South does a lot right to win Cup clash

SOUTH Bendigo regained the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup in Saturday’s third round clash with Sandhurst in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League’s senior footy action.

Anzac Round was highlighted by the match between the QEO co-tenants and two of the league’s biggest rivals.

The Bloods were determined to avoid a 0-3 start and also reclaim the Cup which honours Graeme Wright, a star defender through the 80s who was an extremely popular clubman and coach.

Sandhurst’s premiership-winning captain of 2016 and tough onballer Blair Holmes marked his 200th senior match for the club.

Bolstered by the return of some experienced players, South Bendigo won the first three quarters by margins of nine, seven and one to lead 88-71 going into the final term.

Among those back on field for the red and white were William Keck who was out with a knee injury, as well as hard-running captain and defender Zac Hare, ruckman Will Allen, Tom Brereton and Braydan Torpey.

The Bloods had done a lot right, especially in terms of work rate at stoppages and defensive pressure, not just by the back six, but on every line of the ground.

Defences were well on top for most of the last quarter, although the Dragons added 2.3 to a goal.

At the final siren it was the Bloods up, 94-88.

Gun forward Kaiden Antonowicz who was sidelined for the previous round at Eaglehawk marked his return to South Bendigo’s attack by kicking six goals, while the in-form Brock Harvey also added three majors.

Sandhurst’s attack was led by Cobi Maxted on six as Joel Wharton added two.

Best for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods included Daniel Johnstone in defence, Braydan Torpey, onballer Cooper Leon and Michael Herlihy.

The club’s two assistant coaches – Antonwicz and Isaiah Miller – played crucial roles in an important victory.

Best for the Ash Connick-coached Dragons were Cobi Maxted, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Joel Wharton, Walsh, Zach Pallpratt and Cooper Smith.

A major focus for the Dragons going into the fourth round against Kangaroo Flat at QEO will be on the forward 50-meter zone, as Sandhurst has averaged just 10 goals a match.