Lyrebirds hold off Cats in reserves

Buln Buln and Neerim-Neerim South played out a close contest in the final home and away round of Ellinbank District football reserves.
In a contest between two sides just outside the top five, it was the seventh-placed Lyrebirds who prevailed over the sixth-placed Cats, 8-6 (54) to 6-4 (40).
Goal kicking practice will likely feature for finals bound Bunyip, who peppered the goals but could only come away with 4-23 (47) over Nilma-Darnum 3-2 (20).
Reigning premier Lang Lang remain the favourite, comfortably accounting for fifth-placed Trafalgar 11-9 (75) to 2-1 (13).
Longwarry tuned up for its qualifying final with a big win over the same side it will meet this week in Ellinbank.
The Crows kicked away after a tightly contested first quarter to win 15-8 (98) to 3-0 (18).
Catani comfortably accounted for Poowong, 16-4 (100) to 5-9 (39).
Ten goals from David Bates in a best afield effort helped Yarragon to a thumping win over Nyora, 24-8 (152) to 2-2 (14).
TRAFALGAR secured fifth-place in the under 18s, and prepared for its elimination final by holding off a determined Lang Land, 6-13 (49) to 7-5 (47).
Fourth-placed Catani were also presented a challenge from a team outside the top five, pushed all the way by Poowong.
The Blues won 8-4 (52) to 4-11 (35).
Other matches saw the top three secure strong victories, with Buln Buln comfortably accounting for Neerim-Neerim South 13-11 (89) to 5-3 (33).
Flynn Bravington and Coby Bridger each kicked four goals to help the Lyrebirds overcome a quarter time deficit.
Ladder leader Nilma-Darnum scored a big win over Bunyip, 24-11 (155) to 5-1 (31). Cooper Amey led the charge with nine goals.
Ellinbank thumped Longwarry, 24-11 (155) to 2-2 (14). Preston Alger and Charlie Armour booted 11 majors between them.
POOWONG endured a challenge ahead of its finals series in the under 16s, holding off outsider Catani 4-7 (31) to 4-1 (25).
Ellinbank and Longwarry ended their seasons with a competitive hit out, the Eagles prevailing 9-1 (55) to 6-11 (47).
Ladder leader Bunyip enter the finals undefeated, having comfortably accounted for Nilma-Darnum, 13-15 (93) to 2-1 (13).
Coby Hoult booted five goals for the Bulldogs.
Buln Buln thumped Neerim-Neerim South, 27-12 (174) to 0-1 (1).
Charlie Soumilas booted eight goals with Lenny Heatley steering through seven majors.
Trafalgar enter the finals series in strong form, scoring a strong 14-18 (102) to 4-4 (28) victory over Lang Lang-Nyora.