Four from four! It is a joy to write those words for the first time this season after all of our football sides were victorious over Wedderburn.
Seniors
It was a clinical performance from our seniors, comfortably winning all four quarters to register an 87-point win and give our percentage an important boost. Brendan George and Jack Wilson led the way from the forward line, kicking five and four goals respectively. Both these men boast an impressive contested marking ability given their relatively short stature, making them difficult to match up on and pleasure for Bulls fans to watch. Mick Monteith was once again the general of the backline while coach Carland played one of his better games of the season in the midfield. The team is in great form at the moment but it is crucial that we keep winning if we want to seal a finals berth. After enjoying a week’s due to the split round we must show up to St. Arnaud switched on and ready to get the job done. President Barber is back in the stands and ready to see a performance equal to the ones he missed! Awards v Wedderburn: Jack Wilson (Donnellons' Bulk Haulage), Brendan George (Landmark), Michael Monteith (Bowens' Commercial Hotel), Tom Carland (Birchip Hotel), Spencer Aitken (Mlldura Finance), Joel Greaney (Birchip Motel).
Reserves
Arguably the highlight of the day was the reserves who broke through for their first win of the season. They did so in emphatic fashion, dominating the Redbacks to win by 91 points. Julian Liston had a field day at full forward, relishing the improved delivery from the midfielders and making the most of his opportunities to boot 10 goals. Jack Lee demonstrated great determination and skill throughout in what was his best game for the season, while it was a treat to see Zach Holmes ruling the ruck in his first ever seconds game for the Bulls. If the team keeps playing in this vein there is no reason why they can’t lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder before season’s end. Awards: Julian Liston (Donnellons' Bulk Haulage), Jack Lee (Bowens' Commercial Hotel), Zach Holmes (Birchip Hotel), Ben Munzberg (Bourkes' Butchers), Tom Brain (Birchip Hardware), Connor McGinnis (Birchip Motel).
U16s
The U16s kept their finals hopes alive and improved their already impressive percentage, defeating Wedderburn by 68 points. Many players are showing noticeable improvement week by week which is very encouraging. Two that fall into this category are Jesse Kemp and Brodie Connelly who both played fantastic games against the Redbacks, Jesse from the half back line and Brodie at a half forward flank. A stern test awaits this week in ladder leaders St. Arnaud. Awards: Jesse Kemp (Noonans' Tyres & Sharps’ Bakery), Brodie Connelly (Jnr Executive), Jonty Randall (B-W Footy Ladies), Luke Fowler (TMC Enviro), Jack Trollope (J&K Sheahan Encouragement), Blair Hogan (BB&LC Coaches’ Award).
U13s
The U13s were at their devastating best, keeping Wedderburn goalless in their 75-point win. Ty Colbert and Darcy Reid were the leading goal kickers, booting four goals each. A top two position is still achievable for the Calves giving them great incentive to keep performing well. Awards: Ty Colbert (Noonans’ Tyres & Sharps Bakery), Darcy Reid (Jake & Billy Noonan), Tadgh Lowry (B-W Footy Ladies), Daniel Braine (Bowens’ Sports Store), Daniel Slater (CWA Coaches’ Award), Archie Lewis (A&M Lee Encouragement).
Netball
There was not much joy on the netball court, the Redbacks just seemed to have the answer for everything in all grades. The A Grade girls had the narrowest losing margin. Next we take on the Saints and it is a chance for the Bullettes to regroup and get back some confidence. Results v Wedderburn -13A - Wed 28 def B-W 7. Award: Phoebe Paley (Mallee Shearing Shed). 16B - Wed 35 def B-W 24. Awards: Brittany Hogan (Bendigo Bank), Tahli Haslam (A & N Frank). 16A - Wed 56 def B-W 23. Awards: Caitlin Bidstrup (Mallee Steel), Khiana Brooks (A & N Frank). C Grade – Wed 63 def B-W 29. Award: Rebecca Botheras (A & S Barber). B Grade - Wed 60 def B-W 48. Award: Tori Hogan (Sharps’ Bakery). A Grade - Wed 57 def B-W 46. Award: Stacey Hamilton (Wimmera Mallee Accounting).
Hockey
On the hockey field, two games of minkey were played with encouragement awards going to Bake Lee (BB&LC), Hannah Kemp (Birchip IGA) and Allie Knights (A & S Barber). Kudos to Andy Barber who took on a coaching role with aplomb! The U13s lost 2-0 with awards to Cameron Darby (Birchip Newsagency), Niamh Lewis (Sharps’ Bakery) and Sam O’Donnell (Birchip IGA). Underage lost 4-3 but it was great to see the excitement from players and supporters when winger Ruby Cook scored her first goal. Awards: Ruby Cook (Birchip IGA), Blair Hogan (BWFC Ladies) and Olivia Rickard (Bowens’ Sports Store). In the women’s game Genevieve Clark gave the Bulls a great start when she scored early in the game but Wedderburn were able to equalise to make the final score 1-1. Best wishes to co-coach Elise Bales who was felled by errant stick and left the ground in an ambulance. Fingers crossed Elise will be back to her best in no time. Awards: Genevieve Clark (Glass), Julie McClelland (Bourkes’ Butchers) and Laura Lee (BWFC Ladies). The men’s lost a very entertaining match 4-3. Keeghan Grant joined the list of players to score their first goal for the Bulls. May it be the first of many. Awards: Seamus Lowry (Glass), Nick Bales (BWFC Ladies) and Mark Clark (Bowens’ Sports Store).
Reunion
On the social front, a highly enjoyable and successful reunion was held after the Wedderburn game for premiership teams from 1985, 1986 and 2006. While being a memorable occasion for the players involved, premiership reunions also serve as a great inspiration for current players and officials to achieve the ultimate success. In his address as president of the 1986 Birchip Swans, “Waffle” Grogan offered this worthy piece of advice to this year’s team, “practice, practice, practice kicking goals”.
Last Modified on 08/08/2016 21:02