The under-17s game between Birchip-Watchem and Donald was played in beautiful sunshine on the George Cartwright Oval. 

Both teams had a bit of size about them setting up a good physical encounter in the first quarter.  Ollie Cook played well and forced the ball forward, while Charlie Frank and Austin Dean were in everything giving the Bulls the momentum.  The Bulls kicked 3.2 (20) to Donald’s 1.1 (7) in the opening term.

The Bulls dominated the second term, but due to errant kicking were only able to add two goals, with Jam Pareja and Charlie Barber coming into the game to help the usual suspects.

Glenn Pearse and Luca Rice, Donald’s captain and vice captain, both played well for the Royal Blues and tried hard to bring their team back into the game, but the visitors could only add one minor to their half time tally.  At half-time, Birchip-Watchem 5.6 (36) led Donald 1.2 (8).

The third quarter was a more event term with the Bulls adding three through Charlie Barber, Ollie Cook and Austin Dean on the back of  some good play from the Daniel brothers, Jeswin and Chriswin, and Donald adding two through Glenn Pearse. At the final change Birchip-Watchem 8.8 (56) led Donald 3.4 (22).

Charlie Frank was off the field in the final quarter due to his senior selection but Austin Dean took over from Frank and dominated the play, ably assisted by Ollie Cook. Although a Bulls’ victory appeared certain, Donald competed well throughout the game and stuck to the task, containing the Bulls to only two goals in the final quarter.  At the end of the game, Birchip-Watchem 10.9 (69) defeated Donald 3.5 (23).

Best players for Birchip Watchem:  Chriswin Daniel (Noonan Tyres & C&R Colbert), Austin Dean (TMC Enviro), Ollie Cook (Birchip Café), Riley Hogan (Bulls’ Canteen).

For Donald: Eathan Clapham, Glenn Pearse, Baylee Pearse, Luca Rice.

Under-14s
It was a beautiful sunny day at Birchip-Watchem for the Bulls’ first home game, where they come up against a tall and skillful Royal Blues outfit.

Both teams put on great defensive pressure to start the game but Donald’s height was hard to overcome as it dominated all over the ground, putting new coaches Ben Hogan and Sam Simmons under pressure to come up with some answers. Donald’s Noah Michael, Oakley Brennan and Daniel Cooper all added majors early, but Donald’s accuracy was alluding it as it added several behinds, to end the quarter with 3.5 (23), whilst keeping Birchip-Watchem scoreless.

Donald came out strongly again in the second term, scoring a goal in the first minute of the second quarter. The Bulls kept the defensive pressure going with Jackson Goss leading the way from full back, but Donald forwards were elusive and they had a plethora of opportunities to score with three new goal scorers, Liam Stopps, Emmett Geddes and Samuel Mortlock, adding to the ever growing Donald scoreline. The Bulls kept fighting and were close to scoring a few times but Donald proved it had all the answers.

Harry Humphreys, on loan to the Bulls from Nullawil, worked hard in the midfield and they found some momentum at the end of the stanza, working hard to keep it in their offensive 50 allowing them to kick their first score, albeit a minor just as the siren went.  At half time Donald had extended their lead 6. 9 (45) to 0.1 (1).

Donald came into the third quarter with confidence and scored again in the first minute. The pressure was relentless as the Royals towered over the Bulls and they continued to pepper the goals accumulating scores with mixed success due to the Bulls’ unwavering pressure. Myles Hollis dominated the term, kicking three successive goals, while Liam Stopps and Noah Michael also added their second to give Donald a prolific 15.17 (107) three-quarter time score.

Denley Tyler was full of run and Willow Ryan was taking some great marks, including a brave pack mark, but the Bulls were unable to make any further inroads on the scoreboard. Hugo Funcke, amongst others continued to use his height to impact the game and with the return of its accuracy, Donald surged ahead with further goals to Noah Michael, Emmett Geddes and Cameron Jones.
Donald defeated Birchip-Watchem 15.17 (107) to 1.0 (1).

Awards for Birchip-Watchem: Jackson Goss (Noonan Tyres and Jake & Billy Noonan), Denley Tyler (TMC Enviro), Willow Ryan (Sharp’s Bakery), Harry Humphreys (Birchip IGA).

For Donald: Hugo Funcke, Oakley Brennan, Samuel Mortlock, Myles Hollis.