By Geoff Wyatt

POOWONG travelled to Buln Buln to play all grades, the ground was damp underfoot and did cause some players to lose their footing and their confidence.

There was a three or four goal breeze blowing to the Warragul end, to which Buln Buln kicked first. Big game for Poowong, up against the top of the ladder side and trying to justify they are worthy of the fifth spot. 

Poowong made two changes coming in Steve McInnes and Tyron Lord replacing Charlie Koscal injured and Rhys Butler to give him some solid football.

Poowong kicked the first goal from a free kick to Kurt Newton, there was a lot of pressure being applied by both sides, Buln Buln lost a player for an indiscretion. 

Poowong had the breeze for the second quarter, but the Buln Buln forward line took advantage of some poor tagging to add two goals before Poowong was able to go forward for Connor Cunningham to goal from a Mitch Whiting pass. 

Buln Buln managed two minors before Poowong’s Jack Hazendonk kicked his first from a free kick. 

Poowong had a player sent off and this put pressure on Poowong’s defence, Buln Buln took advantage kicking a goal from a good pass, they wasted a couple of late opportunities.  
Poowong were working hard but unfortunately, they had a couple of players struggling to get into the game. 

Poowong started the third quarter well with a great snap by Alex Henshall for a goal, Buln Buln replied with two goals to open up the gap on the scoreboard. 

Poowong’s players lifted their work rate adding three goals Alex Henshall to Mat Cozzio for a goal, Jarvis Brown a goal from a free kick and Alex Henshall adding his second. 
Buln Buln added a late goal to open up a twenty-two-point lead at three quarter time.  

Poowong were determined and having the advantage of the strengthening breeze this gave them an opportunity, they started well with Kurt Newton passing to Matt Cozzio for his second. 

Buln Buln came back kicking two goals from solid marks at full forward, Poowong players lifted after a couple of great efforts by Zac Gray leading the way, unfortunately their efforts did not show up on the score board managing two points and an out of bounds. 

Jack Hazendonk hit the post after a mark, he then showed his great football ability adding a goal from a free kick and his third from a long kick. 

The margin was back to 16 points, despite Poowong’s efforts they could not reduce this margin. Buln Buln adding a late point and when the siren sounded Buln Buln were home by seventeen points
.  
Poowong remain a game and half plus percentage clear in fifth place and their effort against the top side showed they have a great chance of playing in the finals. 
Buln Buln have a good side but not unbeatable. 
The finals could come down to teams playing disciplined football and injuries.