Sport Cobras move into top six Trotter 'knows he's good'
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By Todd Whelan Bacchus Marsh v Lake Wendouree The Cobras simply did enough to hold out Lake Wendouree and move into the six, a game clear of cross-town rival Darley (6th), and Sebastopol (7th). On the whole, the game was underwhelming to the eye but I’m sure the Cobras faithful would be happy just banking the points with their sixth win of the season. The Cobras led at every change and while the Lakers were always in touch on the scoreboard, there was a certain inevitability about the result a long way out. Riley Stuhldrier extended his run of recent form to be one of the Cobras best, while Tom German and Michael Culliver looked dangerous on the spread setting up many forward 50 entries. It wasn't the best exhibition of the fundamentals by any stretch making it difficult for the forwards of both teams. However, Cobras quartet Rex Hickman (3 goals), Aaron Willetts (3 goals), Jason Robinson (2 goals) and Joel Freeman competed well in the air to make the most of their opportunities. 2018 Henderson Medalist Daniel Burton (foot) and Harry King missed paving the way for 19 yo debutant ruckman Spencer Meagher (Torquay) who competed well. For the Lakers, Nathan Pring was their most efficient player, a standout with his ball use and decision making. Joel O'Connell had plenty of it while Callum Mackay (2 goals) provided an aerial target forward, shouldering some of the heavy load. The Cobras now face the daunting task on the road this week for their Round 12 meeting with the undefeated Bloods. The two sides have met once already this season back in Round 2 when the Bloods prevailed by 28 points at Maddingley Park.
The Moorabool News – 5 July, 2022 Page 19
Graham’s stables, the veteran trotter of 110 starts had previously registered consecutive victories only once before – going backto-back in April 2020 – but has enjoyed a stunning winter that has many talking Inter Dominion and the Aurora Australis series.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID Where was the game was won and lost? GERMAN (B/Marsh) - We moved the ball well in patches and got a lot more inside 50s which created opportunities. We hit the scoreboard when it counted but credit to Lake Wendouree, they brought the pressure and moved the ball well. Rate your 'forwards' performance GERMAN - Worked well in patches. Joel Freeman played higher and led up which allowed Aaron Willetts some space. It's an area we are playing our young blokes which is great for our development. Rate your 'midfielders' performance GERMAN - Young Spencer Meagher replaced Daniel Burton which is no easy feat and held his own. Our mids worked well on the spread and controlled the possession for large parts of the game. Rate your 'defenders' performance GERMAN - They cut off a lot of the ball and rebounded well, Jake Owen and Jason Williams worked really well together and gave us good drive. Rate your 'Overall' performance FITZPATRICK (Lakers) - A much better performance this week. We clearly have plenty of work to do but can at least be pleased with the application shown by the boys. FINAL SCORES Bacchus Marsh - 10.12-72 def Lakers - 6.6-42 B/Marsh (Whelan's Best) - R. Stuhldrier, T. German, S. Crea, T. Shea, M. Culliver, R. Hickman, N. Stuhldrier B/Marsh (Goals) - R. Hickman 3, A. Willetts, J. Robinson 2, E. McKercher 1, N. Stuhldrier DON'T MISS "THE PRESSER'' - LIVE EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT FROM 8PM. LISTEN TO APPPLE 98.5FM OR STREAM LIVE www.apple985fm.com.au
The string of four victories has built a hype that wasn’t lost on his reinsman. Nephew of Sonoko (4) winning on Saturday night at Shepparton. Photo: Stuart McCormick By Michael Howard (HRV) James Herbertson belief that he has a topclass trotter in his hands is only strengthening and, perhaps more importantly, the talented young reinsman said Nephew Of Sonoko was even more sure of his status. The Ross Graham trained trotter produced a no-nonsense dominance of the TAB Touch Merchant Trotters Free For All at Shepparton last Saturday night, holding Majestuoso at bay and comfortably registering a fourth successive win.
“I was actually a little bit nervous before (the race),” Herbertson said. “Been a bit of a lead up to it actually, even though it’s just a nice Group 3 race, just a bit of pressure there. At the end of the day it’s very exciting.” The nerves didn’t show in the run, with Nephew Of Sonoko working to the front in a sharp enough lead time (42.5 seconds) but then able to switch off for 31.5 and 31.7 first and second quarters. While Majestuoso loomed large on his outside, Herbertson and Nephew Of Sonoko controlled the pace and were never threatened, getting home in 57.1 seconds to score by six metres from Humble Ladd with Majestuoso a close third.
“He’s a character,” Herbertson said of Nephew Of Sonoko. “He’s got a bit of human style to him in the way he’s a bit nippy and plays.
