MATCH REPORT – LAST SECOND GOAL SINKS SEAGULLS

A huge Easter crowd was in attendance for our show piece Round 3 game against Geelong Amateurs, and a nail biting finish had the crowd engaged all afternoon.

Barwon Heads made 6 changes from the side that defeated Torquay in Round 2 – Matt Dyer and Max Melzer missed through injury, Sam Evans and Wayne Barrett were unavailable and a Dylan O’Leary and Tim Chapman were omitted. Into the side came Tyson Macilwain, Dylan Holland, Zedekai Copland, Mitch Gaunt, Dom Booth and first gamer Matty Beckwith.

In magnificent sunny conditions, the Ammos jumped out of the blocks and looked the better side from the outset, and applied early scoreboard pressure. Second gamer Dom Booth snapped our opening goal and then Ben Stephens had the Barwon Heads hill cheering when he kicked a magnificent goal around his body. Barwon Heads had now settled and defender Brad Harvey drifted forward to mark and kick our third goal to tie the scores at quarter time.

The second quarter saw Barwon Heads have a slight breeze at their back and the game started to open up with the Seagulls adding 5 goals for the quarter. Up back Dizzy Holland, Zac Walter, Mitch Gaunt, Kai, Brad Harvey, Philpy and Matty B were standing tall. Mitch Phelps was lively with 2 majors and Marto, J-Mac and Braedo also hit the scoreboard as the Seagulls went to the major break with an 11 point lead.

The third quarter commenced and you could sense that Geelong Amateurs were up for the fight and their efforts over the ground demonstrated a committed team hungry for a victory. The game had become a real arm wrestle with both sides unable to capitalise on their opportunities – Big Tyson lifted his rating in the ruck and midfielders Ned, Otto and Ryan Harvey were working hard to wrestle control. Undoubtedly the experience and strength of the Ammos defence led by Wade McSparron and Daniel Lovick and our inability to connect with our forwards was making life difficult for Strawbs, Herbi, Kizza and Harrison Mitchell. The Ammos were pressing hard and a turnover from Connor resulted in an Ammos goal and they had hit the front by 4 points at three quarter time.

The scene was set for a grandstand finish and it certainly was a gripping final 30 minutes – Barwon Heads dominated inside 50’s and possession but was unable to take advantage on the scoreboard. Inaccurate kicking for goal and poor decision making saw the points continue to mount up. Up back Zac Walter and Dizzy Holland were inspirational and after dominating for over 23 minutes, the old saying of never giving a sucker an even break saw the Ammos push forward and Mason Spiders kicked a great running goal to reclaim the lead. Barwon Heads kicked 9 consecutive points before defender Mitch Gaunt kicked an inspirational snap goal to give the Heads the lead with only a couple of minutes left. The Ammos who had been brave all day were not to be denied and attacked forward looking for the winner – the Heads defence were under intense pressure as every possession was critical and poise was required. The Ammos were not going to be denied and in a final chance for victory, they were able to execute a lovely pass to full forward Mitch Day on the lead and with the final kick of the game, converted for a famous 2 point victory and heart break for the Seagulls.

Geelong Amateurs 11.9 (75) defeated Barwon Heads 10.13 (73)

GOALKICKERS: Phelps 2, Martin 2, McLauchlan 1, Booth 1, Stephens 1, Gaunt 1, Eddy 1, B.Harvey 1

BEST PLAYERS: Walter, Holland, Herbison, B.Harvey

RESERVES CLAIM FIRST VICTORY 

Barwon Heads came from behind with a great final quarter to overrun Geelong Amateurs to record their first victory for coach David “PUMPA” Orchard. The boys sang the song with great gusto and was a great reward for all the players.

Barwon Heads 11.10 (76) defeated Geelong Amateurs 8.11 (59)

GOALKICKERS: Everett 3, Salmon 2, D.O’Leary 2, Michell 1, Wills 1, Kinsey 1, Close 1

BEST PLAYERS: Brock Close, Mick Salmon, Sammy Everett, Peter Swinton, Harry Walker, Noah Young

Next week in Round 4 Barwon Heads travels to Queenscliff in a critical game for the club.

Huge effort by all the volunteers over the weekend who worked in the canteen and bar – thank you for your contribution to making the off field such a success for the big crowd in attendance.

Brendan Curry

(Football Director) 🐦