Sport
18 July, 2026
Curtis ignites the fire
TWO quick mid-term goals from Tyler Curtis kick triggered Wedderburn’s domination of Birchip Watchem in Saturday’s North Central league clash at Donaldson Park.
TWO quick mid-term goals from Tyler Curtis kick triggered Wedderburn’s domination of Birchip Watchem in Saturday’s North Central league clash at Donaldson Park.
The Redbacks had been sluggish on the scoreboard and around the slippery ground in the first 15 minutes of play that saw Birchip muscle the ball to the town end against the wind.
Joseph Madio punished Wedderburn’s early inaccuracy, breaking from in the midfield and putting the Bulls in front.
But Wedderburn soon adjusted to conditions and an opponent capable of disrupting the best plans of any team in the league.
Jayden Jones, Jayden Jones, Zach Pallpratt, Isaac Holt and Hamish Lockhart worked themselves into the game.
Curtis’ first goal capped off a dynamic passage started by coach Tom Metherell at half-back. His second come Redbacks’ midfield brilliance at the centre bounce.
The Bulls did not capitulate as other clubs have against the might of the Redbacks this season. Meyrick Buchanan snapped truly minutes later for the first of his three goals for the day and a performance that earned him top spot on the Bulls’ best player list.
Wedderburn took charge in the final 10 minutes with five unanswered goals, the snap by Zach Pallpratt full of style.
Birchip’s defenders struggled against the onslaught as Wedderburn made the most of the wind advantage. Heath Smith was the one thorn who didn’t surrender.
Early second term goals to Danny Benaim and Pallpratt with another snap helped the Redbacks’ minimise any wind advantage for Birchip.
Oscar Holt chipped in with Wedderburn’s second goal of the quarter but honours on the scoreboard went to Birchip after a late goal off the boot of Buchanan.
The slog continued after the main break when Birchip tested the game plan of the home side. Every test saw Wedderburn rise – from Pallpratt’s second goal and Jye Mortlock’s strong marks around half forward. The Bulls had better luck on the scoreboard and it was not until the 21-minute mark that Wedderburn had a major. Lachie Raymond broke the drought, soon followed by Mitchell McEwen capping off the upfield work of Hamish Lockhart.
Again, it was a late goal to Birchip that added some respectability to the Bulls’ scoreline.
Jones, Corey Lowry, Lockhart and coach Metherell had been constants for three quarters and showed no signs of wavering in their commitment to getting the job done in the final 25 minutes of play.
Lockhart skewed the ball from the boundary into Mortlock’s safe hands to goal in the opening minute and continue a frustrating afternoon for the Bulls.
The wind-assisted dominance in the first term helped Wedderburn to an unassailable lead. The breeze was nowhere near as strong after the first break.
Wedderburn remains undefeated while Birchip Watchem is half a game clear of St Arnaud in fourth spot.
- CHRIS EARL
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