Panthers down ‘Dogs

KILCUNDA BASS, coming off their impressive season-reviving win welcomed the struggling Bunyip to town on what was an absolutely tremendous day for footy at the Bass Recreation Reserve. 

The Panthers once again went into the game with several injury clouds, with their entire starting midfield missing due to minor complaints, but the hosts were buoyed by the senior debut of 16-year-old

Will Campbell in defence and the return of Kye Benson from his hamstring injury. 

The Bulldogs showed their heart through throughout the contest, starting the game with two goals to put early pressure on Killy-Bass. 

The Panthers responded beautifully though, finishing the opening term with four unanswered as Taylor Gibson once again looked ominous at centre half forward, helping his side take a 10-point lead into quarter time. 

Despite having the lead, Kilcunda Bass didn’t appear to have the momentum going into the main break as Bunyip were the team who were up and about after a decent fightback in quarter number two. 

Heading into the room at half time, the Panthers were frustrated they couldn’t get the game on their terms.

The third term provided much of the same in terms of play, as both sides continued to trade goals and every time the Panthers would pull away the Bulldogs would find a way to bring the margin back down within reach. 

Eventually though the hosts were able to lift, thanks in no small part to the returning Benson, who was moved forward and booted three goals in a matter of minutes to spread some confidence throughout the Panther line up. 

The hosts finally gained the majority of play on their terms in the fourth quarter, with the ball spending quite a bit of time in their forward 50.

They eventually kicked two goals to extend their lead over four straight kicks, which was enough to seal the win regardless of Bunyip’s late charge, kicking the last two goals of the game.

The Bulldogs will have to be happy with that effort, potentially their best of the year so far, despite missing out on the four points, they’ll now look ahead to a massive test at home this Saturday against fellow Bulldogs, Phillip Island.

For the Panthers, they would have been expecting to win by more, but with the key outs they had, head coach Lee Rowe told them to celebrate the win, their second on the young season.