Ressies
Round 2 was not the start Warners Bay were looking for in Ressies. Before round 2 started, we were heading into the Saturday game with only 16 players due to injuries and weddings. With a few phone calls from players and staff we were able to come together and get a team of 22 players.
The Team welcomed some club juniors form the 17s for their first game and they each held their own against a much more experienced opposition. A special mention to Connor Coulterswho managed to bring his Dad, David Coulter and mate Zachary Oke for a game.
In the 1st quarter, Singleton roosters came away with the first 2 goals. But the Bulldogs were quick to follow with Murray Younger and Jeremy Buckley getting the next 2. In the second quarter, the long wings of Robert Barlow got on top of the ruck taps which provided the dogs with some go forward. The ever reliable Lethal Leigh Anderson was able to capitalise on the good centre work by kicking a few goals. Jared Gillard finished off the second quarter with his first ever AFL goal. At half time Singleton were leading only by 1 point.
After half time the roosters came out firing, running away with next 6 goals. The doggies tried hard to rally a fight back but could not get on top of the Roosters. At the end of the game, Singleton came away with the win. 11.9-75 to 7.9-51. The loss was further soured as Dave Maione unfortunately broke a wrist after going in hard at the ball in a contest.
Women’s Grade
Although the women went down to Singleton this week, it wasn’t without a fight. Another weekend of hot and windy conditions saw the girls exhausting energy until the final moments of round 2. The backline fought tirelessly under pressure, but the Roosters proving too strong locking in the first goal of the match. By halftime Singleton had the lead 12 (2.0) – 01 (0.1). Singleton entered the third quarter by extending their lead by securing another goal in the first 10 minutes. Although all seemed lost for the Doggies, Coach T Baker changed the dynamic of field, giving Steph Russell a run as ruck. To the surprise of all involved Russell, the fullback, locked in the Bulldogs first goal for the game in a sweeping kick off the ground under pressure, giving a much needed boost to the girls in the second half. After this, Singleton were only able to manage one more goal before the Bulldogs comeback. Newbie, Katie Johnston, kicked a beautiful goal in the fourth quarter, leaving the bulldogs down by only 10. This was shortly followed by standout midfielder Amy Pittman, locking in the final points for the game, with the final score as 28 (4.4) – 24 (3.6).
Whilst the Bulldogs women had more shots between the posts, it wasn’t enough to take the lead this round. The girls remained competitive throughout the match, again showing their promise in the upcoming season. Pittman and Caitlin Wolfe had a blinder attacking the ball in the midfield, with Brittany Wood making impact defensively in the mids. Hannah Gow, again a consistent and impressive back alongside of Kate Booth and goal scorer, Russell.
Premier Grade
After a great victory in Round 1, the boys were eager to head up the Hunter Valley to take on the Singleton Roosters. Conditions were tough for footy with a strong swirling wind and the mercury reaching 30. In the first quarter, the boys were able to get on top of the Roosters, but could not convert on the scoreboard due to inaccuracy, kicking only 1 goal and 6 behinds. In the second quarter, the Roosters wrestled back dominance and were on top at half time. To add to the Bulldogs troubles, Jack Hardman could only last 5 minutes of the second quarter before sitting out the rest of the game due to a groin injury.
The Bulldogs troubles continued in the 3rd quarter with Roosters kicking the first 2 goals to get off to a flying start. The Bulldogs midfield of Matt Spinks, Leo Vo and Tom McDonnel were able to kick into gear late in the quarter and managed to reduce the lead with a goal and a few behinds to be trailing by 2 points at the final break.
The final quarter was a nail biter, with both teams wasting good opportunities and kicking inaccurately. Both midfields battled hard in a tough and physical contest with neither side taking a backward step. The Roosters managed to hold on and come away with a well-deserved 9 point victory in the end. The bulldogs were well served by the ever reliable Linc Stewart across the back line and Zach Symons who showed great courage.
Thanks to Singleton who played a hard and fair game in all three grades, and as usual, provided great hospitality to our players and supporters.
Round three sees all three grades at home against arch rivals Cardiff in the inaugural ANZAC day clash between the two clubs.
Go Doggies!!
Scores around the Grounds
Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup
Killarney Vale 16.11.107 Nelson Bay 5.8.38
Cardiff 14.8.92 Terrigal Avoca 9.12.66
Gosford 6.12.48 Maitland 6.2.38
Newcastle City 29.14.188 Lake Macquarie 2.3.15
Singleton 7.9.51 Warners Bay 5.10.40
Wyong Lakes – Bye
GE Black Diamond Women’s
Nelson Bay 7.7.49 Killarney Vale 2.4.16
Terrigal Avoca 18.16.124 The Entrance BB 1.0.6
Newcastle City Nova’s 8.10.58 Wyong Lakes 3.4.22
Newcastle City Stars 10.14.74 Lake Macquarie 3.4.22
Maitland 14.14.98 Muswellbrook 0.2.2
Singleton 4.4.28 Warners Bay 3.6.24
Gosford 13.14.92 Cardiff 1.5.11
Port Stephens def Wallsend-West Newcastle
Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate
Killarney Vale 22.14.146 Nelson Bay 3.1.19
Terrigal Avoca 7.10.52 The Entrance BB 3.5.23
Wyong Lakes 11.12.78 Wallsend-West Newcastle 11.8.74
Newcastle City 24.20.164 Lake Macquarie 1.0.6
Muswellbrook 14.14.98 Maitland 1.6.12
Singleton 11.9.75 Warners Bay 7.9.51
Cardiff 22.15.147 Gosford 4.3.27