Bears hold on in tight tussle

Goals: Berrigan: C. Patten 2, A. Way, J. Bartlett, A. Coldwell, T. Dalgliesh, J. Orro.

Tungamah: L. Thompson 6, B. Hayes, T. Green, W. Thomson.

Best: Berrigan: Z. Carruthers, M. Peters, A. Way, A. Coldwell, C. Patten, T. Dalgliesh.

Tungamah: L. Thompson, S. Ferguson, J. Irvine, J. Arnold, C. Powell, T. Green.

With the first wet conditions for the season, the boys were as ready as they could be to take on Berrigan away.

The first quarter was a tight battle, with both teams fiercely competing for every possession. Tunga managed to take a slight lead of just one point at quarter time.

The boys knew they had to step up their game to maintain their advantage.

As the second quarter kicked off, Tunga showed great improvement. They focused on kicking accurately to their targets and applied maximum pressure on their opponents.

The momentum started to shift in their favor, and they began to dominate the game.

However, after the halftime break, the boys seemed a little flat. Perhaps the halftime nibbles didn't provide them with enough energy.

Berrigan took this opportunity to make a comeback and get back into the game. It was a wake-up call for Tunga, reminding them that they needed to stay focused and maintain their intensity. The young boys of Tunga fought hard throughout the game.

They displayed determination and resilience, ensuring that Tunga secured a much-needed four points. The victory was crucial for their chances of making it to the finals.

Awards: M. Atkins – Tungamah Hotel, T. Green – Wingates Sport, M. Hughes – One Zach, J. Arnold – Hicks Butchery.

Reserves

Berrigan 2.4.16 def by Tungamah 11.5.71.

Jake Henderson was robbed late with 6 majors, Phat Johnson was back after a month of pulling out, and was demanding some time up the ground.

Jack Connell made his way to receiving the mug award and Grambo was rewarded with some time up forward, proving like gastro and giving the opponents trouble at both ends.

Jack Cos found more space out on his wing providing the forwards with some of the best deliveries the scribe has seen.

Goals: J. Henderson 6, D. Payne 2, T. Irvine, D. Ellis, C. Bozzola.

Best: J. Henderson, W. Prescott, D. O’Brien, M. Bramich, J. Williams, C. Johnstone.

Thirds

No game.

Fourths

Berrigan 5.5.35 def Tungamah 5.4.34.

Tungamah won the toss and made the decision to kick with the wind. Both teams started off strong, as you would expect with the two top teams battling it out.

Whilst Billy Doyle had a quick hattrick, the whole forward line demonstrated accuracy and offensive plays were well and truly on display as the Bears did a fabulous job of locking it in. Tunga must’ve had some intense marking practice of late, as this was a real highlight of their game.

Defensively, Jackson Prosser had a ripper game, with an astonishing smother being key to a turnover. Ty Dickens and the backline crew were defending superbly and fought hard for the ball. Everyone knew it was going to be a good match and both teams looked quite impressive all game.

As expected, it was a nice close game, with Berrigan taking the win by such a slight margin. Better luck next time Tunga, there’s no doubt these two teams will meet up again come finals, hopefully next time it will go Tungamah’s way.

Goals: B. Doyle 5.

Best: S. Goudie, L. O’Brien, B. Doyle, J. Bamford, C Payne.

Awards: L. O’Brien – Intent Fishing, B. Doyle – Bamfield Builders, S. Goudie – Rich Glen, P. Poll – Doyles Sock.

Fifths

At the unfamiliar later starting time of 10.15am, the Bear Cubs looked forward to taking on the Berrigan Saints.

In freezing and windy winter conditions, the boys played a terrific game. The young cubs are really enjoying their football, and this is evident in the way they are playing as a team and improving every single game they play.

Thanks to Berrigan for a great game played in great spirits.

Also thank you to young Luke Buerckner and his hamstrings and calves for holding up and officiating the game.

Awards: X. Whiting – TFNC, E. Pettit – Tungamah Shop, R. Kelly – Rich Glen, N. Whiting – TFNC.