By RUSSELL BENNETT
NORMALLY when less than 10 goals are kicked for an entire game of footy in dry conditions on a pristine surface, the entertainment factor of the clash isn’t all that high.
But this afternoon (Saturday) at Western Park in Warragul, the hometown Dusties and visiting Bunyip put on an enthralling display of finals-like pressure footy.
In a real battle of the backlines where both real and perceived pressure was the biggest hallmark, it was the visitors who clinched the four points with a narrow eight-point win 5.11 (41) to 4.9 (33).
There were gripping one-on-one matchups all over the ground – such as Bulldogs player-coach Brad Walker down back against star forward Jay Wells, and gun Dusties midfielder Tye Holland against the ever-composed Bunyip favourite son Michael Whyte.
But it was Mitch Davies who shone brightest. The big man has returned to the Kennel this season after a stint at Doveton and played a key role in the ruck in the second half after Bernard Jones went down injured.
Both sides could take plenty out of the clash, with both having plenty of chances to snare the four points.
Click below to watch the Bulldogs belt out their team song:
In other Saturday afternoon EDFL games, Nilma Darnum again piled on more than 50 scoring shots in a big win over Poowong, Garfield secured the points at home in a hard-fought contest with Catani, Nyora got the better of Ellinbank and Neerim Neerim South was far too good for Nar Nar Goon.
Pick up a copy of the next Pakenham Berwick Gazette – out first thing Wednesday morning – for the full story, and the rest of the action across the round of footy and netball across the Ellinbank and South East leagues.
