As the final home game of the season for Blighty on Saturday, the Redeyes made it a special one.
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The side delivered a win on what was Kyel Bain’s 400th seniors and reserves club game.
The celebrations and a hard fought victory over a slick Barooga side were also marked in front of a bumper Sponsors’ Day crowd.
The team believe they’re able to match it with the better sides in the league, and it felt like vindication for the boys and a well deserved win.
Jett Lia was solid all day in the ruck, while Luke Charlton ran all day on the wing.
Kai Hillier was dangerous up forward and Darchi Clarke won ground balls all day.
Final score: Blighty 10.11 (71) def Barooga 9.7 (61).
Reserves
With more outs than day one of the first Ashes test last summer, and others injured throughout the game, the Redeyes were gallant in their effort all day.
It was unfortunate the team could not match the speed and slickness of Barooga’s ball movement.
Frankie White fought hard and listened to his new assignment, and Nash Suckling and Mitch Ross continued their good form in the ruck.
Will Ingram battled all day down at full back, eventually crunching the full forward when he caught him.
The team gave a shout out to Barooga for jumping in and giving them a hand with player numbers.
They also send their best to Jesse Collins and Jake Harvey. Hopefully, their busted bones aren't too sore this week.
Final score: Blighty 0.1 (1) def by Barooga 21.14 (140).
Thirds
The thirds had the task of taking on top of the ladder, Barooga, but stuck to the game plan.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win, as they were just a far better side on the day.
What impressed most was seeing the younger players step up, and show growth and improvement.
Better players on the day included the ever reliable captain Xander Strong, Nut Goodsell, Ollie Dunmore, Hudson Kelly, Mark Godfrey, and Sam Conallin.
Sam got the Good Sports Award for showing true leadership on the field.
Final score: Blighty 1.3 (9) def by Barooga 23.18 (156).
Fourths
Top of the ladder Barooga is a fast running and well drilled team, and were simply too strong for our Blighty side.
We showed some great play and showed we could win the ball when we put pressure on Barooga.
Best on was awarded to Daniel Burn for trying all game.
Langa Fevaleaki was a standout in ruck, and Andrew Frost was solid all day, working well with his teammates.
Harlem Morgan was asked to run all game, and she was able to deliver, and Degan Morgan was solid in the back line of defence.
Victor Githinji, coming up from the fifths, had one of his best games of the year.
Maddy Hunter was putting pressure on Barooga and was having an impact on the game, and Ben Macdonald was awarded the Good Sports Award for training well and having a positive impact on the game.
Final score: Blighty (0) def by Barooga 19.16 (130).
Fifths
In our last home game of the season against Barooga, both teams were low on numbers. It opened the oval up, with a lot more space to kick into.
Both sides were evenly matched but, while the game is not officially scored, Barooga made the most of their opportunities to score early.
Our handball game was impressive, especially when we got into trouble.
The last quarter was a full on attack by Blighty, finishing in style with three goals.
An enjoyable game played in great spirit by both sides.
Awards went to Victor, Lucas, Jack M, Clancy, Felix, Eli and Ari.