Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh put together a strong performance to keep its Ballarat Football League women’s season alive.
The improved Cobras finished the regular season in third spot, just two per cent clear of East Point.
It meant it set up an elimination final with Carisbrook.
Carisbrook finished the regular season in bottom spot with one win that came against the Cobras.
There would be no repeat this time round with the Cobras winning, 11.7 (73)-0.2 (2).
Cobras coach Alan Johnson was pretty happy with the result.
“It’s always nice to get a finals win,” he said. “Finals are a different game and people lift to different levels.
“Teams can connect differently and It’s always a challenge no matter where you finish on the ladder.”
On Sunday, the Cobras took control of the game early to set up the result.
They kicked four goals in each of the first two quarters, while holding Carisbrook scoreless.
After the break they were able to continue to build the lead.
“We played well,” Johnson said. “We contributed as a team and used our run well.
“We played well across the whole ground which helps.”
Jamie-Lee Speakman kicked five goals for the Cobras in a best on ground performance.
Rita Azzopardi and skipper Amy Garofalo kicked two goals each.
Johnson said Speakman was extremely good while Azzopardi, Erin Keenan, Zali Spratling and Zaylie Le Huray were also strong contributors as everyone played a role.
He said it was up there with the best performances they’ve had this season.
The Cobras now have two shots at making their first women’s grand final.
The first is against reigning premiers and local rivals Darley on Sunday.
On Sunday, the Devils inflicted Redan’s first loss of the season in the qualifying final, winning 3.6 (24)-0.9 (9).
Johnson said they were keen for the challenge against the Devils. The last time the two teams played it was the Cobras that won what was believed to be their first win against the Devils.
He said they would look to challenge the Devils the best they can.
“It’s a new week now,” he said. “We’ll take the game in our stride and look to play our best football.
“The girls are pretty excited about it and all you can do is hope.”
In the other elimination final, East Point beat Lake Wendouree. It will face Redan in the other semi final this Sunday.
It was a good weekend for the Cobras with their under-19 youth girls side also winning through to the major semi final.
The minor premiers won 2.7 (19)-2.2 (14).
