Parrots leave something in reserve for grand final

THE Leongatha Reserves are safely through to the Gippsland League Grand Final after beating Bairnsdale by two goals at Leongatha in Saturday’s Second Semi-final.

The Parrots seemed to have control of the contest throughout, hitting the front early in the first quarter, after an initial goal from Bairnsdale’s Logan Dunkley from the angle.

Nick Nagel to Noah Fixter, who marked in the goal square, got the Parrots started, followed by a point to Ty Hall who was already busy and then a goal to Beau Grabham-Andrews.

Flynn Materia played his part in attack all match, toeing one through from close range to make it three goals to one, before Bairnsdale pulled one back late.

But Bairnsdale was hanging around, with plenty of capable players and they drew closer at the start of the second quarter when Matt Hamilton took a nice mark before converting the six points.

Leongatha answered quickly through an unsighted player and with Justin Pellicano providing a good target up forward, he combined with Darcy Hume for another as Leongatha continued to pepper the scoring zone until halftime.

The Parrots have a good mix of youth, senior experience and older experienced players in the group and they appeared to have Bairnsdale’s measure throughout without really clicking into gear on the day.

The third quarter was one of missed opportunities for the Parrots and with Bairnsdale getting the only goal of the quarter there were five points in it at the last change.

This was quickly rectified when Matt Borschman and Flynn Materia combined to scramble the ball through and across the ground, the Parrots were lifting; Adam Trotto going on a few runs around the wing, Matt Borschman good around the packs, Josh Schelling solid in the ruck and taking some marks around the ground, Darcy Hume, Hayden Lindsay, Levi Hickey and Kyle Brown busy and the defenders now on top of their game including Xavier Bolge, Nick Kelly, Joel Renden, Noah Clark and others.

Leongatha put the result beyond doubt with another goal to Darcy Hume and while Bairnsdale pulled one back late through Max Neate to cut the margin to 12 points at the end, the Parrots were in no real danger.

But they certainly have the talent and balance of youth and experience to play a lot better than they did last Saturday, which they’ll want to do on grand final day if they are to deliver on their own expectations.