By Tara Murray
Mars Stadium had been a bit of a bogey venue for Bacchus Marsh in recent Ballarat Football League seasons, but that changed on Saturday.
The Cobras headed up to Ballarat to face North Ballarat and came away with the points from Mars for the first time since 2017.
Cobras coach Dennis Armfield it was huge for the side to win up there.
“It was a really good performance by both teams and we were able to hold on and win that one,” he said.
“We started really well and were four to five goals up at quarter time. North was able to wrestle back momentum, but we were able to limit it to smaller periods, rather than long periods.
“It was two teams built off pressure and are young with a lot of run.
“We keep getting better.”
Armfield said this was one of those performances that they wouldn’t have been able to complete last season.
He said it shows the maturity of the group.
“There were games last season where we got beat, games I think we should have won,” Armfield said.
“Redan, Lakers [Lake Wendouree], North Ballarat and we lost those. The two games this season against Redan and North Ballarat we have been able to win.”
Jake Owen kicked four goals for the Cobras and played a really good target in the air.
Bailey Glascott, Rye Penny and Will Lalor were all strong in defence, while Luke Goetz took control in the middle of the ground in the ruck.
Ethan Davis up forward was another standout according to Armfield.
“It was good to see some different players in there,” he said. “They are understanding their roles.”
The win has the Cobras in fifth spot with a 3-2 record.
Armfield said the competition was super close and as a coach very stressful.
He said they were happy with how things are tracking.
“It goes to show you have to be on your game every week,” he said. “The teams that make the most of their momentum, will go ahead.
“We have a big month ahead of ourselves against four teams playing some good football. We won’t be happy until the end of the season and we are ahead of the ledger.”
Despite the stress, Armfield has recently signed on for next season to keep the momentum going.
“Stupidity or insanity,” he said joked about coaching on. “I’m really pleased to see what we are building here, and not just with the footy.
“People want to come and belong here. We’re still doing that and it’s a joy to be part of that.”
In other results, Melton and Darley both got wins on the board.
The undefeated Bloods beat Redan, 14.18 (102)-6.14 (50). Braedan Kight kicked five goals, with Liam Carter and Jordyn Cotter named their best.
Darley got the points against Ballarat, winning 12.10 (82)-4.8 (32).Lucas Impey was the Devils best.
