BACCHUS Marsh stormed home on Saturday night for the second week in a row to register win number two for the year.
The Cobras thrilled the Bacchus Marsh faithful and the coaching staff with an inspirational come-from-behind victory over Melton at MacPherson Park.
Bacchus Marsh coach Dave Callander praised his side’s determination and toughness after the Cobras flexed their muscle to kick five unanswered goals in the final 13 minutes after trailing by 20 points in the last term.
“We were gone today,” he said, “but we found something and that speaks volumes of us to find something when we were in a position like that.
“Melton impressed me tonight. They were hard, direct and probably showed us how to play in those conditions a little bit.”
The Bloods’ form over the beginning of the season would be right up there with the most highly-fancied teams in the league.
They showed that again, controlling much of the match against Bacchus Marsh, a side widely tipped to be one of the big improvers of 2012.
Melton showed a commitment to the contest and spread, outpointing the Cobras for the majority of the match.
The Cobras may have been on the ropes but the Bloods couldn’t apply the knockout blow. Melton small forwards Israel Mofalesi and James Aquilina, in particular, caused headaches in the slippery conditions, combining for four second-half goals.
Bacchus Marsh stayed in the game with late goals through Alec Del Papa, James Dickinson and Mark Hanson, while Alex Schwarzenberg finished with three goals.
Danny Abbott and Tyson Shea were other notable performers for the Cobras.
Veteran Ash Webber finished with four goals for the Bloods, with defenders Jon Prudek and Darren Haby very good across half-back.
Bacchus Marsh had a scare when Simon Lafranchi was taken to hospital by an ambulance after he was hurt in a collision. He’s since been cleared of any serious injury.
“It is good news,” Bacchus Marsh club president Pat Mullen said.
“It didn’t look good. He was on the stretcher for a while.
“We did all the things we should do.
“He was hit high up in the back so you’re never really sure.
“They went for a check-up, had a scan and got the all clear.”
– Ballarat Courier
