It didn’t take long to get the scoreboard ticking over when Birchip-Watchem’s Paul Messer slotted through the first goal of the day. Wedderburn were able to send the ball forward on a number of occasions but could only manage to kick points, Barnes missed two set shots before Herdman was able to snap a nice goal to even up the scoring. The wind was playing a fair part in the missed shots from both sides and at the first change the Redbacks held a slender three point lead.
Wedderburn seemed to get their game going in the second term and were able establish a mini break on the Bulls. Rose was feeding of the packs in fine fashion and was rewarded with two goals, Barnes got on target with two and McHugh followed his kick down from the backline to register a rare goal for the Redbacks backman. The Bulls could only manage one goal and at half time they trailed by 27-points. Carland and Hallam were the main possession winners for the Bulls, while McHugh, Rose and Herdman were the main contributors to this point for Wedderburn.
In the third term it was all Wedderburn as they stamped their authority on the game, adding a further 8-goals as they kept the Bulls forwards down to just the one goal for the quarter. Wedderburn had seven different goal scorers in this term, which highlighted the strength they have up forward and at the end of play they held a 68-point lead which was going to make it hard for the Bulls to pull back with just a quarter to go. Holmes and Strange were having a great duel in the ruck, Hall was doing his bit on Barnes but the Redbacks were finding other avenues to score goals from as they drew closer to booking their spot in this year’s Grand Final.
Looking to gain some respect on the scoreboard the Bulls lifted their work rate and started to show the form that got them into second position on the North Central Ladder. Messer kicked two quick goals which brought a cheer from the Bulls faithful. Wedderburn were not to be out done with Herdman and Barnes kicking five of the Redbacks seven goals for the last quarter. Messer was again on target and this brought up his fifth goal for the day to be amongst the best for the Bulls. Wedderburn run out winners by 88-points and advance into the grand final for the second year, while the Bulls live to fight another day, when they meet St Arnaud at Donald next week. The overall strength of the Redbacks will see them go into the Grand Final as hot favourites to win back to back premierships in two weeks’ time at Boort.
Final Scores Wedderburn 22-15=147 def Birchip-Watchem 8-11=59
Best for Wedderburn: R. McHugh, B. Herdman, B. Rose, S. Barnes, J. DeAraugo and R. Tonkin. Goals: S. Barnes 6, B. Herdman 5, B. Rose 4, J. McKay, B. DeAraugo 2, D. Gash, R. McHugh and B. Long 1 each.
Best for the Bulls: T. Carland, C. Hallam, P. Messer, Z. Holmes, B. Hall and A. Hutchins. Goals: P. Messer 5, J. Hogan, J. Tyler and M. Smith 1 Each.
Reserves
St Arnaud 6-6= 42 def Wycheproof-Narrapport 6-4= 40
Wycheproof-Narraport lead this game all day apart from about I minute when the Saints were able to snap a goal a grab the lead on siren time and advance through to Grand Final day in two weeks.
Under 16’s
Donald 11-18= 84 Def Birchip-Watchem 2-2=14
Donald controlled this game from the first bounce and was convincing winners they have also earned the right to play off for the Alan Dunstan Shield in two weeks.
Under 13’s
Wedderburn 5-10-40 def Birchip-Watchem 2-4=16
This was a good game where the scores didn’t give a true indication of the contest, Wedderburn are now looking to win their third Premiership in three years.
Next Week’s Prelim Finals
Birchip-Watchem v St Arnaud Seniors 2. 30 pm
Wycheproof-Narraport v Donald Reserves 12.45 pm
Birchip-Watchem v St Arnaud Under 16’s 11.10 am
Birchip-Watchem v Donald Under 13’s 9.45 am
Last Modified on 10/09/2012 00:07