BACCHUS MARSH pulled off the unlikeliest of victories against Lake Wendouree on Saturday, coming from seven goals down late in the third term to snatch a five-point win at Wendouree Reserve.
The Marsh momentum was irresistible in the final quarter as seven unanswered goals set up the 11.12 (78) to 10.13 (73) win in Ballarat Football League
Trailing by one point with only seconds remaining, the Cobras’ Leigh Wilson lived out every boy’s dream by kicking a match-winning snap from 35 metres out.
The siren sounded as the ball sailed through post-high, resulting in grand final-like celebrations.
Just metres away, the Lakers were stunned into silence, with many players lying flat on the ground, hands over heads, wishing it was all a bad dream.
“It’s an amazing feeling. As soon as I kicked it I knew it was a goal,” a euphoric Wilson said in the rooms afterwards.
Bacchus Marsh’s finals hopes remain alive thanks to the win, with Ballarat (5-5) holding sixth from Melton South (4-6) then Lake Wendouree and the Cobras (3-7).
Cobra forwards Daniel Velden and Trevor Hilton instigated the revival with several strong marks inside 50, while Mike Suban and Tyson Shea were busy around the packs.
“We got out of jail, simple as that. They lost the match, but our boys showed a lot of heart to fight back,” Bacchus Marsh coach Doug Hawkins said.
“It was a sensational finish and I’m very proud of the boys. It keeps our hopes of finishing sixth alive.”
Lake Wendouree led for the entire match bar the first five minutes and final second.
Skipper Tim Malone was seemingly everywhere and Matt Tuminello continued his stellar season with a dominant display in the ruck, while Lane Buckwell impressed with four majors as a floating forward.
Coach Gavin Webb, who missed again because of concussion, struggled to find words after the match and although unwilling to admit it himself, his on-field presence would have likely been the steadying hand needed.
“We should have won today. It’s a loss that really hurts,” Webb said.
“We stopped doing what had got us in front and then when they had the momentum, we didn’t know how to stop it.
“It’s a really tough lesson and the boys have to hurt and use that emotion to make us a better team for the rest of the season and beyond.”
— Ballarat Courier
