General News
7 September, 2023
Bulldogs unleashed in stunning victory
A NEAR-FULL strength Pyramid Hill powered to a convincing 52-point win in Saturday’s preliminary final at Calivil. The Bulldogs had the edge all day over a resolute Bears Lagoon Serpentine but showed who was top dog with a six-goal final term...
A NEAR-FULL strength Pyramid Hill powered to a convincing 52-point win in Saturday’s preliminary final at Calivil.
The Bulldogs had the edge all day over a resolute Bears Lagoon Serpentine but showed who was top dog with a six-goal final term.
Pyramid Hill had gone into the cut-throat final without newly-crowned league best and fairest Dylan Collis, rested after pulling up sore from the second semi-final against Marong.
But back were bigman Sidebottom and Bailey George. At almost full strength, the Bulldogs grew in confidence and stature in every passage of play.
The Bulldogs were forward first when Jesse Sheahan kicked a poster and Serpentine took advantage into its zone for a goal from skipper Charlie Gadsden, quickly followed by Harrison Gadsden kicking accurately.
Pyramid’s defence was under early pressure but Tom McGregor rallied the troops who would work all match to cut off lunges by the Bears.
Sheahan then goaled for Pyramid, followed by Scott Mann and Tom Hetherington.
Zach Alford, Brodie Carroll and skipper Steve Gunther were dominating around the centre, shutting down Bears’ Justin Laird, Kyle Zass and Andrew Gladman swinging between defence and forward zones.
If not for inaccuracy, Pyramid Hill would have been streets ahead at the first siren.
Bears started the second term sending play around the boundary when Gladman goaled to bring his side to within six points.
Another Gladman effort minutes later was offline and momentum swung back to the Bulldogs when Brennan snuck through a breathing-space goal and Carroll capped off a George dash.
A late goal to James Rippindale had the Bears still in scoreboard touch at the main break. Desperation was high in the third term, Laird leading the tough tackling and spoils by Serpentine.
McGregor and James were standing tall in defence for the Bulldogs while Carroll, Sidebottom, Holland and Mann were making their presence felt. McGregor also had time up forward for a goal.
A late goal to Louis Mott gave the Bears faint hope at the last break.
That hope was quickly snuffed when Zac Dingwall goaled virtually from the opening bounce followed by a Sheahan roost.
Pyramid Hill probably missed a few goals in the final term - its players too far forward, leaving Bears defenders alone to initiate the turnovers.
Brennan had two quick goals for Pyramid Hill that made the scoreboard better reflect the difference between the two sides over four quarters.
- CHRIS EARL