Island Bulldogs lead the pack

HEADLINING the pre-game preparations were the acknowledgments of 50 senior games for two of the favourite bulldogs - Billy Taylor and Eli Richards. 

Taking different paths to a 50th senior game, it was certainly a proud moment for both players. 

The first quarter saw a much tighter contest that may have been expected given the relative ladder positions of the two sides. 

Jack (Bison) Taylor took charge early in the forward line, and that forward-turned-defender Levi Robinson heading the backline, including kicking his own early goal.

The Bunyip Bulldogs displayed a clear preference for a chip, pass, chip and switch game, which had undone the Island boys in previous games, but it was certainly lacking forward penetration this day. 

The second quarter saw the Bulldogs break clear of the tight rein from the first. 

Zac Vernon in particular took matters into his own hands with three outstanding goals for the quarter, ably assisted by Max Blake who was making his presence felt in the forward line. 

Orlando (Noosh) Kane-Gillard was having his best game for some time – seems he had his own ‘players box’ on the forward flank that were cheering on his efforts!

A third quarter blitz from the Island boys saw seven goals to one and a 13-goal lead at the final break. 

A spread of goal kickers in the third, and a total of nine different goal kickers illustrated the contributions from all, in what was looming as a dominant overall team effort. 

The final quarter saw complete domination from the Island boys, which strangely was not translated into scores on the board. 

Max Blake continued to dominate the forward line, and Noosh continued his excellent effort with further goals. 

An excellent 96-point win in the finish for the Island Bulldogs, as thoughts turned to the final home-and-away next week against Korumburra before heading in the finals.