Bulldogs overpower Cobras in kennel clash - Seniors

A couple of changes due to injury to Tully Dickie late at training on Thursday night, and Trav Woodfield’s pre-existing appointment opened the door for a couple of notable ins.

Ben Taylor returning from the twos, as well as Orlando (Noosh) Kane Gillard back for his first senior game of the year.

After a tight contest in the reserves, an extra tough game was expected with the Bulldogs in third verses Cora Lynn Cobras in fourth after eight rounds – enough games played to indicate that these two teams should be evenly matched.

And for three of the quarters that was to be the way it was, with nothing between the two teams up to half time.

Some notable contributions from both teams across the half, with the Bulldogs jumping out of the blocks with the first score of the game.

Max Blake scored in the first minute, quickly answered by Cora Lynn’s movie star Mr T (Ryan Gillis).

Then the Bulldogs took control with Bryce Hindhaugh a few minutes later and coach Pedersen relishing his move to the forward line.

Not to be outdone, the Cobras conjured two late goals including that goal-kicking machine Nathan Gardiner putting the ball into the tree.

An even first quarter was the result.

Early in the second, saw an arm wrestle as the ball moved from end to end, but without any major scores.

The Cobras took some control, with that man Gardiner finally stepping up for a major.

Cam Pedersen to the middle resulted in a clean clearance to a perfect lead and goal from Daniel Bourke, and momentum was back with the Dogs.

The pressure seemed to get to all, with comical turnovers at both ends resulting in goals for both teams including Gardiner again.

Mr T – showing he is an excellent leader for the A-Team – scored again to put the Cobras back in front, with Noosh answering soon after, from Hayden Bruce’s perfect centre work and clearance.

All in all, 42-42 at the half-time break.

The third turned out to be the one quarter which went against the trend!

The umpires took early control showing they meant business to all.

Then, in stepped Billy Taylor and his offsider Eli Richards.

After a pretty reasonable first half showing sublime skills, Eli led the charge and then in stepped Billy, kicking two goals in quick succession, combined with a complete change in the middle.

Pencil, Cam Brown, Brendan Kimber and Jack Taylor took over completely, all being beautifully served from that ruckman Daniel Bourke serving the ball up on a platter.

Billy T stepped in for another couple, all of this interspersed with a single goal to Mr T at the other end.

Another Noosh goal at the end of the quarter – all in all a supreme premiership quarter from the Bulldogs with a seven goal to one score line.

A third-quarter rev-up from coach Shaun Sparks, and to their credit, the Cobras regrouped for the last.

Highlights of an even last were multiple goals to Mr T and Gardiner for the Cobras, and Billy T for the

Bulldogs kicking his fifth.

Noosh stepped in for his third on an excellent seniors return, and Jack Taylor continuing on for the Bulldogs.

A final score of 112-81 a fair reflection of the overall game.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 6.6.42, 6.6.42, 13.9.87, 16.16.112. Cora Lynn: 6.6.42, 6.6.42, 7.7.49, 12.9.81.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Billy Taylor 5, Orlando Kane Gillard 3, Cameron Pedersen and Jack Taylor 2. Cora Lynn: Ryan Gillis 5 and Nathan Gardiner 4.

Best Players: 
Phillip Island: Billy Taylor, Hayden Bruce, Daniel Pearce, Brendan Kimber, Max Blake and Jack Taylor. Cora Lynn: Matthew Ryan, Matthew Briggs, Luke Ryan, William Thomas, Jai Rout and Kyah Cronin.