Bacchus Marsh’s first win against Melton since 2018 couldn’t have come at a much better time in the Ballarat Football League.
Still looking to lock in a finals spot, the Cobras claimed the scalp they had been looking for as they accounted for the reigning premiers.
The Cobras had to get the win the hard way, sneaking home to win 10.14 (74)-10.10 (70).
Cobras coach Dennis Armfield said they knew that their finals dreams were in their own hands and wins like this helps.
“It was great reward for a lot of effort the boys have put in,” he said. “We don’t want to be an almost team again.
“The boys fought out a tough game and were able to get the win.”
The Cobras had an early lead and Armfield said they should have been in front by more than 18 points at the first break had they kicked straight.
The Bloods found their game in the second quarter but also couldn’t make the most of their chances.
The Bloods kept pushing as the Cobras led by just one point at the final break.
“In the last quarter they challenged us,” Armfield said. “They got to 14-15 points ahead.
“We then had an injury to Cody Salmon, our youngest player out there. He dislocated his patella tendon and you never want to see that.
“It wasn’t nice. Melton had the momentum but our leaders kept the morale high and we found what we needed to do in the last 10 minutes and win.”
The Cobras kicked the last three goals of the game to come from behind to get the win.
Armfield said even at the start of the season they wouldn’t have been able to come from behind and get a win like this.
“We had not beaten Melton since 2018, so it’s been a long time between drinks,” he said. “I’m really proud of the effort without two of our spine, Will Lalor and Jake Owen.
“They’re young kids who are staying the course and keep on going. It’s an exciting thing.”
Ashton Craig kicked three goals for the Cobras, while Ethan McKercher kicked two goals.
Ruck Luke Goetz was named the Cobras best.
Armfield said he keeps battling each week and he was able to help them find a different way to score in the final quarter.
Cody Gates and Craig were others named in the best.
Liam Carter kicked three goals for the Bloods, while three other players kicked two goals each.
Carter, Braedan Kight and Blake Souter were named their best.
The Cobras remain in fifth spot and are a game clear of seventh placed Sebastopol. The Bloods have slipped to fourth.
Armfield said they know that as long as they keep winning they will play finals.
“We wanted to have it in our own destiny and not have to rely on other side’s results, which is good.”
In other results, Darley beat Redan, 17.15 (117)-11.5 (71).
