Blazing glory for IK reserves

AS ONE Sea Eagles side headed into the change rooms to belt out the song, another emerged to take their place in Grand Final history, as Inverloch-Kongwak faced off with Tooradin-Dalmore in the Reserves decider. 

As the wind picked up once again, the fancied Seagulls took to the field, sporting their incredible recent record, which only includes two losses in almost three years of play. 

This didn’t matter to the Inverloch-Kongwak side though, who, in simple terms, blew them out of the park. 

From the opening bounce, this battle was all gold, white and blue as the Sea Eagles just appeared hungrier, faster and stronger, despite giving up clear size advantages across the ground, and being the clear underdog. 

They took an extraordinary 21-0 lead into the first break, disallowing the reigning premiers any decent possession inside forward 50. 

This defensive masterclass continued in the second quarter, led by their inspirational leader Barry Withers, allowing just three Seagull behinds. 

In tough conditions with the wind, IK were able to add another major, as Lachlan Crook and big man Campbell Scott wreaked havoc in the middle. 

At half-time, the lead was Inverloch-Kongwak’s, to the tune of 24-points, their performance so hot on the field that a grassfire ignited behind the hill in the nearby Koo Wee Rup bushland. 

This literal fire wasn’t enough to quite ignite the boys in red and green though, who still appeared to be shellshocked after they were jumped early. 

Play continued on as a 20-metre tree was engulfed in flames and the minor premiers were able to finally kick their first goal of the match, but two more to IK meant they were still up against it. 

The Sea Eagles held a commanding 34-point lead at the final change and fully deserved that margin, playing seniors level football from the outset. 

Their ball movement, set ups and structures were masterfully sound, impressing the thousands in attendance, they booted three more goals in the final term as the ‘Gulls went wayward, booting just six behinds. 

Corey Provan and Blair Robinson were gallant for Tooradin-Dalmore, as was their lone goal kicker Joshua Trezise. 

But the stars of the show were livewire forward Zach Caughey, who finished with a bag of five goals, Crook who was mega in the middle of the ground and the big man in the middle,  Campbell Scott was awarded best on ground honours having an outstanding game in the ruck. 

Congratulations Inverloch-Kongwak, the 2023 West Gippsland Reserves premiers!