Cobras go down in a thriller

By Todd Whelan

A courageous Bacchus Marsh has fallen agonisingly short against fellow top six aspirant Sebastopol by two points at Maddingley Park on Saturday.

There was plenty at stake heading in as the prospect of being a game clear inside the six brought out the best of both sides in this see-sawing affair.

The Burra’s (minus James Keeble) came to play early and were much cleaner with their ball handling and movement, on their way to a five-goal opening term led by Luke Kiel (2 goals), Matt Austin and Lachie Cassidy who were the primary instigators and beneficiaries of their spread. The Cobras were kept in the game at quarter time with two goals of their own, solely on the back of unforced Sebastopol errors. When the Burra’s kicked the opening two goals of the second term to extend the lead 26, the forecast for the Cobras looked bleak in otherwise perfect conditions for football. As if Sebastopol had been charged by a cheap battery, their flair and dare virtually disappeared allowing the Cobras back into the game with six consecutive goals. Tom German’s men raised the bar around stoppage and began to reap some reward for their ball movement. Cobras forward Aaron Willetts booted four goals, three of those from ‘holding’ free kicks to have the Burra’s defence nervous on the back of repeat entries caused by their own doings – specifically, turnovers.

While 21 scoring shots to 13 in favour of the Cobras tells a story of missed opportunity, the ‘rushed’ nature of the behinds makes the outcome easier to digest for Bacchus Marsh in the wash-up. Sure Sebas made every bit of their opportunities, the Cobras were solid converting theirs despite a 3.7 return in the second half (to 3.1). The Burra’s would be thrilled with the win as Liam Stow, Daniel Widgery and Jed Hill (2 goals) took best player honours. The Cobras were reminded of the degrees of difficulty against the better teams not ‘turning up’ from the get go. Catch up proved all too much despite the efforts of Simon La Franchi, Jake Owen, Ryley Stuhldrier and Jack Parente (2 goals).

The Cobras have the bye this week before all eyes fix on an unofficial Elimination Final against across town rival Darley at Maddingley Park on August 6. Not since the two met in the 2018 Elimination Final has a local derby had so much riding on the outcome. Don’t miss it.

WHAT THE COACHES SAID

Where the games was won and lost?

German (B/Marsh) – Sebastopol got the jump on us but we clawed back and we were really strong through the middle part of the game. We just failed to take our opportunities while Sebastopol did.

Rate your defence

German – Were really good for the day and gave us really good drive. Simon LaFranchi was super and continued his consistent season.

Rate your midfield

German – Got beat in the first quarter but got on top after that until the last. Gave good spread through the middle stages with high intensity.

Rate your forwards

German – The guys showed some good stuff today with movement, working for each other and creating shots on goal. Conversion cost us this week but overall, positive signs.

Overall performance

Searl (Sebastopol) – It was nice to finally win a close one. Our boys showed plenty of desire and character to arrest the game back after Bacchus Marsh hit the front. Credit to the Cobras denying us the game on our own terms after we led (26 points) early on in the second quarter. We were made to work extremely hard for the win.

FINAL SCORES

Bacchus Marsh – 2.2-14, 6.5-41, 8.10-58, 9.12-66

lost

Sebastopol – 5.0-30, 7.0-42, 8.1-49, 11.2-68

Bacchus Marsh (Best) – S. LaFranchi, J. Owen, R. Hickman, R. Stuhldrier, J. Parente, J. Huxtable.

Bacchus Marsh (Goals) – A. Willetts 4, J. Parente 2, H. King 1, R. Hickman, J. Owen