Reserves battle it out

Even with the lengthy injury list in the seniors, the Bulldogs were able to select a strong team for the vital game against Cora Lynn – Bulldogs sitting fourth and the Cobras sixth.

But nothing was destined to be easy with a couple of late withdrawals impacting the Bulldogs line-up.

In what was to be a tough encounter, the Bulldogs led for most of the game, but were ultimately to run out of legs with the opposition overrunning the Bulldogs in the last.

Entering the last quarter with a two-goal margin, the Cobras were to be the only scorers, and were able to run out victors 32-29.

For three quarters the Bulldogs held sway. Noah Bee-Hickman back from the seniors led the on-ball charge, ably assisted by boom recruit of the year Saxon Mau in the ruck who simply goes from strength to strength.

It was the domination of these two – combined with coach Nicolaci – who were to setup the Bulldogs.

Kirby Fuller continued his outstanding form in the backline, getting better and better as each week passes.

Tyce Kleverkamp provided targets in the forward-line, and Jarrod Witnish continued his sparkling form since returning from his self-imposed footy exile.

The Bulldogs should have been further in front by three quarter time, having been held up by excellent Cobras defence particularly in the first half of football.

But the last was to be all Cobras.

Unable to penetrate the opposition’s defences despite numerous attempts, the Bulldogs were unable to withstand the onslaught that came from the Cobra’s midfield.

In a low-scoring game, two goals three to zip in the last was going to test any side, and unfortunately for the Bulldogs the Cobras prevailed.

Tough competition looms for the Bulldogs over the coming couple of weeks, with at least one win necessary to consolidate fourth place.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 1.0.6, 2.1.13, 4.5.29, 4.5.29.
Cora Lynn: 0.2.2, 2.4.16, 2.5.17, 4.8.32.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Harry Anderson – 2, Noah Bee-Hickman and Jarrod Witnish – 1.
Cora Lynn: Jake Boccarl, Lachlan Cove, Owen Hartley and Josh Wilson – 1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Noah Bee-Hickman, Daniel Larsson, Tyce Kleverkamp, James Nicolaci, Kirby Fuller and Jarrod Witnish.
Cora Lynn: Jacob Percy, Liam Taylor, Lachlan Taylor, Corey Brook, Tristan Lilley-Hale and Christopher Inverno.