Winchelsea upset Bannockburn as defining period to come for Tigers

Most would have expected Bannockburn to win at home over Winchelsea, but the Blues’ big win didn’t surprise Tigers coach Ron Pilgrim.

Winchelsea scored an upset win over Bannockburn. Picture: Alan Barber

Looking at the ladder you would have assumed Bannockburn would get the job done over Winchelsea on their home turf.

But not Tigers coach Ron Pilgrim who views them as one of the better sides in the competition.

That’s why the Blues’ upset 36-point win over the Tigers on Saturday wasn’t overly surprising to Pilgrim.

Winchelsea boast the fourth highest percentage in the competition – behind only the top three sides – but remains in eighth spot on the ladder, three wins adrift of the top-eight.

“We played them early in the year and I actually rate them as a top five side,” Pilgrim said.

“(Us as) favourites yes, probably to the outside people, but it was always going to be a tough game for us and they were pretty exceptional.

“I think Winch had only won four games prior to and I’ve been keeping an eye on them pretty closely because I rate them pretty highly.”

Blues star Finlay Parish was named as the Blues’ best after a standout performance as Caleb Brown was typically dominant in the midfield.

Up forward Jordan Gould (four goals), Leigh Ellis (three goals), Tavae Sauni (three goals) kicked as many goals as Bannockburn in the 17.7 (109) to 10.13 (73) victory.

Leigh Ellis and Jordan Gould celebrate a goal. Picture: Alan Barber

Bannockburn coach Ron Pilgram rates Winchelsea.Picture: Alan Barber

For the Tigers, ruck star Kieran Fulton played a lone hand as his blistering form continued.

Bannockburn’s finals hopes will be decided over a defining month when the fourth-placed Tigers face Thomson (away), North Geelong (home), Werribee Centrals (away) and Belmont Lions (away).

Pilgrim said their ball-use, which hurt them on Saturday, needs to lift if they are any chance of knocking off Thomson next week and having an impact in finals.

“Our skill level was pretty ordinary, our turnovers were through the roof. So that is one area we need to work on,” Pilgrim said.

“Everyone plays each other in that next five to six weeks. Nearly every week is going to be like a final for a few of us so if we’re not on our game we won’t make it.

“If you’re lucky enough to have your best side available on the day and you make finals, I think anyone can win it.

“Belmont has got a reasonable run home so I think the top three is set. I think with ourselves, Thomson, Inverleigh and I do believe Winchelsea, even though they are a fair way behind. If they can get a run on and play like they did (on Saturday) they can sneak in as well.”

Originally published as Winchelsea upset Bannockburn as defining period to come for Tigers