Bacchus Marsh further cemented its spot in the Ballarat Football League top six while celebrating one of the best.
It was a big week for the Cobras as Tyson Shea became the second player to play 300 senior games for the club.
While much of the focus was on Shea, the Cobras did what they needed to as they put another win on the board, accounting for North Ballarat.
Cobras coach Dennis Armfield said it had been a big week for the club and it was nice to get the win to celebrate Shea’s milestone.
It was a strong performance from the Cobras, 14.16 (100)-10.5 (65).
“We came out really strong but we weren’t able to kick straight,” he said. “It wasn’t the most relaxing game as they fought hard and we thought they would never give up.
“In the end we had done enough work early and it was nice to get the win at the end of the day.”
Jake Owen continued his good form and kicked six goals while Jake McCreery kicked five goals.
Armfield said skipper Jack Parente, Owen, McCreery and Jamie Fulton were all among the standouts.
He also praised Rhys McGrath in his first senior game, who had the job on Hugh Turgg and competed really well.
The Cobras sit clear in fifth spot.
Armfield said it was all part of their development. He said he sometimes forgets how young the playing group is, with most of the group under 23.
“At the start of the season we wanted to develop on what we had done last year and we knew that our best footy was good enough.
“But it was doing it for long enough last year and patches this year. We have some tough matches ahead of us in the next three games.
“It’s exciting to see what they do for the rest of the year.”
The first of those three matches they face arch rivals Darley at Darley Park.
Armfield said those three games would give them an opportunity to see where they were at and a chance to prove themselves against the big boys.
“It doesn’t get any bigger than that,” he said of facing the Devils.
“They are a good team and on top for a reason.
“We’re looking forward to going up against the best and see where we are at.”
The Devils enter the match on the back of a win against Ballarat.
Darley was pushed all the way before coming away with a 15.8 (98)-10.13 (73).
Brett Bewley, who kicked four goals, Nick Hind and Darcy Matricardi were named the Devils best.
Meanwhile, Melton suffered an upset loss to Redan.
Melton led at each of the breaks, including by 24 points heading into the final quarter.
Redan kicked six goals to one in the final quarter to seal a 13.9 (87)-12.13 (85).
