Seniors
The senior football game finished with great fanfare for the Bulls as we had our first finals victory since 2008. In addition it was our first finals victory at Charlton Park since the Birchip-Watchem amalgamation. The game itself was a rollercoaster. The Bulls started well, kicking the first two goals of the game and holding a six-point lead at quarter time. In the second and third quarters our attacking end was nullified and we managed just one goal for the two terms. Some miserly defence of our own kept us within striking distance however, and we trailed by 16 points at the last change. The last quarter was nerve racking yet fantastic to watch for Bulls supporters. The forward line broke the shackles and booted five goals for the term – one more than was kicked for the first three quarters combined. At the other end Donald were restricted to two majors which was enough to give the Bulls a five-point victory. Coach Tom led from the front in what was his best game for the season. As well as shutting down his direct opponent, Tom’s work around clearances was first class. In defence, Mick Monteith was as dependable as ever and played a big role in getting us across the line.
The excitement in the Bulls’ rooms following the game was fantastic to see and befitted the occasion. Importantly, Tom also kept things in perspective in his post-match speech. While it was great to get the win, it was the first in three hurdles that we must jump to reach our premiership goal. Awards v Donald: Tom Carland (Donnellons' Bulk Haulage), Michael Monteith (Landmark), Lochlan Sirett (Bowens' Commercial Hotel), Daniel Ratcliffe (Birchip Hotel), Jake Noonan (Mlldura Finance), Brendan George (Birchip Motel).
U13s
The day began with our U13 footballers taking the field against St. Arnaud. The Saints got away to the better start kicking the first two goals, but the Bulls were soon able to level things up by kicking the next two majors. At half time we held a one-point lead. The third quarter was the most eventful as far as scoring was concerned, with the two sides going goal for goal and neither able to gain a significant advantage. A couple of extra behinds for the Saints gave them a one-point lead at three-quarter-time. The final quarter was an arm wrestle, showcasing the fantastic effort and determination that our young footballers possess. The ball went from end to end many times with no scores being registered. In a heartbreaking finish for the Calves, the final siren sounded with St. Arnaud still in front by one point.
It was a wonderful season for our U13s whose effort, skills and character were commendable. The future is bright for our club with these boys coming through the ranks. Kudos to coach Roger Blencowe and his assistant “Darkie” Hogan for another successful year. Awards v St. Arnaud: Darcy Reid (Noonans’ Tyres & Sharps Bakery), Cormacc Wilson (Jake & Billy Noonan), Daniel Braine (B-W Footy Ladies), Tadgh Lowry (Bowens’ Sports Store), Harvey Lewis (CWA Coaches’ Award), Lachlan Randall (A&M Lee Encouragement).
Netball
On the netball court the 16&U “A” team took on the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers. Conditions were great for netball and the Bullettes got off to a solid start to hold a small buffer over the Tigers in the first and second quarters. In the third quarter Sea Lake Nandaly lifted their intensity and were able to even up the scores, setting the stage for a thrilling final quarter. It was finals netball at its best in the fourth term with the lead seesawing throughout. The shooting accuracy of Khiana Brooks and Brittany Hogan was superb under pressure and ensured the Bullettes would be hard to beat. A crucial intercept from GK Courtney Sayle in the dying moments gave Birchip-Watchem the break that they needed to win the game by the smallest of margins. The final score, B-W 34 def SLNT 33.
Last Sunday the netball club held their vote count and presentation day. Congratulations to the best and fairest winners who were as follows: Stacey Hamilton (A Grade), Rebecca Coffey (B Grade), Sammi Mitchell (C Grade), Khiana Brooks (U16A) and Rosie Hogan (U16B).
Hockey
On the hockey field, the underage team flew the flag for the Bulls taking on St. Arnaud. The Charlton field was well prepared and was the perfect setting for the players to showcase their skills. The two teams have been evenly matched all year and an entertaining tussle ensued. The first goal so often gives a great psychological boost in a game of hockey and it was the Saints who earned this advantage, scoring late in the first half to take a 1-0 lead into half time. The Bulls lifted their game in the second half and showed they were not overawed by giving up the early lead. The team went back to basics in the and their patience was rewarded. Some perfectly controlled pushes led to goals for the Bulls, with Andrew Clark scoring twice and Darcy Reid once. A 3-1 victory was the result and the premiership defence is still alive for the underage team.
Last Modified on 06/09/2016 20:37