Two wins from three matches at the first semi final in Wedderburn marked a solid start to finals for Birchip-Watchem.
U13s Football
The Bulls’ day began on the football field with the U13s kicking things off against Donald. At the ten-minute mark of the opening term Ty Colbert opened the scoring with a goal for the Bulls. Early in the second quarter Xavier Lewis added a second goal and at half time these were the only scores registered, giving Birchip-Watchem a 12-point lead. The Bulls dominated the third quarter, with Tadgh Lowry impenetrable at centre-half-back and Will Hogan taking control in the ruck. The boys peppered the goal line but were unable to kick a major, instead registering eight points for the quarter which was still a handy result. Donald opened their account with one point and at the final change Birchip-Watchem led by 19 points. The final quarter was hard fought with neither team making significant inroads. Harvey Lewis was a terrier on the ball and Jade Kahukura played an effective role in the back pocket. Unrelenting effort from forwards such as Tate Knight saw the Bulls score one more point and that was enough to see them home by 20 points. It was a great win by the Calves and sees Roger Blencowe again coach a team deep into a finals series. Awards: Tadgh Lowry (Noonans’ Tyres & Sharps Bakery), Will Hogan (Junior Executive), Ty Colbert (BWFC Ladies), Jade Kahukura (TMC Enviro), Harvey Lewis (Haymes Paints Encouragement), Tate Knight (BB&LC Coach’s Award).
16A Netball
Next up for Birchip-Watchem was the 16A netball. A large crowd came along to witness the the rematch of the final home and away round agasint Charlton which was a close contest. From the first whistle Charlton had slick movement of the ball and were able to convert their turnovers. A few nervous unforced errors from the young Bulls allowed Charlton to hold a lead. Birchip-Watchem found glimpses of their previous week's form in the second quarter and brought the deficit back to two goals by half time. Persistent in defence, Courtney Sayle read the ball well all game and combined with her fellow defenders to give the Bulls every opportunity to get back into the contest. Unfortunately Charlton we too strong for the four quarters, defeating Birchip-Watchem 39-29.
Underage Hockey
Birchip-Watchem finished their day on the hockey field with the underage team taking on Boort. In their last meeting Boort defeated the Bulls 4-2 so a tough assignment beckoned. The Magpies got the ideal start to the final, scoring the opening goal in the early minutes. However, the Bulls maintained their composure with Darcy Reid and Tadgh Lowry providing the team with important run and carry. Late in the first half a frantic play in the Bulls’ attacking “D” saw Janaya Grant tap the ball in from under the goalkeeper’s foot to level the scores at 1-1 at half-time. The scores remained deadlocked for most of the second half. Eventually a cracking hit from Darcy Reid was stopped by the goalie before Jack Trollope pounced on the rebound and ran in the Bulls’ second goal. Minutes later Janaya Grant also expertly read a goalie rebound and slapped in her second goal and the Bulls’ third. The result was a thrilling 3-1 victory to Birchip-Watchem.
Netball Vote Counts
Last Sunday was the Netball Club Vote Count and Presentation Day. Hearty congratulations to the following award winners: A Grade – B&F Demi Donnellon, R/U Khiana Brooks. B Grade – B&F Suberia Sailor, R/U Claire Browne. C Grade – B&F Tara Sharp, R/U Lauren Sharp & Tanya Lester. 16A – B&F Khiana Brooks, R/U Rosie Hogan. 16B – B&F Sherna Egerer, R/U Chloe Frank.
Sunday night was the league dinner for netball with many Bullettes polling well in the league vote counts. Congratulations to Khiana Brooks who was named the 2017 NCNA Rising Star, an excellent achievement and acknowledgement of how well Khiana’s netball has developed throughout her junior years.
Last Modified on 05/09/2017 14:58