“The way he did it, plugs in and Majestuoso siting outside you … and cruising, I barely asked anything of him,” Herbertson said.
“He’s really enjoying it, he’s become these last couple of starts – even tonight I noticed it a bit more – a little bit more arrogant actually and he knows that he’s up there now and he knows that he’s good.
“There’s a little bit more speed there,” he said. “I think he’s still a little bit tougher than he is quick.
“That’s a really good attribute to have at this point heading forward. Hoping we can just keep him there.” Affectionately
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So is the sky truly the limit?
“I think he still lacks that little bit of real high speed that Majestuoso has. If Majestuoso was on his back he would have a really hard time trying to beat him, but in terms of pure toughness and just the way he’s doing it, it’s very exciting.”
Devils meltdown on Mars
By Todd Whelan
Darley v North Ballarat League improvers Darley have failed to measure up against another top six opponent, going down to North Ballarat by 69 points at Mars Stadium. The game was touted as the Match of the Round heading in but ended in a 'fizzer' as Brendan MaCartney's boys dominated the young Devils, booting 13 goals to two after quarter time - a stark reminder to rivals that North are the real deal despite having seven of arguably their best 12 on the sidelines. No Tom Hotchin (ACL), Joey Symonds, Ryan Hobbs (soreness), Riley Polkinghorne (shoulder), Elliot Lamb (foot), Jarrod Curran (collar bone) or Sam Glover (Collingwood VFL). The 2021 Minor Premiers have kicked 29 goals to five after quarter time in the last two weeks, an ideal preparation for a tough month ahead. After their bye this week, North meet Melton, East Point, Ballarat and Sebastopol. Footscray VFL affiliate Josh Chatfield (3 goals) was terrific on his return while dangerous duo Jack Riding and Jamie Quick finished with three goals of their own. Cam MaCallum (2 goals) monstered the Devils once again while in and under soldiers Brock Leonard and Tim Spiers were also prominent. Swing man Harry Loader was named best afield. For Dan Jordan's Devils, Mace Cousins continued with his promising year and looks to have a bright future. Luther Baker and Brett Bewley never gave up the chase on a day hampered by the serious injury to Adam Azzopardi (broken leg) in the first quarter. The horrific injury stopped play for the best part of 40 minutes awaiting an ambulance and paramedic attention. The word from the Devils Den is that Adam's surgery went well but a determined time frame is impossible to gauge, but would be in the 12 month range. On resumption of play, Andy Azzopardi, fuelled by the injury to his younger brother, brought the Devils to life with two quick goals. But wasted opportunities in the second term would come back to bite the undermanned Devils. North Ballarat by 34 at the final change before piling on seven goals to one to win going away. It would be the second time in three weeks the Devils conceded 10 goals in the second half. Jordan conceded his young boys struggled with the intensity
around the contest brought on by a more seasoned opponent. So what to make of the Devils? Well, they're 0-5 (67%) against top six opposition and look vulnerable against quality. However, sixth position with five wins - that alone must be pleasing for Devils fans on the back of a winless 2021. The Devils will aim for a sixth win of the season this Saturday when they meet Melton South at Darley Park in Apple 98.5FM's Match of the Round - LIVE FROM 2PM or stream audio via apple985fm.com.au WHAT THE COACHES SAID Where was the game was won and lost? JORDAN (Darley) - We were soundly beaten around the contest. We'll take some learnings out of the game. Rate your 'forwards' performance JORDAN - Struggled to impact. We didn't take advantage of our opportunities in the first half. They weren't helped by some poor entries. Rate your 'midfielders' performance JORDAN - Pretty solid. Brett Bewley and Luther Baker battled hard for us all day. Shane Page, Jack Bewley, Andy Azzopardi tick. Rate your 'defenders' performance JORDAN - Battled against quality opposition. Rate your 'overall' performance MACARTNEY (North Ballarat) - Our teamwork and tackling were really good. We are training hard and building intensity. FINAL SCORES Darley 3.2-20, 3.5-23, 4.5-29, 5.8-38 lost North Ballarat 3.3-20, 6.7-43, 9.9-63, 16.11-107 BEST - Darley - M. Cousins, L. Baker, B. Bewley, J. Bewley, B. Young, J. Cadman. GOALS - Darley - An. Azzopardi 2, N. Rodda 1, B. Bewley, S. Page. DON'T MISS "THE PRESSER'' - LIVE EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT FROM 8PM. LISTEN TO APPPLE 98.5FM OR STREAM LIVE www. apple985fm.com.au
Photos - Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au