SEAGULLS DEMOLISH DEMONS

Barwon Heads travelled to Portarlington in Round 13 in icy and bitterly cold conditions and both Seniors and Reserves emerged as 100 plus point winners and further consolidated our position in the top bracket with only 5 home and away games remaining.

Barwon Heads made 3 changes after last weeks final bye weekend – Ryan Harvey returned after a 3 month injury absence along with Noah Young and Lachlan Slorach who played his first senior game in 2019 after hand surgery. Out of the side went Tim Chapman and Kai Copland, whilst Charlie Sprague was unavailable.

Portarlington had first use of a strong breeze but Barwon Heads started strongly with Brad Harvey kicking the opening goal. Otto Opperman was prolific in the opening term and the defence led by Kizza, J-Mac, Socks, Philpy, Zac Walter and Matty B were defending strongly plus providing plenty of rebound. Brad Harvey kicked his second major and then birthday boy Phelpsy and Herbi hit the scoreboard as the Heads established early control of the game. Mitch Gaunt, Ned and Braedo were all busy players and the Demons finally kicked their first goal late in the quarter.

Barwon Heads had the breeze at their back in the second quarter but Portarlington lifted their work rate and they defended strongly for the opening 10 minutes. Ryan Harvey was showing his class on his return and Brock Close was playing well and he kicked consecutive goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Matty Dyer and BJ kicked goals and then Phelpsy kicked his second as the Seagulls established a 49 point lead at half time.

Portarlington came out in the third quarter and produced their best quarter of football which was rewarded with three goals. Barwon Heads were a bit wasteful in front of goal with 3 goals 5 to again win the quarter and lead by 53 points at the final break. Marto kicked his first whilst BJ snapped his second and Brad Harvey added a third major.

Barwon Heads were hoping for a big final quarter as everyone knows percentage could be a big factor at the end of the season. The coaching staff swung the changes with Strawbs and Rock playing up back and Socks and Zac going into the centre square. Benny Stephens and Noah Young were busy in the midfield as the Seagulls peppered the goals early but inaccuracy was again evident with 3 consecutive behinds. To the delight of the “brave supporters” the team clicked into gear and dominated the final quarter with 8 goals. Dogga was running rampant with 4 goals whilst Herbi was the ultimate team man kicking one goal whilst playing the architect up forward. Noah kicked his first, Phelpsy added two goals and Braedo kicked a great goal from the boundary as the Seagulls ran out 105 point winners.

Barwon Heads 20.15 (135) defeated Portarlington 4.6 (30)

GOALKICKERS : Dyer 5, Phelps 4, B.Harvey 3, Michell 2, Close 2, Martin 1, Eddy 1, Young 1, Herbison 1

BEST PLAYERS : Phelps, Opperman, McLauchlan, Dyer, B.Harvey, Polley

RESERVES ROMP IN

Barwon Heads reserves had a comprehensive 102 point victory to climb up the ladder to fourth position and cement their spot in the top five.

Barwon Heads 17.8 (110) defeated Portarlington 1.2 (8)

GOALKICKERS : H.Mitchell 4, L.Michell 3, Wills 2, Pocock 2, S.Everett 2, Harmer 1, Swinton 1, Kinsey 1, Walker 1

BEST PLAYERS : Chapman, Swinton, Wills, Pelham, X.Everett, Hewitt

Next week in Round 14 Barwon Heads host Drysdale in a crucial game for both our Seniors and Reserves sides in deciding top 3 opportunities in both grades.

Cheers,

Cuzza