Bacchus Marsh showed it is still the team to beat in Ballarat Football League, knocking off the previously undefeated Lake Wendouree on Saturday.
Both teams are clearly the in-form teams of the competition and entered the weekend’s match with just one loss between them.
The Cobras got the jump in the second quarter, but found themselves trailing at three-quarter time.
A seven-goal last quarter turned the tables back in their favour, the Cobras sealing a 14.20 (104)-11.6 (72) win.
Coach Travis Hodgson was thrilled with the result.
“We had 25 more inside 50s and I think double the scoring shots,” he said.
“The match definitely brought a big challenge and it’s always good to get a comprehensive win against the top side.
“We ran out the game really well, which is pleasing as they tested us … they are fit and move the ball well.
“We are getting better as the season goes along. Anyone who watched us on Saturday, would say that we’re the real deal.”
The win came without Daniel Burton and Jackson Bolton, who were the Cobras’ best two players in last year’s grand final win. Both are expected to return next week.
Dean Heta stood up in the ruck in the absence of Burton. Hodgson wasn’t surprised by his performance.
“The midfield dominated on the back of his work,” he said.
“He’s played a lot of ruck in the past, but he’s been playing more centre half-back for us. The challenge has been for us when Dean and Daniel aren’t playing ruck is getting impact from them going forward.
“Dean went forward and kicked three goals and had an impact on Saturday.
“It means we can rotate them forward instead of rotating them back.”
Declan Phyland kicked four goals for the Cobras and was named best on field.
The Cobras next three games are against sides which are in the bottom four.
The Cobras sit second on the ladder after seven matches. Darley, which had the bye, and Lake Wendouree are all on the same number of points.
“They are all winnable games and if we win them it puts us in a better position than we were at the same time last year,” Hodgson said.
Melton made it two wins in a row, with victory against North Ballarat City.
The Bloods trailed at all three changes, but kicked the only two goals of the final quarter to win 10.8 (68)-8.15 (63). Braedan Kight kicked five goals in the win.
Melton moves to seventh, just one game behind sixth-placed Melton South. The tough run continued for Melton South which lost to Redan 17.15 (117) – 10.7 (67).
