Weekly Times | BUNYIP playing coach Brad Walker said the Bulldogs produced the “best game we’ve played so far” to stave off Warragul Industrials by eight points in the Ellinbank and District league yesterday.
Bunyip went into the final term with a one-point lead and Bulldog Kris Bedford kicked the only goal of a 22-minute final quarter to lock in a Round 3 win, 5.11 (41) to 4.9 (33).
The result gives last year’s runner-up a 3-0 start to the season following wins against Garfield and Poowong.
Walker said he expected the Dusties to feature at the end of the season, and it was good to get wins on the board with the league dropping back to a final six from a final eight in a 15-team competition.
The Bulldogs had to adjust after ruckman Bernie Jones suffered a hamstring injury early in the game and Walker said the win was sweeter because the side was able to push out the game with a limited bench.
“I was thinking the game would open up a bit in the second half but both sides were so ferocious it went right to the final siren,” Walker said.
“They were fantastic today ... their midfield is probably one of the strongest in the comp and I think we nullified them, we came out probably even.”
Round 3 continues today with Cora Lynn hosting Longwarry and Koo wee rup taking on Lang Lang.
● BIRREGURRA ended Simpson’s winning streak in emphatic fashion yesterday with a 102-point demolition in the Colac and District Football League.
The Tigers had won 23 games in a row, with its last loss dating back to the 2014 semi-final — also against the Saints.
South Colac, which Simpson meets this week, and Birregurra are undefeated after four rounds and the other winners yesterday were Alvie, Apollo Bay and Colac Imperials.
● NYAH-Nyah West United remains undefeated after Round 3 of the Central Murray league following yesterday’s 22-point win against Woorinen.
It was the Demons’ second outing for the season due to a Round 1 bye but leaves the Tigers 1-2.
Nyah-Nyah West United is being coached by former North Melbourne footballer Matt Campbell this season.
●TYRENDARRA, Coleraine and Dartmoor sealed a 2-0 start to the South West District league season yesterday.
Tyrendarra and Coleraine locked in comfortable wins against Westerns and Heywood, respectively, while Dartmoor beat Cavendish by 25 points.
Tim Cogger and Tom Lambevski kicked five goals apiece for Branxholme Wallacedale in its 67-point win against Heathmere.