MATCH REPORT – HEADS DEMOLISH DEMONS
Barwon Heads headed into their Round 5 home game wary of the improved form which had been displayed by Portarlington over the last 2 weeks. Selectors made three changes to the side that defeated Queenscliff by 10 goals last week. Out of the side went co coach Mitch Herbison and Kai Copland to injury and Mitch Gaunt was omitted. Into the side came James Wills for his first senior game, Wayne Barrett returning from injury and Harrison Mitchell promoted from the reserves.
Barwon Heads had the advantage of the breeze in the first quarter as the rain abated and the team was quick to provide scoreboard pressure through Tim McIntyre who kicked two early goals. Big Tyson Macilwain was dominating the air and giving midfielders like Ryan Harvey, Ned Aulsebrook and James Wills first use. Barwon Heads was showing uncharacteristic accuracy in front of goals as Strawbs, Zaccy, Stepho, Marto and Braedo also kicked goals. Up back Dizzy was leading a frugal defence and was being assisted by Kizza, Matty B, Wayno and Sammy Evans. Death kicked his third goal and the Seagulls had 8 majors on the board whilst keeping the Demons scoreless.
Portarlington had use of the breeze in the second quarter but the Heads were relentless and were able to kick two great goals through Otto. J Mac was providing great rebound and drive out of defence and he was inspirational. The Seagulls defence was great and Portarlington were unable to generate any significant forward entries. Strawbs was very prominent and he marked strongly up forward, to convert our third goal for the quarter against the wind and establish a 66 point lead at the main break.
The third quarter opened with Portarlington playing their best football for the game and they controlled the game with chip kicks into the wind and uncontested marks. The Demons kicked consecutive goals before Barwon Heads bounced back into action through Braeden Eddy who was playing a great game and he kicked two goals. Phelpsy was playing across half back and was setting up plenty of scoring opportunities which resulted in late goals to Harrison Mitchell, Evo and Otto. Small forwards BJ and Dom were getting more involved as the Seagulls went to the final break with a 86 point lead.
The final quarter saw Portarlington again have the breeze at their back but the Heads showed a ruthless side to dominate the Demons, and not allow them any final quarter goals. Co captain for the day Damien Horbury took a super courageous mark running back with the flight to set a great example for his team mates. The Heads were able to add 5 goals through big Brock Close, Phelpsy, Marto, H and Ned. In the end the Seagulls had a great 20 goal victory and received a tremendous percentage boost to maintain our spot at the top of the ladder.
Barwon Heads 21.9 (135) defeated Portarlington 2.4 (16)
GOALKICKERS: McIntyre 3, Eddy 3, Opperman 3, Horbury 2, Martin 2, Mitchell 2, Phelps 1, Walter 1, Stephens 1, Close 1, Evans 1, Aulsebrook 1
BEST PLAYERS: Phelps, Eddy, Macilwain, McLauchlan, Opperman, Wills
RESERVES WIN THIRD GAME ON THE TROT
Barwon Heads reserves recorded their third win on the trot to race up the ladder and also get a great boost to their percentage. In difficult conditions, with strong winds and driving rain, it was pleasing to see the reserves play 4 solid quarters. Russell Walker returned from his overseas jaunt to regain his crown as No 1 timekeeper and he was kept busy by recording multiple goals to Pete Swinton, Noah Young, Crackers and the improving Sam Mitchell. Highlight of the day was the great game by the hard working Oscar Young who also kicked two majors. It was also great to see defender Matty Bolger stream downfield and kick a great goal in the final quarter. Mitch Gaunt played a great game in the midfield and the Rock was in everything.
Barwon Heads 14.18 (102) defeated Portarlington 2.4 (16)
GOALKICKERS: Durran 2, Noah Young 2, Mitchell 2, Swinton 2, Oscar Young 2, Lowson 1, Everett 1, Bolger 1, Gaunt 1
BEST PLAYERS: Gaunt, Swinton, Dylan O’Leary, Chapman, Lowson, Oscar Young.
Next Saturday, Barwon Heads travel to Drysdale to take on the big improvers from 2019 which will be a great challenge for both our Seniors and Reserves – get along and support the club next Saturday.
Cheers,
Cuzza (Football Director)