Cobras sink teeth into Lions

BACCHUS Marsh set up a crucial 10-point win on the road against Redan with a seven goals to two opening half in round five of the McDonalds Ballarat Football League at City Oval.

The 32-point advantage proved a bridge too far for Jarret Giampaolo Lions, who fell short for the second week in a row on their home deck.

Harry King was named best for the winners along with former Henderson Medalist Daniel Burton.

Off season arrivals Michael Culliver, Jack Williams and Rex Hickman are stringing together an important stretch of good form with each having an impact in all three Cobra wins in 2022.

Jake Owen had two goals and remains the number one assignment for opposition clubs to contain with the he popular leader’s contribution significant in yet another tight finish.

While Redan midfield gun Lachie George booted three goals and was important, with the Lions clearly missing the drive and distribution of Cooper Craig-Peters.

The club, while wanting only the best for him, will sweat on the Footscray VFL affiliate’s availability ahead of their round six clash with Darley, the Lions’ third home game in a row.

Notable sharpshooter Isaac Grant was named among the better players for the home side despite a goalless return, while Cooper Atchison and Declan Phillips run of good form continues.

While the scoreboard tells a story of a Lions charge in the second half, the Cobras did themselves little favours with an inaccurate 2.8 but had done enough when it countered to secure the points.

– BY TODD WHELAN