SEAGULLS JUST FALL SHORT

RND 8 MATCH REPORT

SEAGULLS JUST FALL SHORT

Barwon Heads fell short by 4 points against Anglesea in a tough uncompromising game at home. The Seagulls had 4 forced changes losing key players Tim McIntyre and Matty Dyer to suspension, Tyson Macilwain was unavailable and young Charlie Sprague was selected in AFL Victoria’s Young Guns game. Into the side came Mick Salmon and Chris Varsamakis for their first senior games and in doing so made 36 different players to play senior football with Barwon Heads do far in 2019. Dom Booth and Bradley Michell were also recalled to the senior side.

The first quarter begun with Anglesea with a slight breeze at their backs. It was obvious that Anglesea had a clear height advantage across the ground but the game was highly contested. Kizza had the big job on gun full forward Jordan Erskine and with the support of fellow defenders J-Mac, Philpy, Matty B and Zac Walter the boys were playing strong footy. Anglesea were able to apply scoreboard pressure with the opening two goals before Marto marked strongly and converted truly. The Seagulls injury curse continued with the experienced Wayne Barrett forced from the ground with injury and unable to return. Noah Young kicked a great opportunistic goal to make it a couple of goals apiece and Dom Booth was also having an impact before Anglesea kicked the final 2 majors to establish a 14 point lead at the first break.

The second quarter begun with the Seagulls working hard in the midfield with Mitch Gaunt, Otto, Ned, Braeden, Harrison, Willsy and BJ winning plenty of possession but the connection into the forward line was continually breaking down. Herbi was providing run out of defence but Anglesea opened up a strong lead by kicking the first goal of the quarter. Phelpsy and Benny Stephens were very lively and the seagulls kicked a crucial goal on the siren to Strawbs.

Facing an 18 point half time deficit the Seagulls came out full of run in the third quarter with a number of positional changes evident. First games Mick Salmon and Chris Varsamakis were beginning to have an influence but a couple of critical turnovers resulted in Anglesea taking advantage to establish a 5 goal lead in a low scoring game. The young Seagulls refused to lay down and finally their efforts were rewarded with goals to Phelpsy and Marto. Kizza and J-Mac were inspirational and Mitch Gaunt was a warrior in the ruck. Anglesea were being challenged but a late goal consolidated their lead by 21 points at the last break.

The Seagulls could sniff a come from behind victory in the last quarter and an early goal to Walter had the fans finding voice. A couple of chances were frittered away before Marto reduced the margin with his third major. Anglesea were not going to lay down and they responded with a great goal to keep their 3 goal lead. Walter, Eddy, Aulsebrook and Opperman were tireless and Phelpsy kicked a great goal from the boundary only to see Anglesea again goal. Herbi took a great captains mark and converted as time was running out. Otto kicked his first and the lead had been reduced to four points. Anglesea used their experience and bigger bodies to neutralise the centre bounce and to generate repeat ball ups and the siren sounded much to the seagulls players disappointment.

Anglesea 10.10 (70) defeated Barwon Heads 10.6 (66)

GOALKICKERS: Martin 3, Phelps 2, Herbison 1, Walter 1, Young 1, Horbury 1, Opperman 1

BEST PLAYERS: Polley, Gaunt, Mclauchlan, Herbison, Phelps, Opperman

STICKY FINGERS YOUNG INSPIRES RESERVES VICTORY

Barwon Heads reserves had a great 45 point victory over Anglesea to claim their sixth consecutive victory and consolidate a top 3 spot on the ladder.

It was great for the team to welcome back Xavier Everett to the club and also to have Sachin play his first game in 2019. Also Mark Swinton stepped up to provide a forward presence in his comeback game.

The highlight of the game was Oscar Young who continues to improve and took some great marks and kicked two goals. Tim Chapman was great all day and BIG RED Jake Stainsby had his best game. Sammy Everett was inspired to play well with his brother by his side and he kicked 4 goals and fellow small forward Xavier Hamilton kicked two goals. Although the team lost Harry Walker with a nasty head clash, fellow defenders Billy Pelham, Matty Bolger, Sean O’Leary and Lloyd McIntyre were strong all day. Yappa continued his strong form and had great support from the Rock, Will Hawkes in his second game, Darcy Hewitt, Nick McMahon, Hugh O’Brien, the Fridge, Sachin and Connor McKinnon.

Barwon Heads 12.11 (83) defeated Anglesea 5.8 (38)

GOALKICKERS: Sammy Everett 4, Young 2, Hamilton 2, Chapman 2, Kinsey 1, Michell 1

BEST PLAYERS: Chapman, Stainsby, Lowson, Young, Xavier Everett, Bolger

Next week Barwon Heads head to Torquay in a crucial Round 9 fixture.

Cheers,
Cuzza