Goals are the real McGaw

CHARLIE McGaw set the goal square abuzz for Inglewood in the first half of the Blues’ encounter with Calivil on Saturday.

He kicked the first of five majors within minutes of the opening bounce, capping off some great bustling work by Sam Dorevitch in the midfield.

McGaw had the scoreboard ticking over soon after when Jaspa Wendels cut off a Calivil attack, slotted the ball to Dorovitch who found McGaw positioned to finish off the turnover.

There was a lapse mid-quarter in Inglewood’s A game. Calivil coach Ant Dennis, Rhys Lourie triggered an early revival that had the Demons scoring quick goals before Wendels again turned the fortunes back into the Blues’ attacking zone where Keelan Payne and Dan Polack helped Inglewood to some breathing space.

Calivil challenged Inglewood hard in the opening minutes of the second term - again it was Dennis and Lourie at the fore - until McGaw, Dorevitch and Polack helped the Blues kick to a five-goal term.

Nevins was crucial whether in defence or up forward, outgunning opponents and on his way to another week in the Blues’ best. McGaw was off the field from late in the second quarter with a hamstring injury.

The second half was a dourer affair with both sides scoring five goals. Ben Baker, who had been sterling in the first 60 minutes for Calivil, continued to command respect across the forward line and would finish the day with four goals and be named the Demons’ best.

For Inglewood, Bregon Cotchett was again influential to pick up the club’s top votes while Jayden Leach was solid all day as he rotated into play. Inglewood’s victory keeps the Blues in the hunt for the all-important third spot as the club has its best start to a season in two decades.

A defining game will come after the break with a return encounter against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.

Bulldogs whip up strong winning winds

PYRAMID Hill claimed wins over Newbridge in windy conditions at Mitchell Park on Saturday.

The Bulldog Reserves were eventually able to post a handy victory but were made to earn it by a Newbridge outfit that was prepared to run and take on the game at all costs.

Great kicking by both teams in the opening term was a highlight, with the Dogs leading by a goal at the first change. Great work in the goal square by Rowan Pollock saw him capitalise on the great supply that was generated further afield by Tom Nunn, Tom Walker, Connor Gib- bons and Dylan Lovell. Seven goals moves Rowan to 32 on the goalkicking table. The Bulldogs kept the visitors goalless in the “premiership quarter” and with two goals of their own, were able to take a 33-point lead into the final stanza.

Unlike the reserves, the Bulldogs Seniors found trouble converting their excellent defensive and midfield efforts, because despite having 42 scoring shots, they finished the day with just 16 goals. The positives were an additional 16 per cent, the low score by the opposition, and the fact that again there was a good spread of goal kickers.

The Bulldogs kept the visitors goalless in the opening term, who despite the widening margin, continually pressed and challenged under great leadership from Will Daly, Sam Gale and Dylan Lloyd. For the Dogs, Will Perryman and Scott Mann were clear winners in their respective positions, but they had great support from Seb Relouw (goal of the day), Bailey George, Tom Hetherington, “Dutchy” Holland, Mitch Dingwall (four goals), Gav James and Declan Slingo. Players and coaches from both grades will welcome the two-week break.

- GEOFF HICKMOTT