Sport
2 September, 2024
Bulls win classic semi-final as Edwards brings up century of goals
Birchip-Watchem is through to the 2024 NCFL football grand final.
Birchip-Watchem has held on in a memorable NCFL second semi-final against Sea Lake-Nandaly.
Leading by four goals at three-quarter-time, the Bulls withstood a Tigers onslaught in the final term to win 11.9 (75) to 10.13 (73) and claim their spot in the grand final.
Kicking with the aid of a howling 40 to 45 kilometre per hour wind, the Tigers were wasteful in the final term, kicking 4.5 (29).
While the last stanza was a different story, Bulls coach Trevor Ryan said his side controlled the play for most of the game.
"They had a monopoly on the footy in the last quarter, and we were just defending for our lives," Ryan said.
"But It was a tough game of footy with plenty of pressure around the contest, and I think the match was on our terms for the majority of the afternoon.
"You had to take your opportunities with the breeze, so it was a game of moments.
"I think we took our moments when we needed to, while Sea Lake missed a couple of chances that would have gotten them the win."
Bulls full forward Ben Edwards brought up his 100th goal of the season during his four-goal performance on Saturday.
The former Port Adelaide SANFL player has been remarkable for the Bulls since joining at the start of last season.
From 32 games for the Bulls, Edwards has kicked 188 goals.
"He's been an incredible addition to the footy club," Ryan said.
"It was a great moment for him and the club when he slotted his 100th as we haven't had a century goal kicker for a while."
Down the other end, star Tigers' full forward Joshua Jenkins was kept goalless by experienced defender Jacob Noonan.
"Jacob (Noonan) matches up pretty well on Jenkins," Ryan said.
"It's the second time he's played on him this season and done a good job.
"At Sea Lake in round 13, he kept JJ (Josh Jenkins) out of the game for three quarters before he got off the chain in the last and kicked five.
"Jacob learnt from that and was excellent along with his defensive teammates for the whole game."
Half-backs Angus Butterfield and Lachlan Ryan were the Bulls best players.
The duo cut through the Tigers with their elite ball use.
"Angus and Lachy (Ryan) are probably our two best ball users in the team," Ryan said.
"Every time they got the footy in their hands, they found a target, which was critical in the conditions.
"Their run and carry plus intercept marking was also important."
The Bulls have earned a week off while the Tigers face Wedderburn in the preliminary final at Charlton next Saturday.