SEAGULLS CONSOLIDATE TOP 5 SPOT WITH WIN OVER COUTAS

Barwon Heads headed into its Round 12 game against Queenscliff with the opportunity to consolidate its top 5 position and extend its winning run to 3 victories. A bleak weather forecast with wet and windy conditions welcomed both sides with the Heads making two changes to the side that had a great win over Modewarre last week – defenders Dylan Holland and Sammy Evans missed through injury and Brock Close and Matty Beckwith were recalled to the seniors after consistent performances at Reserves level.

Queenscliff had the wind at their back in the first quarter and were able to kick an opening goal within a minute through Connolly to demonstrate that they were up and about. Barwon Heads were winning plenty of the ball and Zac Walter was very prominent with his sure ball handling a highlight in the greasy conditions. Mitch Gaunt was continuing his fine form and was providing opportunities for Ned Aulsebrook, Otto Opperman, Braeden Eddy and Matty Dyer. Up forward Brad Harvey, Chris Martin and Damian Horbury were prominent and Strawbs snapped a great goal against the wind. The Heads looked in control through great defence by Kyle Polley, J-Mac, Michael Philp and Tim Chapman and this was rewarded when Zac Walter drifted forward to kick our second goal into the wind. Late in the quarter Habgood marked in the goal square after a defensive error and then Monk snapped a goal from a forward stoppage in the last 30 seconds for the Coutas to lead by a goal at quarter time.

Barwon Heads now had their breeze at their back in the second quarter as the rain subsided and the Heads were looking dangerous with small forwards Ben Stephens, Mitch Phelps, BJ and Charlie Sprague. The relentless repeat forward 50 entries took a toll on the Coutas as the seagulls hit the scoreboard with multiple goals to Phelpsy and singles to Chris Martin after a strong mark, Zac Walter, Mitch Herbison, BJ and a long bomb from Dylan O’Leary. Up back the frugal seagulls defence kept Queenscliff scoreless with Kizza well supported by Kai Copland and Matty Beckwith as the Seagulls went to the long break with a match winning 39 point lead.

Under very gloomy skies Queenscliff now had the wind at their back in the third quarter as the ground was very heavy for all players. The Heads continued to defend strongly but Queenscliff got the opening goal through Bakker but it was to be their only major for the quarter. Brock Close who had been impressive in his return to the senior side kicked accurately and also Phelpsy kicked his third goal as the Seagulls led by 43 points at the last break.

At the start of the last quarter the heavens opened with torrential rain as sheets of water covered the ground and conditions were horrendous. Visibility for the brave spectators was non existent as they headed for cover as the final 30 minutes was a slog for both sides. Barwon Heads kicked one goal through Phelpsy and the Coutas got their first goal into the wind through Warren as the Seagulls won by 47 points.

Barwon Heads 12.10 (82) defeated Queenscliff 5.5 (35)

GOALKICKERS : Phelps 4, Walter 2, Michell 1, Horbury 1, Close 1, O’Leary 1, Martin 1, Herbison 1

BEST PLAYERS : Walter, Polley, Martin, Aulsebrook, Sprague, Phelps

RESERVES CEMENT SPOT IN THE FIVE

Barwon Heads reserves had a comprehensive 13 goal victory over Queenscliff to now be 3 games clear in the top five. It was very pleasing for the club to see Lachlan Slorach return from injury for his first game for 2019 and he looked a class act to be clear best man on the ground. Hard nut Max Melzer returned for his first game since Round 2 and importantly got a game under his belt. New recruit Logan Mitchell made his debut and his strong bullocking display in the midfield was another highlight. Billy Pelham was solid as a rock up back with his sure marking in greasy conditions and Peter Swinton was great in the midfield. The “Fridge” had a presence all day and TP snagged 4 majors whilst the “Excitement Machine” Hugh O’Brien was again prominent.

Barwon Heads 14.11 (95) defeated Queenscliff 2.5 (17)

GOALKICKERS : Pocock 4, Slorach 2, Harmer 1, McIntyre 1, Mitchell 1, Kinsey 1, McMahon 1, Michell 1, S.Everett 1, West 1

BEST PLAYERS : Slorach, L.Mitchell, Pelham, O’Brien, Kinsey, Swinton

The Bellarine Football League has a bye next weekend with our next game in Round 13 on Saturday July 13 away to Portarlington.

Cuzza