One step closer for u18s

Heading to Inverloch on Saturday for the first elimination final against Nar Nar Goon, the young Bulldog pups entered the game with justifiable confidence.

Having played the Gooners just once this year for a good win, and with ruckman Zac Walker back from the seniors, a near full strength team entered the fray.

Perfect conditions at Inverloch were welcome after last week’s gale-driven slush fest at the same venue.

And it was to be the Pups all the way.

Beginning in the first quarter with a four goal to zero onslaught, it was captain Finn Cashman leading from the front who dominated the first – and as it turned out all quarters.

Zac Walker took charge in the ruck, whilst James Lewis ran riot with a couple of early goals.

From then on, the Gooners were on the backfoot and simply could not recover.

By the three quarter time break, the Bulldogs have moved out to a 95-20 lead, with a sensational onslaught in the third of seven goals following a solid eight from the first half.

Noah Muller was everywhere from the mid and high forward, whilst Brayden Kleverkamp presented constantly wherever he was on the ground.

Beau Davis controlled all things from half-back with a sublime display, whilst everyone’s favourite hardman defender Henry Peppard took on every forward advance from the opposition.

The last saw a closer contest, as Brady Ross made a welcome return to the field after a couple of serious injuries for a valuable run, whilst Darcy Thompson and Kohen Beaumont controlled the backline as the Gooners pushed and prodded attempting to achieve a more acceptable scoreline.

The smallest player on the ground – Alex Barbati – showed he is no pushover with a late goal and the Bulldogs were to ultimately run out winners 109-28.

All in all, a great outing against competition that pushed the Bulldogs much harder earlier in the season.

Post-match, coach Scott Huther was well pleased with an excellent tune-up before a tougher assignment next week against Tooradin on Sunday as Bass.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 4.2.26, 8.4.52, 15.5.95, 17.7.109
Nar Nar Goon: 0.2.2, 1.2.8, 3.2.20, 4.4.28
Goals:
Phillip Island: Noah Muller, Zac Walker – 3, Alexander Barbati, Lucas Chihotski, Brayden Kleverkamp, James Lewis, Leo Savona – 2, Finn Cashman – 1.
Nar Nar Goon: Thomas Carney, Toby Cramer, Jack Murphy, Mason Walker – 1.
Best Players:
Phillip Island: Zac Walker, Finn Cashman, Noah Muller, Brayden Kleverkamp, Darcy Thompson, Lucas Chihotski.
Nar Nar Goon: Tadhg Manning, Lachlan Pryor, Billy Williams, Daniel Cross, Jack Murphy, Jesse Smith.

Next week

So, a successful first round of finals, with all 4 Bulldogs sides in action next week.

On Saturday at Nar Nar Goon – and battling for a place in their respective grand finals - the Under 16s take on Warragul Industrials, whilst the Senior Bulldogs front up against Inverloch for a prize a place in the Senior grand final.

On Sunday at Bass, the Under 18s meet Tooradin and Reserves play Inverloch for a place in their respective preliminary finals.

Get out and support the Bulldogs at all levels for great community football and netball.