By Tara Murray
After missing out in 2014 and 2017, Bacchus Marsh has claimed the Ballarat Football League reserves premiership.
With most of the playing group part of the past two grand final losses, the Cobras were determined to make it third time lucky on Saturday against East Point.
The Kangaroos entered the grand final on the back of an undefeated regular season.
The Cobras were made to work hard for their grand final spot, defeating the Sunbury Lions by seven points in the preliminary final.
Despite going in as underdogs, the Cobras looked to be the better side early on.
They kicked the only three goals of the first quarter and had four on the board by the time the Kangaroos kicked their first goal 10 minutes into the second quarter.
The Cobras extended the margin to 23 points at half-time.
The Kangaroos kept coming and worked the margin back to within a goal in the third quarter, but the Cobras settled and maintained their half-time lead.
The fourth quarter was more of the same, with East Point attacking early, before the Cobras responded.
The Cobras went on to win 12.6 (78)-9.9 (63).
Cobras coach Rick Millar said they had to change up how they played to turn the game on East Point.
“It was great by the boys … they put a lot of hard work in to get to where we are.
“They [East Point] are a high-scoring side, so we had to take them somewhere they hadn’t been before and it worked for us.
“We probably had a couple of good breaks with their injuries, but ultimately our boys were great and deserved to win.”
With the Kangaroos known for their speed and fast finishes, Millar said there was a few late nerves.
“They were always going to be there, but the boys stuck in and got the job done.”
Jack Powell, Dylan Prozzo and Rhys McNay kicked two goals each for the Cobras. McNay was awarded the best on ground medal.
Millar said it was exciting to get the title after missing out on two grand finals.
“We missed out in 2014 and 2017, it’s been a fairly long journey.
“It’s remarkably pleasing to get the win,” he said.
It was a big week for the Cobras’ reserves side, with Chris Suban finishing second in the George King Medal, the league reserves best and fairest award. Ethan Tibbles claimed the reserves goalkicking award.
North Ballarat City claimed the under-18.5s premiership, defeating the Sunbury Lions 10.16 (76)-4.5 (29).
For more pictures from the reserves grand final, CLICK HERE
