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Sport
The Moorabool News – 26 April, 2022 Page 19
Cobras salute in ANZAC thriller Darley v Bacchus Marsh – By Todd Whelan Bacchus Marsh needed the last goal of the game to clinch a one-point win over town rival Darley to go 2-0 for the first time since 2016. The Cobras led at every change to deny a desperate Devils outfit who hit the front halfway through the last quarter to lead by as much as 11 points, only to be denied by unlikely hero Tyler Huynh who snapped truly in the dying moments. A monster crowd made the trip to an ‘under construction’ Darley Park to witness another chapter in the healthy rivalry between these two willing combatants. The Cobras win narrows the Anzac blockbuster record back to 4-5 in favour of the Devils. But that record accounted for very little at 5.30pm Saturday as contrasting emotions hijacked the landscape at the final siren. Darley Club President Mark Shelley addressed the players, officials and crowd with an Anzac tribute and later awarded the Greg Light Medal to Andy Azzopardi (Darley best) and Laurie Wheelahan Medal to Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh best). Shelly along with RSL dignitaries made heartwarming tributes upon reflection putting the days occasion into perspective. Cobras Captain Jake Owen was the star, led from the front with his contested marking and three goals. Nick Stuhldrier was the sole midfielder in the first half to find any real space as weight of numbers around the ball made it difficult to extricate, leading to countless stoppages. It was an arm wrestle first half, far from a highly skilled, free running contest you could expect in perfect conditions. Pressure around stoppage proved the catalyst for poor disposal, while perceived pressure played its own role, impacting the youth especially with their execution on arguably the biggest stage finals aside. Azzopardi gave the spark the Devils needed, a rare breath of fresh air with his run and carry amidst the traffic jam. The youngster took the game on, and had one of his better days managing the football. His three goals kept the Devils within a kick on just as many occasions. Key Devils forward Nick Rodda (5 goals) was terrific in just his second game in the Black and White but as far as aerial targets for the Devils forward of centre, the former Williamstown big man was their only success. Brett Bewley was given little protection at the coal face and while he had his moments, was denied the game on his own terms. While Nick Stuhldrier had his plentiful share of the footy, Cobras playing Coach Tom German was made right at home amid the stop start nature of the game especially in the first half. German willed himself from stoppage to stoppage and his in and under numbers may not reflect their importance on the stats sheet. Harry King played one of his better derby’s, while Cobras newbie Michael Culliver was important with his run and handball receives in the second half. Tyler Huynh (four goals) was the most effective small forward on the ground and will sleep well this week. And for those who missed the Owen, Matthew Brett enthralling battle, you’ll have to wait until round 16 for the encore. The Cobras bank their second win of the season albeit by the barest of margins. They return home this week for a week three footy audit against flag fancies Melton. Darley travel to Melton South, keen to atone and go ahead with their win/ loss. 1-1 sits okay with new coach Dan Jordan is up for the journey ahead. Saturday marks part three. *Saturday Apple 98.5FM - Bacchus Marsh vs Melton - LIVE RADIO 2pm. WHAT THE COACHES SAID Where was the game was won and lost? JORDAN (Darley) - We competed hard, I was proud of our effort and was just on the wrong side of a tight one. Our inexperience cost us in the clinches, but we’ll learn a lot from today. GERMAN (B/Marsh) - Was an even game. We showed some composure in the clinches. Rate your ‘forwards’ performance JORDAN - It was good to see (Nick) Rodda clunk a few, he’ll be even better for the run. We’ve got some work to do with our connection and crumbing around our talls. GERMAN - Solid but we remain a work in progress in this area.
Photos - Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au
Rate your ‘midfielders’ performance JORDAN - Pretty even (contest) on the whole, they were better in the first half especially and were more effective on the outside. GERMAN - Even contest. Our numbers indicate we were the shade better at clearance. Rate your ‘defenders’ performance... JORDAN - Our drive was a bit down on Rd1, The Brett, Owen dual was a great battle. GERMAN - Gave us good rebound. FINAL SCORES: Darley 12.10-82 lost Bacchus Marsh 12.11-83 BEST: Darley - A. Azzopardi, N. Rodda, S. Page, B. Bewley, L. Spiteri, A. Tanner B/Marsh - J. Owen, N. Stuhldrier,T. German, H. King, M. Culliver, T. Huynh GOALS: Darley - N. Rodda 5, A. Azzopardi 3, J. Ancrum 2, M. Cousins 1, A. Tanner B/Marsh - T. Huyn 4, J. Owen 3, R. Hickman 2, A. Willetts 1, H. King, T. German DON’T MISS “THE PRESSER’’ - LIVE EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT FROM 8PM. LISTEN TO APPPLE 98.5FM OR STREAM LIVE www.apple985fm.com.au
Ballarat Football League Results - Round 2 Seniors Ballarat 15.17 (107) def Melton South 2.4 (16) Darley 12.10 (82) lost Bacchus Marsh 12.11 (83) East Point 12.13 (85) lost Sebastopol 17.11 (113) Lake Wendouree 7.5 (47) lost North Ballarat 17.6 (108) Melton 16.12 (108) def Sunbury 10.9 (69) Reserves Ballarat 18.9 (117) def Melton South 2.2 (14) Darley 8.10 (56) lost Bacchus Marsh 11.11 (77) East Point 5.8 (38) lost Sebastopol 17.12 (114) Lake Wendouree 4.4 (28) lost North Ballarat 11.11 (77) Melton 11.10 (76) def Sunbury 8.10 (58) Under 19s Darley 22.13 (145) def Bacchus Marsh 3.2 (20) East Point 26.19 (175) def Sebastopol 2.2 (14) Lake Wendouree 4.10 (34) lost North Ballarat 15.16 (106) Melton 2.11 (23) lost Sunbury 9.12 (66)
Ballarat Football/Netball League
Ballarat Netball League
SENIOR NETBALL Results – Round 2
Senior Netball – Results Round 2
Club East Point Sebastopol Lake Wendouree North Ballarat Darley Bacchus Marsh Ballarat Melton South Melton Sunbury Bye - Redan
A 45 39 31 54 70 32 40 54 -
B 54 20 36 43 67 24 72 37 38 35
C 32 22 42 18 42 22 35 40 -
D 40 14 25 35 28 37 42 15 -
19&U 21 56 31 27 34 14 45 26 -
E 31 16 14 11 14 24 9 25 -