Magpies winged by Bulldogs

BUNYIP came off their Round 10 loss and welcomed Dalyston up the road to sunny and still conditions. 

Things didn’t get off to the best start for the ‘Pies as Samir Kazizada copped a brutal head knock in the first minute, breaking his nose and knocking him out in the process. 

The visitors battled on to kick the first major of the afternoon through Jack Paravicini thanks to some slick work from young gun Hayden Wallis. 

After some close misses Ashleigh Allen was able to find a reply for the ‘Dogs from 50-metres out, sparking his side who went on to boot six unanswered for the term. 

Dylan Quirk, Aaron Paxton, Dylan Gallasch and Daniel Helmore all took part in the flurry as well as Allen who bagged his second, combining to open up a 33-point Bulldog lead at quarter time. 

To make matters worse for the visitors, Brendan Walsh and Paravicini both came off in the hands of the trainers to end the first, starving them of rotations the rest of the way. 

However, Dalyston stuck to their guns, focused on their task to not allow any early scoring and were successful in doing so. 

Gallasch’s second and the quarter’s first, coming at the 10-minute mark thanks to a brilliant crumb in congestion. 

The Magpies were able to find reward for their gallant work moments later, when Blake Carew found Wallis for an excellent finish on the run from 45. 

The visitors were without a bench but full of intensity, nailing tackles and defending with courage, Brad Monson, Louis Armstrong, Wallis and Fraser West all competing valiantly.

The visitors defensive fight was rewarded with another major, this time to Mason Storr, before Quirk bagged his second right on the siren, the hosts lead 32-points at the main break.

The third term began with a Dalyston surge, eventually finding big Jack Murray on the goal line, who converted to cut into the lead. 

Josh Wright snagged his first of the afternoon moments later, cutting the Bulldog lead to 20-points. 

Although the ‘Pies couldn’t keep the goals coming as Jack Blakey kicked truly for Bunyip’s first of the second half, followed by Paxton’s second soon after. 

Tensions flared and Matt Ross was sent off and a double 50 metre penalty ended in a Shoaib Akbar goal for Daly’. 

Although, the ‘Dogs were able to compose themselves and find Paxton for his third as scoring opened up. 

Dalyston kept themselves in it, slotting five goals total for the term as Carew and Marotta got on the scorer’s sheet. 

But in time-on, it was Tahj Murphy’s first goal on debut that slowed Dalyston’s momentum helping Bunyip go into the final break leading by four straight kicks

The hosts found the goals early in the final term thanks to a smart intercept by Allen close to goal. 

Another Bunyip debutant in William Grimmisch slotted his first goal in traffic and added a second soon after as his side poured on five goals to one in the fourth. 

The Bulldogs holding serve at home to the tune of 51-points, they face Cora Lynn on the road next week.

As for the ‘Pies, head coach Pete Dunlop was proud of the effort despite the disappointment of the loss postgame, they will face Kilcunda-Bass in Bass next week.