Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh made hard work of it, but broke through for its first win of the Ballarat Football League season.
The Cobras opened their account with a hard fought win against Lake Wendouree at CE Brown Reserve.
The Cobras led by 14 points at quarter time, before straight kicking had the Lakers in front by eight points at half time.
After the break, the Cobras cleaned up their kicking, having kicked 11 behinds in the first half, and regained the lead heading into the final quarter.
The Cobras managed to outscore the Lakers in the final quarter to win, 11.16 (82)-11.9 (75).
Cobras coach Dennis Armfield said it was nice to get the monkey off the back.
“I would have liked it a little bit easier, but it’s always a relief to get the win,” he said. “It’s nice for myself, but it shows the club is heading in the right direction.
“The joy for the boys to get that first win.”
Armfield said they took lessons from their first round loss to Ballarat, when they faded late. He said coaching wise they got their rotations and positional changes correct.
He said Saturday ended up being a game of two halves.
“We come out and played some really good footy, but we couldn’t capitalise on the work. I think our first six shots we kicked six behinds and they went down the other end and kicked one.
“To Lakers credit they kicked very straight. We were able to win the more crucial moments to get over the line.
Jake Owen kicked three goals for the Cobras, while Ashton Craig got two.
Armfield said Tyson Shea was a standout leading from the front in the contested football, while Luke Goetz gave them first use out of the ruck.
Jack Kovacevic went back and did a job in defence while Ashton Craig continued his good start to the season.
The Cobras this week face local rivals Darley.
While new to the Cobras, Armfield is aware of the rivalry between the two clubs.
“My in-laws have lived here from many years and I was told right from the very start, pick a side and stay on that side.
“Heath Scotland, who coached Darley, is already sending me messages.
“It’s a good opportunity at their ground. They are a quality team and no better challenge.”
Darley and North Ballarat played out another thriller, this time under lights at MARS Stadium in the grand final rematch.
Both teams found it hard to score with North Ballart winning, 5.11 (41)-5.8 (38).
Melton made it two from two with a second straight 100 point plus win, this time against Sebastopol.
After smashing Melton South in round one, the Bloods faced a tougher opposition in the Burras, in what was expected to be a close match.
The Bloods came out firing and kept the pressure on throughout, winning 25.13 (163)-6.8 (44).
It was another tough week for Melton South, which lost the Sunbury Lions., 26.8 (164)-3.2 (20).
