Cobras secure back-to-back wins

BACCHUS Marsh have moved into the top six, with a comfortable win over winless Melton South.

If this game wasn’t over at quarter time, it most certainly was at the half, and later at the third, as Dennis Armfield’s young group piled on 14 goals to two up until the final change, to lead by 78 points.

Cobras second-gamer Kade Hilton finished with a game-high five goals, ahead of fellow up and comers Josh Huxtable (four goals) and Isaac Nixon (three goals).

Experienced pair Tyson Shea and Jake Owen were in everything as the Cobras welcomed back Rye Penny from Collingwood VFL duties. Livewire Ethan McKercher and Huxtable continued their solid starts to the season to wind up in the better players conversation.

For the Panthers, Daniel Zajac (two goals) never gave up the fight, behind a handful of next generation talent Jarrod Bibby, Lachie Pritchard and Ryder Rousch.

New addition, 6’7″ bigman Darrean Wyatt, and Daniel Donaldson also earnt the nod of coach Travis Hodgson and his staff for their efforts.

The Cobras will savour the bye next week, a chance to rest up before a season defining block of games against four of last year’s finalists: North Ballarat (H), Melton (A), Redan (H), and East Point (A).

The Panthers will eye the potential to improve next week when they host undermanned Sebastopol (10th, W1 L5).

COACHES RATE THEIR PERFORMANCE

Armfield (B/Marsh): “Another good win for the lads. Melton South came with a plan and made us adjust a few things early. I thought our boys adjusted well and took over after half time. We were able to win the balance and our work rate lifted. Happy to get another win before the bye.”

Hodgson (M/South): “Though we were really combative in the contest and had our best day in the midfield battle. (We) had a reasonable number of inside 50’s based on improved stoppage numbers and the way we defended which was pleasing. (We) let ourselves down by foot and hand consistently throughout the day which reflected on the scoreboard.”

BACKS Armfield (B/Marsh): “Played their role very well. Melton South played a plus one most of the day and our backs adjusted, providing great shape to begin our ball movement.”

MIDS Armfield (B/Marsh): “Struggled with timing and first touch early but were able to wrestle back momentum then drive the ball forward. Had a few different faces step up and take charge which is very pleasing.”

FORWARDS Armfield (B/Marsh): “Got caught a little deep early then adapted to create space, lanes and isolation. (I) felt the forward pressure allowed us to score.”

Final scores: Bacchus Marsh 4.4-28, 7.6-48, 14.9-93, 20.11-131 def

Melton South 0.1-1, 1.2-8, 2.3-15, 3.4-22

B/Marsh (Goals): K.Hilton 5, J.Huxtable 4, I.Nixon 3, J.Owen 2, K.Tyrell 2, L.Goetz 2,T.Shea, E.McKercher,

M/South (Goals): D.Zajac 2, M.Fino.

B/Marsh (Best): K.Hilton, T.Shea, J.Owen, E.McKercher, J.Huxtable, R.Penny

M/South (Best): J.Bibby, D.Zajac, L.Pritchard, R.Rousch, D.Wyatt, D.Donaldson.