Some encouraging results for Bairnsdale in the lower grades this week, with the under 18 side recording its first win of the season and the under 16s holding on for a draw.
The Redlegs hosted league powerhouse Leongatha in round two Gippsland League action at Bairnsdale City Oval.
The Parrots dominated the reserves contest from the opening bounce, registering 11 shots at goal in the first quarter alone, with inaccurate finishing keeping the margin to 29 points at the first change. The lead blew out to 54 points by half time, before Bairnsdale showed improved resistance late to match Leongatha in the final term, ultimately going down by 74 points.
Riley Taylor, Jess Bourke, Tarkyn Scott, Leo Sykes, Marty Wright and Matthew Hamilton were among the better players for the Redlegs.
The under 18s opened their account for the season in strong fashion, moving into fifth place on the ladder with a 50-point win. Bairnsdale set the tone early, leading by 27 points at quarter time, and maintained control throughout to hold Leongatha at arm’s length for the remainder of
the match.
Kael Frith starred in his return to thirds football with a best-on-ground display, kicking six goals and pressing his case for a senior recall after previous standout performances at senior level. Kane Callaway (three goals) and Oscar Baylis (two goals) were also dangerous in attack.
Other strong contributors included Angus Tanner, Banjo Nugent-Brown, Douglas Ashby, Callaway and Charlie Wirken.
The thirds played out a dramatic draw, with conversion proving costly for Bairnsdale after a see-sawing contest. Little separated the sides in the first half, with Leongatha taking a four-point lead into the main break.
The Redlegs used the breeze in the third term to kick 3.5 and open up a 12-point lead, which stretched to 18 when they kicked the first goal of the final quarter. However, the Parrots responded with four goals in 10 minutes to hit the front, before Bairnsdale levelled the scores with a late goal at the siren.
Best for Bairnsdale were Archer Crawley, Roman Murphy, Bailey Lieuwen, Ayden Martin, Tom Carter and Hudson Froud.
The Redlegs travel to Morwell Recreation Reserve this Sunday to take on Morwell.
