Sport
16 May, 2026
Pies battle injuries and Bulls
Birchip Watchem had 11 clearances to Boort’s nil in the second quarter and the Magpies’ young defence was constantly under siege.
ONE UGLY quarter was pivotal in Boort’s 76-point loss to Birchip Watchem on Saturday.
The Magpies led by five points at quarter-time in their best performance of the season, but the second term saw the Bulls pile on 9.2 to Boort’s solitary behind.
“It’s fair to say our midfield got slaughtered,” Boort coach Andrew Rutley said.
“We had a big focus on starting well, we led at quarter-time and were really happy with that.
“We gave the boys a bit of a pat on the back - and then we just got murdered.”
Birchip Watchem had 11 clearances to Boort’s nil in the second quarter and the Magpies’ young defence was constantly under siege.
“It was hard to get match-ups,” Rutley said, with his side battling a horrific injury toll.
“We had 14 boys under 21, we’re relying so much on youth, and we gave them some massive jobs and it was hard for them to compete.”
The win was Birchip Watchem’s first for the year after making the grand final in 2025.
Boort was competitive in the second half, kicking seven goals to 11 after the main break, but the horse had bolted.
Ash Connick was back in the coaching box for Birchip Watchem after his two-week suspension for abusing an umpire.
Meyrick Buchanan was best afield, with Joe Reid kicking six goals for the winners and Rhona Conboy five.
The Bulls had struggled for goals in the first three rounds after the pre-season departure of dual centurion Ben Edwards, averaging just over 50 points a game, but the forward line finally clicked.
Ruckman James Byrne was best for the Magpies, along with the consistent Carlos Egan and Jacob Mulquiny, who kicked three goals.
The Magpies face traditional rivals Wedderburn next week in another tough challenge, with Birchip Watchem travelling to St Arnaud.
At the end of this round, Birchip-Watchem are sitting sixth on the ladder, just above Boort.
Atop the ladder sits Sea Lake Nandaly, followed by Wedderburn, Calder United, Donald and St Arnaud.
Charlton are currently on the bottom of the ladder.
-GARY WALSH
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