BUNYIP’S junior sides got through challenging matches against Kooweerup with good wins.
UNDER 15
The longawaited match between the competitions leading team was played at Kooweerup on Saturday in difficult winds. Both teams were affected by injuries, Bunyip also having players away on holidays. Kooweerup’s leading players Jack Carson and Shaun Marusic were battling leg strains.
But the crowd witnessed a dynamic and powerful display. Kooweerup got a break kicking with the wind, scoring early, but Bunyip’s defence steadied and rallied time after time across the halfback line. Bunyip got the breeze in the second half but failed to take advantage due to some desperation from the Kooweerup backs. At halftime Bunyip led by nine points.
In the second half Wayne Morris moved into the centre, giving the midfield extra run, Mitch Davies went into a sweeping role across halfback and Matt Barrand went to centre halfforward. Bunyip looked more settled and began controlling the play, Ross kicked a long towering goal to break open the game. Barrand and Daniel Cock snapped truly and Jed Saik was just as dangerous, ending with three goals. The margin was more than 30 points, which probably didn’t reflect the tightness of the contest. No doubt these two teams will have a replay in the final series.
Scores: Bunyip 7.9.51 d Kooweerup 3.1.19.
UNDER 13
Bunyip’s match against Kooweerup was a great chance for both teams to shore up their finals positions. Bunyip kicked with the strong breeze, starting with lots of minor scores before threading through three goals. Jeremy Monckton was on fire, creating and feeding the ball to Tom Papley. Alex Wilkinson gave the supporters another glimpse of his talent, pulling in great marks and usinf his body in the heavy ruckwork.
Matt Ross, Harry O’Neil and Tyler Fitzgerald covered the centre clearances, not allowing Kooweerup to settle. Matt Stewart played his best game in the back line beside Sam Parker at full back, who attacked the Kooweerup forward thrusts, taking several marks in front of his opponents. This group is starting to play like a team at the right time of the season, with the midfield’s hard work being picked up by the Papley twins, Brendan Agnolleto, Jack Sugars and Pat Henwood. Bunyip won by more than six goals at the end.
Scores: Bunyip 6.5.41 d Kooweerup 2.5.17.
