get it past Jackson Goss and Archie Tyler, who cleared it out to the centre. However, it came straight back in again and this time Adele McNaughton scored to give Wycheproof-Narraport its first goal and the lead, for the first time of the match, although this was short lived as Jack Knights kicked a goal for the Bulls, setting up a shoot out. Wycheproof-Narraport’s Ryder Harrison scored, followed by one from Oscar Sharp and at the last change Birchip-Watchem was ahead 3.1 (19) to 2.3 (15).
It was a great start to the final quarter, with Jack Knights kicking a goal. It was going goal for goal as Wycheproof-Narraport scored straight back and then the Bulls answered with another goal from Sammy Ferrier. The Bulls maintained the momentum with great teamwork, ending in three further be- hinds and a great win.
Final scores: Birchip-Watchem 5.4 (34) to Wyche- proof-Narraport 3.3 (21). Awards for Birchip-Watchem: Jack Knights (Noo- nan Tyres and Jake and Billy Noonan), Jack McCauliffe (TMC Enviro), River Ryan (Sharp’s Bakery), Sienna Richmond (Birchip IGA).
For Wycheproof-Narraport: Finn Mitrovic, Riley Beattie, Zane McKerrow, Jud- son Tonkin, Levi Hall, Ollie White.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 14 June 2024.
