Bulldogs maintain control in win over Panthers
Scores: Phillip Island: 3.5.23, 5.9.39, 8.13.61, 13.15.93. Kilcunda-Bass: 1.0.6, 2.1.13, 4.7.31, 8.12.60.
Seniors
In the highly anticipated Battle of the Bridge, Phillip Island and Kilcunda Bass' Football Clubs clashed in wet and slippery conditions, turning the game into a gruelling slog.
Phillip Island controlled the game from the outset but allowed Bass to remain closer than necessary due to inaccurate kicking.
Hayden Bruce was the standout performer, continuing his stellar form by dominating through the middle and amassing an estimated 50 possessions.
His brother Charlie Bruce, along with Max Walton and the ever-reliable Jaymie Youle, provided strong support, ensuring Phillip Island maintained their dominance in the midfield.
Daniel Bourke cemented his reputation as the premier tap ruckman of the league, giving his midfielders first use of the ball.
Defensively, Mark Griffin and Aaron Harris effectively contained the Bass spearheads, while Daniel Pearce had the ball on a string, repeatedly repelling Bass' forward advances.
The first half saw Phillip Island restrict Bass to just a handful of shots on goal.
However in the third and fourth quarters, the Panthers lifted their intensity turning the game into a hard-fought contest.
One of the highlights of the match was Bryce "Chomps" Hindhaugh running a goal from the boundary in front of the Island faithful, effectively putting the game out of Bass' reach.
Phillip Island's victory keeps them equal on points atop the ladder.
They now have a week off before facing a determined Koo Wee Rup, who pushed them to their limits in their last encounter.
Scores: Phillip Island: 3.5.23, 5.9.39, 8.13.61, 13.15.93. Kilcunda-Bass: 1.0.6, 2.1.13, 4.7.31, 8.12.60.
Best players: Phillip Island: Hayden Bruce, Mark Griffin, Daniel Bourke, Jaymie Youle, Connor Thompson and Bryce Hindhaugh. Kilcunda Bass: Dale Gawley, Nathan Foote, Lochlan Scott, Sam Watson, Benjamin Eddy and John Mentiplay.
Goals: Phillip Island: Hayden Bruce, Jack Taylor, Marcus Wright - 2, Yianni Caffieri, Alex Duyker, Bryce Hindhaugh, Billy Taylor, Connor Thompson, Max Walton and Travis Woodfield - 1. Kilcunda Bass: Anthony Daraio, Dale Gawley, Dean McRae - 2, Dale Crawford and Timothy Gunn - 1.
