2016 - R14 v St. Arnaud
A bye can sometimes be a double-edged sword for a football team. While a week’s rest is always welcomed, it can be difficult to refocus once you’re back on the field. Fortunately, the Birchip-Watchem seniors had no such difficulty when they faced St. Arnaud last Saturday after the split-round.
Seniors
The Bulls played a fantastic four-quarter game, increasing their lead at every change to run out commanding 102-point victors. There were winners all across the ground but Jake Noonan was a standout, taking countless marks across the halfback line. Spencer Aitken, Jack Wilson and Brendan George shared the spoils up-forward, kicking six, four and three goals respectively. The team have now sealed a spot in this year’s finals series but their job for the home-and-away rounds is far from done. The first task is to improve our record against Sea Lake Nandaly to 2-1. Awards v St. Arnaud: Jake Noonan (Donnellons' Bulk Haulage), Charlie Hallam (Landmark), Jack Wilson (Bowens' Commercial Hotel), Michael Monteith (Birchip Hotel), Brendan George (Mlldura Finance), Spencer Aitken (Birchip Motel).
Reserves
The reserves game was a different story with the finals-bound St. Arnaud defeating Birchip-Watchem by 74 points. The Bulls battled manfully throughout and were not disgraced, but the Saints had too much fire power in the end. On the positive side Brenten Delaney, Lachlan Foott and Jack Ryan all played solid games, staking their claims for senior selection. Awards: Brenten Delaney (Donnellons' Bulk Haulage), Lachlan Foott (Bowens' Commercial Hotel), Jack Ryan (Birchip Hotel), Carl Egerer (Bourkes' Butchers), Julian Liston (Birchip Hardware), Matt Ryan (Birchip Motel).
U16s
It was a tough day at the office for the U16s, coming up against a rampant St. Arnaud line-up who are yet to lose a game this season. The Saints’ winning run continued with a 126-point defeat of the Bulls. Jesse Kemp played a gallant game at full back, while the on-ball brigade of Luke Fowler, Jonty Randall and ruckman Spencer Weir were also serviceable. The finals dream is still alive for the Bulls but a defeat of the Tigers is essential. Awards: Luke Fowler (Noonans' Tyres & Sharps’ Bakery), Jesse Kemp (Jnr Executive), Jonty Randall (B-W Footy Ladies), Spencer Weir (TMC Enviro), Nick Ryan (J&K Sheahan Encouragement), Jack Trollope (BB&LC Coaches’ Award).
U13s
The U13s ensured Birchip-Watchem started the day on a winning note, defeating St. Arnaud by 3 points. The match was a real arm wrestle, with both sides only kicking one goal for the game. Three more behinds were enough to get the Calves across the line. A doubles chance in the finals beckons if the boys can keep winning.Awards: Darcy Reid (Noonans’ Tyres & Sharps Bakery), Patrick Sheahan (Jake & Billy Noonan), Patrick Hogan (B-W Footy Ladies), Cormacc Wilson (Bowens’ Sports Store), Daniel Slater (CWA Coaches’ Award), Daniel Braine (A&M Lee Encouragement).
Netball
At the netball court the Bullettes had three good wins while the A Grade played out a nail-biting draw. 13B - Award: Maggie Wilson (Wimmera Mallee Accounting). 13A - St. A 15 def B-W 9. Award: Alexandra Randall (Greg’s Digging). 16B – B-W 33 def St.A 18. Awards: Chloe Gleeson (Birchip IGA), Ruby Cook (A & N Frank). 16A – B-W 45 def St. A 23. Awards: Courtney Sayle (Donnellon’s Bulk Haulage), Suberia Sailor (A & N Frank). C Grade - St.A 53 def B-W 22. Award: Sammy Mitchell (Hogan’s Transport). B Grade – B-W 54 def St. A 41. Award:Rebecca Coffey ( A & S Barber).A Grade – B-W 41 drew St. A 41. Award: Khiana Brooks (Birchip Hardware).
Hockey
On the hockey field, two games of minkey were played with encouragement awards going to Gabby O’Donnell (A & S Barber), Blake Lee (A & S Barber), Sassia Coffey (BB&LC) and Eliza Gould (BB&LC). The U13s lost 3-0 with awards to Hannah Cook (Birchip Newsagency) and Pheobe Paley (Glass). Underage won a very entertaining match 3-2. The goals were shared between cousins Darcy Reid and Andrew Clark. Awards: Darcy Reid (Glass), Jack Trollope (Sharps’ Bakery) and Ruby Cook (Birchip Newsagency). Women’s drew first blood when Steph Coffey goaled early in the second half, but St. Arnaud were able to equalise from a penalty corner shortly after. The final score was 1-1. Awards to Maddy Paley (Bourkes’ Butchers), Mikaela Chrsitie (Birchip Hotel) and Claire Cook (O’Connors). Mark Clark was able to find the back of the net in the men’s game but the Bulls went down 7-1. Awards: Curtis Smith (Birchip Hotel), Harry Christie (Bourkes’ Butchers) and James Paley (O’Connors).
Last Modified on 15/08/2016 11:56